09:00 – 13:30
GETTING READY
Your wedding morning sets the tone for the rest of the day, so think about the atmosphere you would like to create. Whether you are imagining a calm, quiet start with just a few close people, or a lively, joy filled morning with your full wedding party, make it feel like you.
Do not skip breakfast or a light lunch, as you will need the energy. And ensure your hair and makeup team have everything they need: a mirror, good lighting, a plug socket, a sturdy table and a comfortable chair.
Give yourself plenty of time, plan your transport carefully, and aim to be ready a little earlier than you think. It is far better to have a calm five minutes to breathe than to feel rushed out the door.
14:00 – 14:30
CEREMONY
The length and format of your ceremony will depend on the type of wedding you are having. Civil ceremonies and celebrant led ceremonies in the UK typically last between 20 and 30 minutes. Religious or cultural ceremonies, such as Christian, Jewish or Indian weddings, may be longer and often include specific rituals or traditions.
Guests should be invited to arrive 20 to 30 minutes before the ceremony begins, allowing time for everyone to be seated and settled. If you are having a registrar led ceremony, the registrar will also need to speak with both of you individually beforehand, so be sure to factor that into your timeline.
Once the ceremony ends, allow time for guests to move to the reception location, whether that is a walk across the lawn, a short coach journey or simply heading into another part of the venue.
15:00 – 16:30
DRINKS RECEPTION
After the ceremony, the drinks reception sets the tone for the celebration ahead. Champagne, canapés, and live or background music help to create a relaxed, joyful atmosphere that brings everyone together.
This is also the time for photographs — family group shots, wedding party portraits, and couple portraits usually take place during the reception. We often suggest scheduling these towards the latter half, so you can enjoy the beginning of the reception and truly connect with your guests.
We recommend allowing around an hour and a half for the drinks reception. It gives guests plenty of time to mingle, raise a glass, and enjoy a few canapés before being invited to dine.
17:00 – 20:00
SPEECHES & WEDDING BREAKFAST
In the UK, your main meal is traditionally referred to as the Wedding Breakfast, a nod to it being your first meal as a married couple. The length of service will depend on the number of guests, your menu and whether you are having a plated meal or sharing style dishes. As a guide, we usually recommend allowing around two hours for this part of the day.
Wedding speeches are a much loved tradition, typically delivered by the father of the bride, the groom and the best man. That said, many couples now personalise this moment, with speeches from the bride, bridesmaids, siblings or anyone else special. We recommend allocating around 45 minutes in total, depending on the number of speakers.
20:00 – 00:00
EVENING RECEPTION
The Evening Reception often begins with the cutting of the cake, a lovely tradition that brings everyone together and creates a perfect photo opportunity before the dancefloor opens. This moment usually leads seamlessly into the first dance, marking the start of the evening celebrations. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for this part of the evening.
As the music begins and the lighting shifts, the atmosphere transforms. Your band or DJ sets the tone, and the energy builds as your celebration moves into full party mode, a joyful mix of music, dancing and entertainment that carries you through the rest of the night.
If you are welcoming additional evening guests, plan for their arrival around 8.00 pm, giving daytime guests a short break between the wedding breakfast and the evening festivities. Your evening food is typically served a couple of hours after dinner, around 10.00 pm.
From here, the evening can unfold however you like, whether that is dancing under the stars, an acoustic set by the firepit or a packed dancefloor with your favourite playlist. The formalities are over. Now, it is time to enjoy every moment.
