The only Wedding Day timetable you need

After twelve months of organising your wedding and working with your wedding planner in London, it all boils down to one day — one day where your timing has to be spot on because if you’re late getting your hair done it could mean your guests get rushed through a lukewarm meal. Here is how to plan your day so you have time for everything, including enjoying yourself.

Hair and Make-up

Allow two hours for your hair and makeup. This may seem excessive but it means you won’t be rushing, and you will have time to make any tweaks if you decide you’re not completely happy with how your stylist has done it. Bridesmaids take around half the time, possibly slightly longer for their hair depending on the style you have chosen.

Talk to your photographer about the order — often a bride will have her makeup done before her hair so the photographer can get some “getting ready” shots where you’re already made up and looking fantastic. Remember to factor in travel time if you are going to a salon, and not having your stylist and MUA come to you.

The Ceremony

Allow double the normal time to get to your ceremony. The groom should aim to get there at least 45 minutes before it starts, while you should get there 10 minutes early. If you want your photographer to get some staged shots of you getting out of your car or with your bridesmaids allow an extra 10–15 minutes.

Post-Wedding Photos

You should spend no more than an hour between leaving your ceremony and arriving at your reception. Any longer than this is inconsiderate to your guests. Your photographer should factor in any travel time if you are having photos taken in different locations, just be clear to them about what time your reception starts.

Organise a list of group shots in advance and allocate someone who is not in your wedding party to have everyone ready. Each photo should only take a few minutes as long as you don’t have to spend 15 minutes waiting for someone who as gone AWOL.

Reception

Five hours is the longest time your reception should run for. This allows an hour for welcome drinks, 1.5 hours for dinner, and two hours for dancing. Speeches normally take place after dessert, but if you are tight for time you may want to start them as soon as dessert has been served. The order is bride’s father, groom, best man. At the conclusion of the speeches it is time to cut the cake before having your first dance.

I often work with photographers who will grab the newlyweds after their first dance for some outdoor nighttime photos, particularly if there is a lovely garden or beautifully lit backdrop. It is also a nice chance for you to catch your breath and enjoy a few quiet moments together before re-joining the celebrations.

If you are still feeling a little lost and would like a professional London Wedding Planner to go over your wedding plans or would like assistance on your special day please get in contact