Join me and self-professed “wedding lover”, Everita Kenny as we help you plan out your wedding day timeline! Grab a notebook and pen so you can take notes or refer to the episode breakdown below.
Everita’s brand new wedding planning book is coming out soon – keep an eye on her website for more information!
Listen on Apple podcasts here!
Episode breakdown
Question from Ciara:
12:30 ceremony, reception venue 30 minutes away, dinner bell at 4:45, speeches at 5pm, dinner served at 5:30 – is this too long to wait between arriving at the reception and dinner being served?
Everita’s advice: 5 and a half hours isn’t too long. If Ciara feels that it’s too long, add appetisers or canapés so guests can snack before dinner. Another option: do starters first, then speeches, then dinner.
How to work backwards when planning your wedding timeline:
Start with the time you need to be out of your venue, then your wedding after-meal, your entertainment, your first dance, and so on.
Working backwards helps you to know that you won’t be late for the next item on your schedule.
Question from Jessica:
My ceremony starts at 3pm, what time should I start getting ready?
Everita’s advice: The bride’s makeup takes 40 – 50 minutes, including touchups at the end. Her makeup should be done after her hair has been done. Bridesmaids’ makeup takes 30 minutes each, with 5 minutes between each bridesmaid to clean brushes and reset.
Hairstyles will depend on how many hairstylists you have and how complicated the hairstyle is, usually around 30 minutes each. Add another 30 minutes for eating, toasts and enjoying the morning together!
This all needs to be timed well with the hairstylist and makeup artist, so they know how much time they have and whether or not they need a second person helping get the girls ready.
Question from Mo:
6 bridesmaids for hair and makeup, ceremony at 1:30, will we have time for photos and a couple’s first look?
Everita’s advice: If there’s a will, there’s a way! Get two hairstylists and makeup artists or start really early, then you can get it all done.
Work with your suppliers
When working out the timing for your whole wedding day timeline, talk with your suppliers. Ask your celebrant/solemniser how long your ceremony will be, ask your photographer for key points in the day that you should bookmark for photos, ask your caterer for timing on how long it takes to serve and eat dinner.
