timetable help for the big day!

crldnll

I'm really struggling to figure out a timetable for the whole day, I have no idea how long the ceremony should last, and my main concern is that I don't want the guests to be hanging around too long.. been to a number of weddings where you forever seem to be waiting!

the plan is.. the ceremony at the church starts at 2pm with a few photo's after, guests will then be transported to the reception venue, which is 20 minutes away, to have canapes and drinks whilst we have a few photos taken elsewhere, and then we are to have a hog roast, and a live band later on.

Could anybody guide me on how long the ceremony should take, how long we should leave the guests to have canapes and drinks, how long we should wait until we serve the main meal, and how long the meal/speeches will take?

I really am stuck with this one, so any help would be greatly appreciated
Thanks!

debs2327

ha ha i was just going to post same sort of thing im too confussed about what steps and timimgs to do after the ceremony at 2pm , i know it only takes 30mins cos its a registry ceremony with 2 readings , so i`ll look forward to the responses on this thread and give me some hints too x

lindaatno9

You can try sarah at www.momentsplanners.com
For a guide to help plan. Don't know if it offers timetables but you can mail her for an enquirery.
TBH, the offer of drinks and canapes while you are having photos is a wonderful idea. It shows you are thinking of your guests. How long the guests will be left will be down to the photographer so may be a start to get an idea from him.
Depending on how long the ceremony lasts depends on the type. A complete C of E lasts about 1 hour depending on hymns and readings.
Civil weddings are much shorter.
I was married at the venue which lasted about 20 mins as there were no reading or hymns.

If the ceremony is at 2pm, you won't want to be leaving your guests too long as they won't have eaten. I would say 4 pm could be a start at times to eat as the canapes will provide a "light nibble" Also remember people may want to drink and if you are offering some fizz, they may be drinking on a rather empty tummy.
HTH x

BodyShopBabe_2

Hi

My ceremony is 1pm it is a civil ceremony with 2 readings so will last about 30 mins.

Then we've got champagne reception with canapes and this is when photos will be taken. Then we're having a line up at 3pm and the meal is being served at 3.30pm with speeches and cake cutting after this.

Evening guests are arriving at 6.30pm for a disco which starts at 7pm and buffet being served at 8.30pm.

Hopefully not too much hanging around but I'm sure time is going to fly by!

Getting married a week tomorrow!!!!

Hope this helps xx

bride_on_a_budget

Hi,

my wedding ceremony was at 3pm
Drinks and canapes at 3.30pm
photos 3.30-4.30pm,
speaches 4.45pm
wedding breakfast 5.30pm
cuting the cake 6.30pm
evening reception 730pm
1st dance 8.15pm
evening buffet 9pm

i hope this helps
Bride