Photo by: Devyn Lempke Photography
Planning your wedding day is like orchestrating a beautiful symphony – every detail, every moment, needs to harmonize perfectly. And at the heart of it all lies your wedding day timeline. Crafting a timeline might seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! With our example timeline below, we’ll help you navigate through the intricacies of timing, ensuring that your special day unfolds seamlessly. Our timeline below was created for a wedding that uses the venue’s amenities for the whole day, from getting ready to hosting the ceremony and reception. If you’re getting ready off-site or having your ceremony at a different location than the reception, you can customize this timeline to build in that extra time for transportation between venues.
8:00 AM | Rise and Shine
Picture a table adorned with a delectable spread of culinary delights, calling your guests to indulge to their heart’s content. That’s the magic of a buffet-style meal! With this setup, guests have the freedom to pick and choose from a variety of dishes, creating a personalized dining experience that caters to their tastes.
9:00 AM | Hair and Makeup
Gather your bridal party and head to the venue. Allow ample time for hair and makeup to ensure everyone looks their absolute best. Remember, this is your time to relax and indulge in some pampering.
11:30 AM | Lunch
Oftentimes, eating and hydrating on your wedding day is tough to remember between the day’s activities. Make sure to build in time to eat, drink water, and take care of yourself. It’ll help you stay energized through it all!
12:30 AM | Get Dressed
Slip into your wedding attire, and don’t forget to capture those special moments with your photographer. Cherish these final minutes before stepping into the spotlight.
1:00 PM | Groom and Groomsmen Prep
While the bride is busy with portraits, the groom and his groomsmen should take this time to get ready. Ensure that suits are fitted, ties are straightened, and nerves are calmed.
2:00 PM | First Look
It’s time for that magical moment – the first look. Whether it’s a private moment or shared with loved ones, savor this intimate exchange before the whirlwind of the ceremony begins.
3:00 PM | Ceremony Setup
As guests start to arrive, ensure that the ceremony venue is set up to perfection. From floral arrangements to seating arrangements, every detail should reflect your unique style and vision.
Photo by: Kiana Grant Photography
4:00 PM | Ceremony Begins
The moment you’ve been waiting for has arrived. Walk down the aisle surrounded by loved ones, and exchange vows with your partner in love and commitment.
4:30 PM | Cocktail Hour
While you and your partner steal away for some post-ceremony photos, treat your guests to a delightful cocktail hour. Refreshing drinks and tasty appetizers will keep everyone in high spirits.
5:30 PM | Reception Setup
As the sun begins to set, the venue will transition to the reception setup. Ensure that tables are set and centerpieces are in place.
6:00 PM | Grand Entrance
Make your grand entrance as newlyweds! Whether it’s a choreographed dance or a simple walk, let your personalities shine as you kick off the evening’s festivities.
6:30 PM | Dinner and Toasts
Indulge in a delicious meal with your guests, and don’t forget to raise a glass to love and happiness. Let heartfelt toasts and speeches add an extra layer of warmth to the celebration.
Photo by: Elvana.Co
7:30 PM | Cutting the Cake
It’s time for a sweet moment – cutting the cake! Whether you opt for a classic tiered cake or a trendy dessert bar, this tradition is always a crowd-pleaser.
8:00 PM | First Dance
Take center stage for your first dance as a married couple. Let the music sweep you away as you share a romantic moment together.
8:30 PM | Dancing
Let loose and hit the dance floor! Whether it’s a slow waltz or an energetic dance-off, make memories that will last a lifetime surrounded by loved ones.
10:00 PM | Late-Night Snacks
Keep the energy high with some late-night snacks. Whether it’s a food truck outside or a dessert bar inside, surprise your guests with a delicious treat. Not sure if late-night snacks are worth it? Learn more about having late-night snacks on our blog.
11:00 PM | Last Dance
As the evening winds down, gather everyone for one final dance. Let the music play as you bid farewell to the perfect day and embrace the journey ahead as a married couple.
Crafting your wedding day timeline may seem like a daunting task, but with careful planning and attention to detail, you can ensure that every moment is perfectly orchestrated. So, take a deep breath, trust in the process, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime.
At Green Acres Event Center, we help you have a seamless wedding day from start to finish. With our historic barn venue and included amenities, you’ll be well prepared to have the wedding day of your dreams!
Start the day in our hospitality suites, The Silo and The Cottage, where you and your wedding party can get dressed, primp, and share precious moments before you say ‘I do’. Choose the Great Room Loft or our outdoor ceremony spot under a canopy of lush trees, to walk down the aisle. Either way, you’ll love the beautiful backdrop!
Our team will set up or transition the Great Room Loft to your reception dinner, arranging the tables and Chiavari chairs just as it’s been planned. Meanwhile, your guests can enjoy a cocktail hour in the lower-level mingling space or meander the grounds on a nice day.
Once it’s time for your reception to begin, guests will head back upstairs to the loft where dinner and dancing will take you into the night.
Our team at Green Acres Event Center will guide you through the planning process and work with you to help develop a wedding day timeline that is perfect for your special day. Inquire now to learn more about how we can make your day extraordinary.