The Ultimate Wedding Day Itinerary

As you prepare for one of the most special days of your life, there are lots of things to think about. Now the wedding planning is well and truly underway, you may be wondering what to expect on your wedding day and how to prepare for it. To make the process a little easier for you, we’ve compiled a complete wedding itinerary.

This wedding itinerary provides an outline for the order of events at a wedding with the aim of helping you feel more in control and relaxed on your big day. From key events like the wedding ceremony to traditional elements like wedding speeches, we’re here to help you plan a totally memorable day.

You can refer to this wedding day schedule template as a general guide and make personalised adjustments to fit your specific needs.

Before the Wedding Ceremony

The hours leading up to the wedding ceremony are often some of the most exciting yet nerve-wracking moments of the day. The couples’ preparations typically begin around 6 to 8 hours before the ceremony, depending on the start time. From hair and makeup to the journey to the wedding ceremony venue, our suggested pre wedding ceremony schedule guides you through the events of the morning, creating a calm atmosphere.

Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and even more so on your wedding day! You will need to eat something on the morning of your wedding schedule, especially if you’re going to be enjoying a glass of champagne as you get ready.

Wedding photographer arrives

The wedding photographer should arrive before the couple get dressed and ready. During this time, the photographer can get shots of the wedding attire, the rings and the wedding party. They may also use this time to scout the wedding venue for great photo backdrops.

Hair and makeup services

The timing varies for each wedding and generally depends on the size of the bridal party, time of the ceremony and what kind of hair and makeup everyone would like to have. Sticking to wedding events in order, the bridesmaids and the mother of the bride should always go first, followed by the bride to ensure the bride feels as fresh as possible closest to the ceremony.

Florist arrives

The florist’s arrival transforms the venue, as they carefully place each bloom to create a visually stunning backdrop for your wedding. Venue flowers will often be delivered and set up in advance but flowers for the bridal party usually arrive at this time. From the bridal bouquet to grand floral installations, their creations add a touch of elegance and romance to the celebration.

Couple gets dressed

This is when the excitement truly builds. Often with their wedding party by their side, the photographer will take the opportunity to capture some photos of your bridesmaids or mother helping you with zips and shoes etc.

Groom and guests arrive at venue

Next on the wedding schedule template - the groom should be at the ceremony venue to greet guests as they arrive. If you’re holding a hotel wedding, both the wedding ceremony and evening reception will take place under the same roof, minimising travel time.

Depart for ceremony venue with the photographer and the members of your wedding party

Once the final preparations are complete, the bride, along with the photographer and bridal party make their way to the ceremony venue. If you’re tying the knot at a different location to your wedding reception, you’ll need to organise transportation. But if you are getting ready at the same venue you are getting married in this is one less thing you have to worry about.

During and After the Wedding Ceremony

The wedding ceremony is the biggest event of the day, usually taking place early to mid-afternoon. A traditional wedding ceremony usually lasts between 20 to 45 minutes depending on the type of service and personal preferences. This section outlines a traditional order of events, from the wedding vows to the post-ceremony portion of the day which typically includes a drinks reception, wedding breakfast and speeches. Whether you’re planning a religious service or a civil ceremony, this structure provides a reliable starting point.

Wedding Ceremony

The most important part of your wedding day schedule – the ‘I do’s’. The time of your wedding ceremony really depends on the type of wedding you’re having. Typically, non-religious wedding ceremonies last around 20 to 45 minutes, while religious-based ceremonies can last up to an hour.

Reception drinks and canapés

Whilst you and your partner are capturing some post-ceremony photos with the photographer, your guests will be entertained with reception drinks and canapés.

Couple departs for photos

Set aside time in your wedding itinerary to take additional portraits together after the wedding ceremony. Depending on how many photos you want, you can join the reception halfway through, or spend a little time together having a private drink and taking it all in.

Seat guests for the wedding breakfast

Allow your guests roughly 30 minutes to finish their drinks and find their seats.

Starters and main course

Once guests are seated for the wedding breakfast (usually late afternoon) the meal begins with delicious starters, followed by the main courses. This is a time for everyone to relax, enjoy great food, and chat with those at their table.

Speeches

After the main meal its time for the speeches. Traditionally delivered by the father of the bride, the groom and the best man, this part of the day is filled with heartfelt words, funny stories and emotional moments.

Dessert

Whether it’s a decadent chocolate treat or a light fruit tart, dessert is a highlight of a wedding itinerary for many guests before the evening celebrations begin.

Cutting of the cake

A classic photo opportunity, the cake cutting often takes place just after dessert or later in the evening.

During and After the Wedding Reception

The evening wedding reception is where the fun really begins. Most wedding receptions last between 4 to 6 hours but shorter, intimate gatherings or extended multi-day celebrations are fantastic alternatives. Why not consider a farewell brunch the next day to keep the celebration going?

Evening guests arrive

As the evening unfolds, additional guests start to arrive to join in the fun. This usually happens shortly before the first dance.

DJ/band starts

Once the first dance concludes, the DJ or live band turns up the energy and keeps the dancefloor buzzing well into the night with a carefully curated playlist of crowd pleasers.

First dance

One of the most memorable moments of the day, the couple shares their first dance as newlyweds. This kicks off the evening’s entertainment and the couple usually invite guests to join them on the dancefloor.

Evening food is served

Everyone will need a little pick-me-up by now to keep the party going. So, this is the perfect time to bring out the evening buffet, bacon butties or street-food van.

Party finishes

When that time comes, say your final goodbyes and hug everyone you need to. If you’re having fireworks or making an exit with sparklers, designate a member of your bridal party to organise the guests and hand out everything.

Weddings at The Lawrence

At The Lawrence Hotel, we want you and your guests to have the most wonderful experience imaginable. Situated in the heart of Lancashire on the edge of the Ribble Valley, we cater for many types of unique weddings from intimate weddings for 15 people, to grand receptions for 80 guests or bustling evening parties for up to 130. With a focus on personalised experiences, our venue allows you to craft a wedding that reflects your unique style and preferences. Being a hotel wedding venue, we provide a seamless experience throughout the day, from the wedding ceremony to the evening wedding reception. To give you even more of a helping hand, we’ve also complied a complete wedding planning timeline to guide you through every stage of the wedding planning process.

Discover Weddings at The Lawrence