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Expert June 2021

Should i pay for an extra hour (wedding timeline)

on November 26, 2019 at 6:04 AM Posted in Wedding Reception 0 9

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So, I redid my timeline to accommodate my photographer for 3 hours. I’m on a 5000 dollar budget and trying to make it work. I took a suggestion of rearranging things so the photographer can catch the main moments in their 3 hours. But now it feels like the party time is too short. My rental is 2000 for 5 hours I’m thinking if I should pay for an extra hour. It may be a extra 400 which will make my budget go over because that 400 could go to the dj but now I’m wondering if I would even need a dj with such a short dance slot.

Timeline below:

Wedding mock timeline: C

10:00 a.m.—Hair and makeup / Getting ready

12:00–2:00 p.m.—Most vendors arrive for setup

3:30 p.m.—Doors open / Room ready for guests / Pre-ceremony music starts

4:00 p.m.—Invite time (photographer starts shift)

4:15 p.m.—Ceremony starts (pictures begin)

4:45p.m.—Ceremony ends

5:00p.m.—Cocktail hour starts guest move to another room while Ceremony room is flipped for reception (Wedding party and family photos start)

6:00p.m.—Move guests into reception room/take their seats

6:10p.m.—wedding party is introduced and takes their seats. Followed by an introduction of the bride and groom.

6:15 p.m.—bride and groom first dance

6:20p.m.—first dance ends

6:20 p.m.—father daughter dance and mother groom dance

6:30 p.m.—Cake cutting

6:40 p.m.—Dinner

7:00 p.m.— (photographer leaves)

7:25p.m.—toasts/ thank yous from bride and groom to guest and wedding party. (Wedding party gift exchanges??)

7:40 p.m.—Party time

8:05 p.m.—bouquet and garter toss

8:10 p.m.—party time!

8:45 p.m.—last dance bride and groom

(Sparklers passed out to every table)

8:55 p.m. couple exits while guest line their path with sparklers.

9:00 p.m.—reception ends

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9 Comments

Latest activity by Meghan, on November 26, 2019 at 2:54 PM

Master January 2015
null · on November 26, 2019 at 8:26 AM
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I would use that money towards a DJ rather than the extra hour if you have to make a decision. Especially if you're considering purchasing the extra hour for more dance time, which would be a little contradictory without a DJ. A DJ will do a lot for the atmosphere of your wedding, I would definitely hire one!
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VIP November 2019
Laura · on November 26, 2019 at 8:29 AM
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I had four hours of coverage for my wedding but honestly 3 would probably have been enough. Don’t stress yourself out over minor things. The photographer will get the most important moments. Does it really matter if you have a shot of the toast? No.
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Super September 2018
Rachel · on November 26, 2019 at 8:32 AM
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Don’t do wedding party gift exchanges during the toasts. Do that the day before at the rehearsal/rehearsal dinner or when you’re getting ready. That is not interesting for guests and I think you’d rather open up some more “party time” on your timeline.

If you can swing it, I would recommend the photographer gets photos of the toasts. There are so many emotions during the toasts and it makes for beautiful, meaningful photos.
If you can add the photographer a little longer and add an hour of DJ and dancing, that’d be great! One hour seems super short... i’ve been to weddings where it takes about an hour just to get a decent crowd on the dance floor!
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Expert May 2021
Danielle · on November 26, 2019 at 8:58 AM
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I'd prefer a dj.
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Master October 2021
Sexypoodle · on November 26, 2019 at 10:17 AM
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I agree with getting a DJ instead of additional photography time. If you’re concerned about “partying”, then you need a DJ to help create the party environment.
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Master December 2019
Cher Horowitz · on November 26, 2019 at 10:20 AM
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I agree with PPs! For a party atmosphere a DJ is definitely more important!
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Legend June 2019
Melle · on November 26, 2019 at 11:29 AM
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When it comes to photography I think if you've got your main photos out the way it's ok to not have the photographer stay for another hour. Pretty sure mine left during dance floor opening to party.
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Champion June 2019
Gen · on November 26, 2019 at 1:17 PM
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I think the main flaw is that 6:40-7:25 is way too much time for just “dinner.” You could do toasts during dinner, or just have less time for dinner in general. It won’t take people 45 minutes to eat and they may get bored with that much time for just eating. I would start your speeches at 7 (while people are still eating, which is fine) and then you can open up the dance floor at 7:15. If people aren’t done eating, they don’t have to dance yet 🤷🏻‍♀️
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Master October 2019
Meghan · on November 26, 2019 at 2:54 PM
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I would use that money towards a DJ. However, I would suggest one thing...
Our photographers left before our reception ended, but we really wanted our "grand exit" captured. In order to get those photos, we did a "mock grand exit" which allowed it to be captured by our photographers and videographers. We are really glad we did that and the photos are so fun! So, if that is something you decide is important to you, you could add that in right after your cake cutting, leading into dinner.
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