Wedding timeline — not enough time?

That is the standard timeline for weddings. You may be able to negotiate adding an extra 30-60 minutes. But that is the default time. At an all inclusive venue, they will not go over that time. A blank slate venue will allow you 8-12 hours, not counting setup/tear down. Vendors say you are not rushed at 4 hours because that is what the industry mandates, but when you ask brides after they felt rushed and if everything was a blur, and more than not say that yes were rushed and felt there was not enough time. That is why MCs are pushed as much as they are because they have to adhere to a strict timeline rather than letting the event flow naturally. As expensive as vendors and services are, you would think you would be allowed time to take things in. But all of the “must haves” that the wedding industry pressures that it “isn’t valid if you skip these”: table visits at the reception that take 5x the duration of a receiving line, long toasts instead of short and sweet, multiple spotlight dances, etc that cut into dancing time for guests or make the reception more rushed, they can easily be skipped.



Be careful about hangry guests, especially any who are older. Because not everyone waits until 8-9pm to start dinner. Is there a reason it has to be pushed so late? What are you planning to fit into the post-dinner festivities?

It does sound quick. Can you start photos earlier at a different location? If the ceremony and reception is in the greenhouse you’ll get plenty of photos inside. I think the only option would be to start photos earlier and then move up the timing of everything and extend mealtime or cocktail hour (assuming apps are included).

I think 5.5 hours is the norm so 7-11 sounds short.


1/2 hour ceremony1 hour long cocktail4 hour dinner, dessert, dancing

Sounds really short can you add time

Not including ceremony, most receptions are about 4 hours (including cocktail hour, meal, dinner/speeches/dancing, etc.). If your 4 hours includes ceremony, then it does sound short.


If possible, you might want to reconsider heavy apps instead of dinner to shorten "eating" time. For many people, after 7:00pm is too late to eat a full course meal (unless European)-- many of your guests will eat prior to your ceremony and will just nibble before going straight for dessert.

Shave off some of the ceremony time. Have your pictures taken while guests enjoy the cocktail time. Start dinner at 8O. Should go smoothly.

Are you sure that's not just the reception timeline? 4 hours is pretty standard for a reception. Wondering if the ceremony and cocktail hour aren't included in that timeline.