Q. I am a bit confused about the order of the day, we are planning to have the ceremony and reception in a hotel, if the ceremony is at say 2pm what happens between then and the evening disco. We where planning on having the ceremony, then a sit down meal, then a disco where more guests will come who haven't been to the ceremony, will this mean a late ceremony? And what is normal?

A1.Firstly I would like to say - it is your day and you can have it any way you desire.
For example:
If you have your ceremony at 2pm which will probably finish at around 2.30pm.
Your photographer will take photographs inside and outside which could take up to 3.15pm - your guests will be in the bar at this time. Then you have your receiving line at 3.30pm - everyone will be seated by 4pm.
Then you will have your meal, speeches and cutting of your wedding cake ( more photos),
wedding cake and coffee - which has brought you nicely to around 7pm - for which your disco should be set up and ready to play - your evening guests will arrive as directed by your invitations.

This is just a approximate example it does depend on how many guests you have. The more guests you have the longer this process will take - you don't need to rush anything as you have plenty of time. Make sure your hotel know your time scales and tell them not to rush it.

(Answered by MrsS)


A2. What normally happens after the ceremony is that there is a champagne reception for the day guests, while you are having photos taken. Some people have canapés too, just to keep the munchies at bay.
Then it’s off to dinner, at about 4.30 for 5pm , followed by speeches, ready for the evening to start at 7 for 7.30pm, when the evening guests will arrive.
Now I say that’s what usually happens. But you can do anything you like in that time…. Have a magic show, a musical or theatrical recital, anything really. Have fun
(Answered by Aileen Paterson)


A3. To give you a brief idea of timings I have typed a rough schedule for you assuming the cermony is at the hotel at 2p.m.

2p.m Ceremony
2:30 Photos - time allocated will depend on whether the photos are traditional line ups or reportage
2:30 Drinks reception with perhaps some canapes
4p.m Wedding Breakfast
5p.m Speeches
6p.m Cutting of the cake
6:15 Depart tables and catch up with guests - the cake could also be handed out
7:30 Evening Guests start arriving
8p.m First dance
9p.m Evening buffet

I hope this helps but if you have any further questions don't hesitate contact me..

(Answered by Bernadette Chapman)


A4. We believe that there is a certain amount of 'do what YOU like' on your wedding day... people will sort themselves out. However there is a 'sort-of expected' order of the day, which you seem to have a fairly good grasp on.

Without more information, it is difficult to give you an idea of itinerary, but loosely:

2.00 - 2.30
Ceremony
2.30 - 2.45
People move out of ceremony room / photos
2.35 - 3.00/3.30
(Depending on numbers of guests, and how formal you'd like the day) receiving line - not mandatory, but a nice way to see everyone if you have time! Otherwise, you could use this time for photos.
3/3.30 - 4/5.00
You could now have a small drinks reception... giving you a chance for mingling with guests, catching up with friends and fmaily before you sit for your meal, then can't hear each other over the disco!
4.30/5.00
Sit down meal. If this is being served, and is 3+ courses, then you will probably be looking at 2-3 hours, depending on the numbers of guests, numbers of courses etc.
7/8
Speeches? Or these could be done during the cheese/coffee course. Probably allow about 30-45 mins for speeches, unless you know that someone will want to rattle on!

After speeches...
Give yourself a time buffer for evening run ons, but you see how time flies through the afternoon! It'll soon be the evening, and your evening guests will arrive. If in a hotel, you might like to think about asking your guests to arrive to a bar (or ask the hotel staff to direct your arriving guests to the bar, just incase you are still part way through speeches etc.) If your guests arrive once the meal/speeches have completely finished, they won't be reminded that they weren't there for the whole day Then, enjoy your disco... but remember, you may well spend much of the evening chatting with people, and wallowing in compliments!

Don't forget to take time out to absorb the atmosphere! Take a few minutes with your husband to look around at all that is going on, and just to be with each other!
We really hope that you thoroughly enjoy your wedding... and your future together.

(Answered by Emma Pirie)


A5. You sound as though you pretty much have your day planned out and you will be surprised at how quickly the time will pass. If you hold your ceremony at 2pm, normally about 45 - 60 minutes is usual for the ceremony depending on the kind of service that you want. Following the service, the photographs will be taken and at the same time you can have a drinks reception serving champagne and canapies. Be guided by your photographer as to how long he will take with the photos, he will know best. If you aim to sit down to your meal by 4pm this will give you plenty of time to eat, have speeches and for the hotel to rearrange the room ready for your evening guests. Invite your evening guests to arrive from 8 onwards and then a buffet can be arranged for between 9.30 and 10pm. Depending on the licence offered by your hotel, your function will probably finish at midnight.

As in all things, you are best guided by the wedding co-ordinator at your hotel. They are the best person to advise on timings etc as they will know what their room turnaround timings are aswell as knowing the approximate time it takes to serve and eat the meal.

Hope this helps and be sure to make the most of every minute - it will fly by!!

(Answered by Tracey Ellis)