Ok firstly… there are no set rules!

If you have a vision in mind and are basically planning this as your own styled shoot, then go to town! Tutu’s, sequins, rockabilly kids or grunge goddess vibes… if you have a plan or aesthetic that talks to you, damn we are down for that. Breakfast margaritas, first looks in a smokers lounge or late night bubble baths in the motel… your day your timeline.

BUT, if you have no idea where to start… a few pointers to get you heading in the direction of a more traditional timeline - this one is for a 4pm ceremony.

3.30pm - You want all the important kids (minus the person actually walking down the isle) at the location. Celebrant, photographer, musicians and the crew waiting at the end of the isle.

Guest will begin wandering in from 3.40/45ish. If you have transport organised for your guests, get them to aim for this time.

4.00pm Ceremony. If you’re in the church and are having a full ceremony, basically bring everything forward by an hour to include the full service… or chat with your priest about timing.

For anyone else, celebrants will usually keep things pretty tight so have a chat about vows and and personal inclusions. Typically your looking at about 20-30 minutes which is just long enough for the standing guests to cope. If your location is full sun, take into consideration that you may still want to provide some beverages during this time….even if it’s just water/soft drinks.

Cue arrival, happy tears, heartfelt words… and buda-bing-budda-bang, your married!

***DONT FORGET THE PEN FOR THE SIGNING TABLE. Important stuff right there kids because you actually need those itty bitty signatures

Now for the confetti throwing (yes, make sure someone is in charge of actually handing that stuff out AND instructing people (men, always the men) that you throw it ABOVE the head and not AT peoples faces).

Congrats/hugs and chit chats follow and here is where we slip in the group photo - otherwise there is NO CHANCE that you will have everyone together again. Trust us - kids wander, fellas get chatting and the girls makeup starts to melt off - you want to nail it by around 4.45pm. This allows a smooth transition into any family photos.

If you have any must have shots of the family - please let them know. Tell Aunt Peg that you NEED her to have a shot with her siblings and not to wander off till its done.

5pm - Canapes, drinks, a chance for the guests to put their feet up. Take 30 minutes with your guests and make sure the bar has prepared some snacks/bevvies for you to take on the road. Then we can sneak off for some portraits…. dont stress its not a huge chunk of time. We aim for 30-45 minutes now and then a sneaky little duck out for you both at some point during the night - so your not missing out on the party but you still have some moments of just the two of you. We want to be back at the venue by 6.15ish.

This is where a quality MC comes in. You need someone confident and loud. If you’re having a sit down function, encourage them to direct everyone to take a seat from 6.15pm in anticipation of a 6.30pm entrance of the bridal party.

Intersperse speeches and courses (if your having courses) and ideally pencil in a sneak out around sunset for you two. This is 30% because it’s when you get the cracking golden photos, but 70% because by this time you just need to take a big breathe and  moment to soak in all that’s happening. It really does go in a blur and its a pretty phenomenal moment between you both.

Return for speeches, dessert, cake cutting and first dance if that’s your thing. Then cue the dance floor!

Bliss!

*Things that you don’t NEED to do but you can if you wish. Cake cutting - this is generally pretty stilted so an awesome way to get it done while everyone is already involved is include it in your entrance - dance on over, cut it, kiss and then take your seat while everyone is still clapping you in. Same goes for a champagne tower if your having one.

Bouquet Toss/Garter throw - super awkward for most… basically only do this one if you are obsessed with the idea and have the space (inside can be tough with low ceilings)

Sparkler Exit - fun fun fun if your up for it - bonus points if you learn to dip/kiss for the end of the tunnel but also takes a tonne of organising to get everyone ‘lit’ at the same time - pencil in 30 minutes if you do include