The Ultimate Wedding Day Timeline: How to Plan Every Moment
- apaneser
- Jul 9
- 4 min read
By Kings Norton Weddings & Events
If you’ve ever found yourself wide-eyed at 2am Googling ‘What time should I walk down the aisle?’, you’re not alone. Planning a wedding day timeline can feel like trying to choreograph a West End show—but with a bit of structure (and maybe a glass of wine), it doesn’t have to be stressful.
Here at Kings Norton Weddings and Events, we’ve hosted hundreds of weddings, so we know exactly how to make your day run like clockwork—without making it feel rushed or rigid. Whether you’re planning a relaxed countryside vibe or a full-blown formal affair, this ultimate wedding day timeline will help you plan every magical moment.
Let’s break it down, hour by hour.
The Morning: Getting Ready (7:00am–11:30am)
Start your day early—but not too early. A relaxed, joyful morning is the perfect way to kick things off.
7:00–8:00am – Wake up, shower, and enjoy a light breakfast (yes, please eat something).
8:00–9:00am – Hair and make-up artists arrive. Start with bridesmaids, mums, and anyone else in the bridal party.
9:30am onwards – Photographer arrives to capture those gorgeous behind-the-scenes moments—think robe pics, laughter, and that all-important dress reveal.
11:00am – Bride's hair and makeup finished; final touch-ups for everyone.
11:30am – Time to get dressed! Have your photographer nearby for those ‘buttoning the dress’ and ‘tie straightening’ shots.
📸 Top Tip: Keep a mini playlist of calm, feel-good music. It sets the tone and eases those pre-ceremony nerves.
The Ceremony (12:00pm–1:00pm)
Most ceremonies last between 20–45 minutes, depending on whether you’re having a civil or religious service.
12:00pm – Guests arrive and take their seats.
12:30pm – The ceremony begins.
1:00pm – Confetti, cheers, hugs, and maybe even a glass of bubbly right after.
💐 Don’t forget: Appoint a friend or usher to help round people up and keep things moving smoothly—especially when it’s time for group photos!
Post-Ceremony Drinks & Photos (1:30pm–2:30pm)
This is your chance to mingle, soak it all in, and let your photographer capture those natural, candid moments.
1:30pm–2:30pm – Drinks, canapes, and photographs. Your photographer will whisk you away for couple portraits, while guests sip champagne and enjoy some nibbles.
2:30pm – A subtle call to dinner—your coordinator or toastmaster will gently guide everyone toward the wedding breakfast space.
🥂 Pro Tip: Allow at least an hour for this section—it gives guests time to relax and gives you time to breathe before the next part. Allow even longer if everyone needs to travel from a church ceremony to your reception venue.
The Wedding Breakfast (3:00pm–6:00pm)
Ah, food glorious food! This part of the day is all about good company, delicious dishes, and (of course) a few giggles.
3:00pm – Guests seated.
3:15pm – Couple makes their entrance. You can go traditional or make it your own - dancing in, confetti cannons, whatever feels like you.
3:30pm–5:00pm – Courses served.
5:15pm–6:00pm – Speeches! Typically, it’s the father of the bride, the groom, and the best man—but feel free to mix it up.
🍽️ Side Note: If you're not a fan of public speaking, do your speech before the meal so you can actually enjoy your dinner stress-free.
Room Turnaround & Guest Chill Time (6:00-7:30pm)
If your ceremony and reception are in the same space (like our beautiful ballroom here at Kings Norton), this is the ideal time to switch things up.
6:00pm – Guests enjoy the garden and courtyard, or simply relax.
6:30pm–7:30pm – Venue staff transform the space ready for the evening.
6:00pm–7:30pm – Freshen up, touch up your makeup, maybe sneak in a few more photos and have some time to chat with guests.
💡 Bonus Idea: Create a chill-out zone with blankets, cushions, and soft lighting. It gives guests a little breathing room before the dance floor calls.
The Evening Celebration (7:30pm–12:00am)
Time to let your hair down and celebrate in style.
7:00pm – Evening guests begin to arrive.
7:45pm – Cake cutting and first dance—two of the most photographed moments of the evening.
8:00pm–9:30pm – Evening buffet or food trucks (street food is so on-trend this year).
8:00pm–11:30pm – Dance floor open! DJ or band keeps the party going.
11:45pm – Last dance (a romantic slow one to end the night?).
12:00am – Carriages!
🎉 Top Tip: Make a ‘just married’ exit plan—sparklers, confetti tunnels, or even a sparkly getaway car. You’ll thank yourself for it in the photos.
A Few Final Thoughts…
While this timeline is a solid starting point, your wedding should reflect your personality, pace, and priorities. Want to swap the speeches for a fun quiz? Go for it. Want to have dessert first? Why not?
At Kings Norton Weddings and Events, we’re all about creating a stress-free, beautiful flow to your day. Our expert team works with you every step of the way, helping you fine-tune your wedding timeline so everything feels calm, fun, and fabulously you.
Need Help Creating Your Perfect Day?
Whether you’re feeling totally organised or still figuring things out, we’re here to help make it all a breeze. With our elegant 18th-century venue, spacious ballroom, manicured gardens, and dedicated events team, Kings Norton Weddings and Events in Alvechurch, is the perfect backdrop for your big day.
📞 Get in touch to book a tour or chat through your ideas—we’d love to help you plan every moment, beautifully.
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