Midday – Guest Arrival
As midday approaches, your guests will begin to arrive. This is a crucial time to set the tone for your wedding day. To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, consider playing some light background music. This subtle addition can help guests feel more comfortable and welcome as they gather. It’s also a good idea to have ushers or attendants on hand to guide guests to their seats and answer any questions they may have.
1:00 PM – Ceremony Begins
At 1:00 PM, the ceremony officially begins. This moment marks the start of your lifelong journey together, so make sure everything is in place. Ensure that your officiant, wedding party, and any other key participants are ready and in their designated positions. This is your special moment, so take a deep breath, relax, and soak in the significance of the occasion. Whether you’re walking down the aisle or waiting at the altar, remember to enjoy every second.
1:30 PM – Ceremony Ends
The ceremony typically lasts about 30 minutes, concluding around 1:30 PM. After the ceremony, there will be a brief recessional where the newlyweds lead the way out, followed by their wedding party and guests. This is a perfect time for guests to offer their congratulations and take candid photos. Consider designating a specific area for photos to ensure that this part of the event flows smoothly and efficiently.
2:00 PM – Reception & Drinks
By 2:00 PM, guests will move to the reception area for drinks and light refreshments. This transitional period is great for mingling and capturing candid moments with a photographer. Ensure there are enough refreshments for everyone, including a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Providing some light snacks or hors d’oeuvres can also keep guests satisfied until the main meal. This is an excellent opportunity for guests to relax and enjoy each other’s company while the wedding party finishes taking photos.
3:00 PM – Group Photos
Group photos and family portraits are usually scheduled for 3:00 PM. To keep this process organised, prepare a detailed list of the specific groups you want photos with. Assign a coordinator or photographer to manage this list and call out the groups in an orderly manner. This helps ensure that no important shots are missed and that the photo session runs smoothly and efficiently. Consider the backdrop and lighting for these photos to ensure they turn out beautifully.
4:00 PM – Guests Seated for Dinner
Guests are invited to take their seats for dinner around 4:00 PM. Soft background music should continue to play, maintaining a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere as everyone settles in. Ensure that each table is properly set and that there are clear instructions for where guests should sit. This can be done through place cards or a seating chart displayed at the entrance of the dining area. A well-organised seating plan helps guests feel comfortable and ensures a smooth dining experience.
4:15 PM – Newlyweds Grand Entrance
The newlyweds make their grand entrance into the reception at 4:15 PM. This moment is often accompanied by an upbeat song that energises the crowd and gets everyone excited for the evening’s festivities. Plan a memorable entrance that reflects your personalities and sets the tone for the reception. Whether you choose a choreographed dance or a simple walk-in, make sure it’s something that feels special to you.
4:30 PM – Dinner Service Begins
Dinner service begins at 4:30 PM. Whether you opt for a buffet or a plated meal, this is the time for guests to enjoy their food and engage in conversations. Ensure that the service is efficient and that all dietary needs are accommodated. You might want to have a menu displayed on each table or at the buffet line so guests know what to expect. This period should be relaxed and enjoyable, providing a great opportunity for guests to connect and celebrate together.
6:00 PM – Speeches & Toasts
Speeches and toasts usually start at 6:00 PM. This heartfelt part of the evening is traditionally filled with words from the father of the bride, the best man, and the groom. You can also include speeches from the maid of honour, parents of the groom, or other close friends and family members. Ensure that the speakers are prepared and that they know the order in which they will speak. This is a time for sharing memories, expressing gratitude, and toasting to the future.
6:45 PM – Room Turnaround & Venue Preparation for Evening Party
Around 6:45 PM, the venue will typically request that everyone vacates the main area to prepare it for the evening party. This is a great time for guests to stretch their legs, get some fresh air, or explore the venue grounds. Meanwhile, you might take this opportunity to have additional photos taken in different settings. This break also allows the staff to rearrange the space, clear tables, and set up for the evening’s festivities.
7:00 PM – Evening Guests Arrival
Evening guests start arriving at 7:00 PM. This is a good time for them to get a drink, catch up with friends, and for you to greet them personally. Make sure there is a designated area for evening guests to leave gifts or cards if they have brought any. Providing a welcome drink or cocktail hour can help set the tone and make your evening guests feel included in the celebration.
8:00 PM – Cake Cutting & First Dance
At 8:00 PM, the newlyweds will cut the cake. This is often one of the highlights of the evening and provides a perfect photo opportunity. Immediately following the cake cutting, the couple will lead into their first dance. This special dance is a cherished tradition and often sets the stage for the rest of the evening’s dancing. Whether you choose a classic waltz or a fun, choreographed routine, make it a moment to remember.
8:15 PM – Dance Floor Opens
The dance floor officially opens to all guests at 8:15 PM. The DJ will play a mix of genres to keep everyone entertained and encourage them to dance the night away. Make sure to discuss your music preferences with the DJ beforehand to ensure the playlist reflects your tastes and keeps the energy high. This is the time for everyone to let loose and have fun, so consider adding some fun elements like a photo booth or dance competitions.
9:00 PM – Evening Snacks
Evening snacks or a buffet are served around 9:00 PM. This helps keep energy levels up and ensures that guests remain happy and satisfied as they continue to celebrate. Consider offering a variety of snacks that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether it’s a selection of sweet treats, savoury bites, or a late-night food truck, make sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
10:00 PM – Bouquet Toss
Although not as popular as it once was, the bouquet toss can still add a fun and exciting element to the evening at 10:00 PM. This tradition involves the bride tossing her bouquet into a crowd of single female guests, with the belief that the catcher will be the next to marry. If you choose to include this tradition, make sure to announce it clearly so all interested guests can participate.
11:55 PM – Last Dance
The last dance of the night is announced at 11:55 PM. This can be a slow, romantic song to end the evening on a sweet note or an upbeat track to finish the night with high energy. Choose a song that holds special meaning for you as a couple or one that will leave a lasting impression on your guests. This final dance is a perfect way to close out the celebration and create a memorable ending to your wedding day.
12:00 AM – Farewell
At midnight, the newlyweds say their farewells, and guests start to depart. Consider providing guests with a small token of appreciation, such as a wedding favour, as they leave. This marks the end of a memorable day filled with love, joy, and celebration. Ensure that transportation arrangements are clear for guests who may need it and that everyone knows where to go for after-party events if you have planned any.
Make Your Prom Night Unforgettable with Our Exclusive Prom Package! As prom season approaches in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, the excitement among high school seniors is palpable. Everyone dreams of a
Planning your dream wedding is an exciting journey, filled with anticipation, joy, and a fair share of challenges. From setting a budget to walking down the aisle, every step is
A Bat Mitzvah or Bar Mitzvah isn’t just a celebration; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event that marks a significant milestone in your child’s life. Planning such an extraordinary celebration can be as exhilarating as it is challenging.
Celebrating special occasions at Sopwell House in Hertfordshire sounds like a truly elegant and memorable experience.
Welcome to Nextwave Events, where your journey to a fairytale wedding begins! We understand that your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and we’re here to ensure every detail is perfect. Serving Luton, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and beyond, our bespoke services range from mesmerising LED dancefloors to enchanting light-up letters, ensuring your day is as unique as your love story.
The FREE Wedding Checklist! If you’re reading this, it must be you’re now beginning to plan for your big day! This is the fun part, but also can be stressful
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.