Of all the many decisions that go into planning a wedding, choosing what time to have the ceremony might seem like one of the easiest. But there’s actually a lot to consider when planning the timeline of your wedding day. Before you print those invitations and mail them out, here are a few things to consider to pick the ceremony time that will work best for you.
Reception Type (and Budget)
Many people feel they have to have elaborate receptions with plated dinners and open bars, like the weddings in movies. And while that is definitely an option, it’s not necessary. The type of reception you plan can depend on many things, including how many guests you invite, the budget you have for food, and even what time you have to leave to go on your honeymoon. Once you decide on the type of reception, it’s easy to figure out the time of day.
For example, if you choose to serve cake and appetizers, or have a fun dessert bar, you don’t have to worry about getting guests to dinner around 6 or 7 p.m. However, even if your ceremony starts at 1 or 2 p.m., it’s nice to let people know on the invitation not to expect a meal.
If you like the idea of a long reception with dancing but aren’t providing a meal, consider a cocktail hour later in the evening. Just make sure you start the ceremony late enough for people to dress and eat before they come, around 7 p.m.
Photography Timeline and Sunset
The photographer’s timeline plays just as big of a role in deciding the time of day for your wedding as the type of food served. Most photographers prefer to work outdoors during the “golden hour” just before sunset for the best light. And of course, sunset varies at different times of the year. Also, the amount of time needed for pictures will depend on whether you plan to do first look pictures or not. Getting the first look pictures done helps cut down on the amount of time needed for formal pictures between the ceremony and the reception. The time needed will depend on your photographer, but as a general rule set your ceremony time an hour and a half to two hours before sunset.
Outdoor Weddings: Look and Feel
While photographers like the sunset time for pictures, it might not be the look you were going for in choosing an outdoor wedding. For couples planning outdoor weddings, the path of the sun plays an important role in setting the scene. Maybe you want to get married in the dewy look of early morning light, or maybe you prefer the brightness of high noon. You can pick the time of your ceremony based on how you want things to look. But also keep in mind the comfort of your guests. If you’re planning a wedding in July or August, you might consider a ceremony later in the afternoon or early evening when the sun isn’t quite so hot!
Other factors also come into play when picking a time for your wedding, including availability of the venue. That’s why we recommend booking your date with Legacy Stables and Events as early as possible to have the flexibility you want in planning the timeline of your big day. Call today to schedule a tour and our expert team can help you pick out the best date and time for your upcoming wedding.
Photo Credit: Karena Shroeder Photography LLC
