Planning a wedding is always an overwhelming, yet exciting experience. One of the most important aspects of wedding planning is creating a proper schedule for the day of the wedding. A properly planned schedule will ensure that the entire event runs smoothly without any hiccups. Couples who opt for a 4 pm wedding can use this sample schedule to help plan their big day.
The Sample Schedule
As previously mentioned, a well-planned schedule is the key to making your wedding day successful. So, here is a sample schedule for a 4 pm wedding to help you plan your big day.
1. Getting Ready – 12 pm to 3 pm
The first step in planning the perfect wedding day schedule is planning for getting ready. Typically, it takes around 2-3 hours for the couple and their respective bridal party members to get ready. Additionally, during this time, the wedding photographer takes the opportunity to capture the pre-wedding moments with stunning photos.
2. First Look and Couple’s Photos – 3 pm to 4 pm
The second step is the first look and couple’s photos. This is a great opportunity for the couple to see each other for the first time before the actual ceremony and for the photographer to capture some romantic and candid photos.
3. Guest Arrival and Seating – 3:30 pm to 3:55 pm
Next up is the guests’ arrival and seating, which typically takes around 25 minutes. During this time, the guests arrive and are seated in the wedding venue, waiting for the couple to make their grand entrance.
4. Ceremony – 4 pm to 4:30 pm
The ceremony is the main event of the day. However, it should only take around 30 minutes in total. This gives the officiant plenty of time to conduct the ceremony and allows for the couple to exchange their vows without the guests being too restless.
5. Family Photos – 4:30 pm to 4:45 pm
After the ceremony, there is usually a 15-minute window for capturing some family photos with the couple.
6. Wedding Party Photos – 4:45 pm to 5 pm
Directly following the family photos, there is another 15-minute window to capture some lovely wedding party photos.
7. Cocktail Hour – 5 pm to 6 pm
While the couple is busy capturing moments with their wedding party, the guests can head to the cocktail hour. This is a great time for the guests to mingle, enjoy some drinks and appetizers while the couple is finishing up with the photos.
8. Reception – 6 pm to 9 pm
Lastly, the reception is the perfect way to end the perfect wedding day. Typically, the reception lasts around 3 hours, providing ample time for speeches, dinner and dancing the night away!
Conclusion
In conclusion, planning the perfect wedding day schedule takes a lot of effort, time, and coordination. However, using a well-structured and organized schedule like the one provided above can make things a lot easier for you. With a proper schedule, you won’t have to worry about a thing on your big day, aside from enjoying every moment and soaking in all your wedding memories with your family and friends.
FAQ
What time should you arrive for a 4 00 wedding?
If you have been invited to a wedding that is scheduled to start at 4:00, it’s important to know that the time listed on the invitation is the time the ceremony will begin, not the time guests are expected to arrive. Typically, guests are expected to arrive at the wedding venue before the ceremony is scheduled to start, to allow sufficient time to find a seat and get settled.
As a general rule, it is advisable to arrive at a wedding ceremony at least 15 to 30 minutes before the start time listed on the invitation. This means that if the ceremony is scheduled to start at 4:00, you should aim to arrive at the venue by 3:45. This will give you ample time to check in with the ushers, find a seat, and chat with other guests before the ceremony starts.
Arriving early is particularly important if the wedding ceremony is taking place in a space that is easily congested, with limited seating capacity. In such cases, you may even need to arrive earlier, to ensure that you get a good seat and do not end up standing at the back of the room.
On the other hand, arriving too late to a wedding ceremony can not only disrupt the proceedings but also cause embarrassment for you and the wedding hosts. If you are unavoidably delayed and will be arriving to the wedding ceremony after it has already started, it’s worth calling ahead and letting the wedding organizers know so that they can make appropriate arrangements.
When attending a 4:00 wedding, it’s best to arrive at the venue no later than 3:45 pm, to ensure that you have sufficient time to find a seat and prepare yourself before the ceremony starts.
