The Wedding Day Timeline: How to Get Everything Done

A well-planned wedding timeline is the cornerstone of successful wedding planning. Planning always has a positive impact on teamwork, and on the wedding day, all wedding specialists should work according to a clearly established schedule to ensure your wedding runs "smoothly".

The Bride's and Groom's Morning

This is the very start of your wedding day, so remember – it should begin on a positive note!
The day begins with the bride's preparations. We recommend allocating no less than 3 hours for hair, makeup, putting on the dress and jewelry, and a detail shoot. If a boudoir photoshoot is planned, add another hour.
If you want to capture the "first look" with the groom, remember to allocate time for it and plan the location and details in advance. Without a wedding planner, all this falls on your shoulders. To make things easier, ask your photographer to help with the timeline. Experienced photographers have the know-how and are happy to help calculate time, considering possible contingencies.
Talk to your videographer. Discuss the shooting plan for the morning and find out if they will interview you and your groom.
Also, plan who will help you get into your wedding dress. A lace-up dress requires assistance, which can come from your wedding coordinator or stylist. Discuss this in advance and practice to save time on the day.
Think about your morning: will you be alone, with bridesmaids, or with your mom? If you plan to be surrounded by friends, add extra time to the schedule.
The key is to understand that the timeline is a guide, but it's essential to avoid major delays, ensure everything is planned, and that your guests or rented car aren't left waiting. Being late to the registry office can jeopardize your ceremony. Take creating a wedding timeline seriously and, of course, print it out and follow it.

The Photoshoot

After getting ready, a joint photoshoot usually takes place, lasting about 2 hours. The duration depends on the scheduled time at the registry office. When planning, allocate time not only for the photoshoot but also for travel and lunch. You need to arrive at the registry office no later than 30 minutes before your ceremony time!
For our couples, we create a detailed timeline with all addresses, locations, and the coordinator's contact number in case of questions. If you don't have a coordinator, include your own number.
This wedding day timeline is sent to all vendors: photographer, videographer, stylist, etc.
Also, plan your transportation for the photoshoot in advance – book a transfer and discuss the route. Don't forget about your photographer and videographer's transport to avoid a situation where they don't have a car or can't fit in yours. If you book a vintage car, consider its speed limits.

The Registry Office Ceremony

If you're having an outdoor ceremony instead of the registry office, the timeline will be different, and you won't need to get up at 8-9 AM. We advise our couples to do the legal registration on a separate day if they're having an outdoor ceremony.
The couple usually arrives no later than 30 minutes before the ceremony. The ceremony itself takes about 20-30 minutes, after which the newlyweds leave for a photoshoot. So, allocate about 1.5 hours for the registry office.
Afterwards, guests usually head to the restaurant to await the couple, while the newlyweds have their photoshoot en route. The photoshoot location is discussed in advance.

Guest Arrival

While the couple is at the photoshoot, guests arrive at the restaurant, where they are greeted and guided by the wedding coordinator.
Welcome drinks (or a cocktail hour) usually last 40-60 minutes from the start of guest arrivals. Afterwards, all guests go to greet the newlyweds, and the wedding reception begins.

The Wedding Reception

Every wedding has a custom timeline that can't be copied; it's meticulously crafted by wedding organizers.
Couples choose different reception formats: some have just an MC, others have an extensive program with performers, dance battles, masterclasses, karaoke battles, or a live band, etc.
The reception typically lasts 5-6 hours, ending around 11 PM - midnight. If you want to party until the morning or 1-2 AM, this is discussed when choosing the venue and usually costs extra (from 10,000 RUB/hour). Therefore, most couples prefer to leave the venue around midnight.
Key moments during the reception include guest toasts, MC-led activities, musical interludes, the first dance, father-daughter dance, bouquet and garter toss, and cake cutting. All of this is scheduled precisely in the timeline. However, changes can occur, and the team behind the scenes (coordinators, banquet manager, MC) adjusts accordingly. If you are organizing your wedding without a coordinator, you will have to handle all changes yourself on your wedding day. That's why we always recommend hiring a coordinator, so a dedicated person manages all issues while you relax.
The evening ends differently for everyone: with fireworks, soft music as guests depart, or the couple leaving on a boat, etc.

Our Wedding Advice

We create a unique timeline for every wedding, depending on numerous nuances: guest count, type of ceremony, reception venue, entertainment program, etc.
Pay special attention to guest transportation – always add a little extra time for contingencies.

• As wedding organizers, we also create a technical timeline detailing setup and breakdown times for decor, sound and lighting equipment, furniture, arrival of performers, etc., along with a minute-by-minute schedule for the entire reception. A well-defined timeline is crucial for smooth coordination and making sure everything happens exactly as planned.

Every wedding has its contingencies. The key skill is to prevent them, quickly adjust the timeline, and promptly inform the MC, kitchen, and other vendors of any changes.
If the timing for your first dance changes, you need to inform the MC so the DJ doesn't play the song at the wrong time. If you decide to skip a planned activity, it needs to be removed from the timeline and replaced with something else, like a musical interlude or a different game.

The wedding coordinator acts as a conductor, ensuring every specialist knows their part and timing. They ensure the photographer captures the right moments, the slideshow of childhood photos isn't forgotten, and countless other details. We could give many more examples!

A wedding happens once in a lifetime. We wish for yours to go smoothly and on schedule!
To book a consultation, please submit a request on our website, and we will contact you.