How to plan the perfect Scottish wedding timeline?
The thought of planning a wedding can be overwhelming at times but having a checklist and timeline makes the whole planning experience not just easier but also fun! These are unique times of your life and it's important to enjoy and document every second. I would even suggest that you take lots of photographs as you plan everything and tick off the checkboxes. Once you've gone through everything, you'll look back at these photographs and remember all the little moments leading up to your big-day!
Your wedding day will be in a beautiful wedding venue and will be very special to you. You'll want to make the most out of every second! So it’s paramount to get the timings right and have a timeline. Having a plan and knowing exactly what the agenda is, means that you reduce the risk of any uncalled for surprises and rushed decisions on your special day and you'll be able to share the plan with your suppliers including your photographer, videographer, band, DJ and venue!
A good wedding timeline ensures your day has a smooth flow and lets everyone know where to be and at what time. It helps your suppliers such as your wedding photographer and videographer to be aware of all the key moments so they document your day just as you imagine it. But it’s not just about your photographer or videographer. If you ever attended a wedding as a guest and been waiting around for food/a drink/the music, you’ll know that nothing affects the vibe of a wedding day quite like a lull.
Here is a 10-hour wedding schedule that will make your wedding day run like clockwork. But remember this is only a guide.
Pro Tip: You should always allow some extra time in your timeline in case of any surprises!
Your 10 Hours Wedding Day Timeline (2pm Ceremony timeline)
8:00am – Breakfast & Shower
With the excitement of your big day, you’ll probably be awake by 8am, if not earlier. This is generally the best time to rise, have breakfast and take a shower.
10:00am – Photographer arrives. Hair and makeup begins on bridesmaids
During preparations, you as the bride should be the one to have your hair done first so it can be perfected. By this time, the bridesmaids should be with you and you want to make sure they are wearing button-down tops that can be easily removed to avoid ruining their make-up or hairstyle.
You would want to keep the numbers down during preparations to ensure you stay relaxed and enjoy the process. Usually, brides tend to have their mother, bridesmaids, photographer and make-up artist/hairdresser with them in the room. This is the perfect number of people in the room as having too many people around can create a manic setting and cause stress.
11:00am – Bride starts hair and makeup. Bouquets delivered. Suppliers begin to set-up at venue.
1:00pm – Bridal party photos
1:45pm – Groom arrives for ceremony, guests start to arrive, bride departs for ceremony
2:00pm – Ceremony
3:00pm – Hugs and chats outside the ceremony (allow extra for a more formal reception)
3:30pm – Post ceremony photos
5:00pm – Seat guests for dinner
6:00pm – Start speeches and serve dessert
7:00pm – Couples cuts the cake
7:30pm – Couple pops off for some golden hour shots (dependent on sunset times and weather!)
8:00pm – First dance and band starts
10:00pm – DJ begins and late night food is served
12:00am – Music finishes (and the inevitable sing-song begins in the resident bar!)
