Wedding day timeline

18th April 2019

Some of the questions that we find wedding couples ask frequently relates to the timing of their wedding day – what happens when?

As we often say, no two weddings are identical but there are certain similarities in the timeline for the day.

I therefore thought it would be useful to give an indication of a typical wedding day at Layer Marney Tower, based upon an example of a wedding ceremony in the Corsellis Room that is booked for 2pm.

9am – suppliers may have access to the venue

1pm – arrival of the Groom

1pm to 1.30pm – arrival of the wedding guests

1.30pm – Groom to meet with the registrar

1.45pm – arrival of the Bride

2pm – wedding ceremony in the Corsellis Room

2.30pm to 4pm – drinks reception and wedding photography in the garden (weather permitting)

4pm – wedding guests to be seated in the Long Gallery, with the Bride and Groom announced into the room

4.30pm to 6.30pm – three course wedding breakfast

6.30pm – speeches

Arrival of wedding guests on the Routemaster Bus

Photo credit Pengelly Photography

Arrival of the bride in the Maythorn

Photo credit David Islip Photography

Wedding ceremony in the Corsellis Room

Photo Credit EPS Photography

Drinks reception in the garden

Photo credit Pengelly Photography

Photos in the gardens and grounds

Photo credit Pengelly Photography

The bride and groom taking their seats in the Long Gallery for the wedding breakfast

Photo credit David Islip Photography

The wedding breakfast in the Long Gallery

Photo credit EPS Photography

The speeches

Photo credit Pure Image Photography

Cutting the cake

Photo credit Olliver Photography

The first dance

Photo credit Andy Chambers Photography

Evening food served from Bouquet Garni's Citroen H Van

Photo credit EPS Photography

7.30pm – arrival of evening guests

8.15pm – cutting of the wedding cake followed immediately by the first dance

9pm – evening food served

12pm – close of bar and the music finishes

12.15am – carriages

From experience, I believe that these times gives a good “flow” to the day, where nothing is rushed or on the other hand, there is not too much time hanging around when you are wondering what will happen next. However, do remember that each wedding is unique and timings can vary hugely if you are having a church wedding for instance, or if you are having an informal barbeque rather than a formal meal.

The above can be used as a guide but if you have any concerns, both the staff from Layer Marney Tower and our caterers Bouquet Garni will be happy to offer advice regarding the timing of your special day.

by Karen Brand – Wedding Coordinator