What Time Should You Tell Guests to Arrive for Your Wedding Ceremony?

Are you about to send your wedding invitations and still figuring out your wedding timeline? If you’re wondering, “What time should we tell our guests to arrive for our ceremony?” – you're in the right place! We know that setting the perfect timeline can feel overwhelming, but don't worry — we’ve got you covered. Whether you're planning a traditional wedding or something more unique, setting the right time for your ceremony and events is key to creating the best experience for you and your guests.

Your Wedding Timeline: Let’s Break It Down

Traditional vs. Non-Traditional Weddings
First things first: Are you envisioning a traditional wedding with a ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and reception, or are you planning something non-traditional, like a brunch wedding or a twilight ceremony? At The Maples Estate, most couples opt for a 4:00 pm ceremony start time, but this can vary based on your vision. A traditional timeline usually falls between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm. But if you're planning a unique twist, you can absolutely build a timeline that speaks to you!

Guest Accommodation Considerations
If you have guests traveling for your wedding, consider the time it takes for them to check into their hotel. Many hotels have a check-in time around 3:00 pm, which could affect when your guests can arrive at your ceremony. Depending on where they are staying (most accommodations are 10-40 minutes away from The Maples Estate), a ceremony start time of 4:00 pm or 4:30 pm might be ideal. If you’re planning on using a shuttle for your guests, make sure to schedule the shuttle accordingly to ensure everyone arrives on time.

How Long Will Your Ceremony Be?
Most ceremonies last about 30 minutes, but if you have a more elaborate ceremony with readings, music, or religious elements, plan for a longer time frame of 45 to 60 minutes. This will ensure your guests aren’t rushed and your ceremony flows seamlessly.

Photo Timing and Cocktail Hour
Do you want to have a "first look" before the ceremony? Many couples choose to do their formal wedding party and personal photos before the ceremony to enjoy more time with guests during cocktail hour. If you don’t do a first look, you may need extra time for photos after the ceremony, which means a longer cocktail hour — sometimes up to 90 minutes. If you plan to complete photos earlier in the day, you can enjoy the full cocktail hour with your guests!

When Do You Want Dinner?
A simple question, but an important one! Dinner typically begins about 30 minutes to an hour after your reception starts. If your ceremony starts at 4:00 pm, dinner is often served around 6:00 pm. It's essential to remember that your wedding day will likely be a whirlwind, and you might forget to eat until it's time for dinner. Planning for an earlier dinner can help ensure you're well-nourished before the party kicks into full gear!

Sunset Timing
It’s easy to overlook the sunset when planning your wedding timeline, but sunset can have a big impact — especially during fall weddings. As the sun sets earlier, you want to make sure your reception starts before the sun dips below the horizon. You’ll want your guests to enjoy the beautiful outdoor views before it gets dark. Check the sunset time for your wedding date to ensure you plan the timeline accordingly.

Photographer’s Hours
How long have you hired your photographer for? If you’ve booked them for a 6-8 hour package, make sure your timeline allows enough time for all the important moments you want captured — from getting ready photos to first looks, cake cutting, and dancing! Be sure to discuss your timeline with your photographer to make sure everything you want to capture is included.

Hair & Makeup Timing
A big consideration when setting your ceremony time is the amount of time needed for hair and makeup. For larger wedding parties, hair and makeup can take 1-6 hours depending on the number of people and the styles requested. Be sure to communicate with your hair and makeup team to determine the best start time to ensure everyone is ready to go without rushing.

Example Timeline for a 4:00 pm Ceremony

Here’s what a typical timeline might look like for a wedding at The Maples Estate:

9:00 am | Hair + Makeup
2:00 pm | First Look + Photos
3:30 pm | Guests Start to Arrive
4:00 pm | Ceremony Begins
4:30 pm | Cocktail Hour + Final Photos
5:30 pm | Reception Begins + Formalities
6:00 pm | Dinner Served
7:00 pm | Formalities (First Dance, Toasts, etc.)
7:30 pm | Dancing, Party, and Dessert!

Don’t Worry About the Little Details!

We know it’s easy to get lost in the logistics, but at The Maples Estate, we help take the stress out of the process. As part of your coordination services, we will build a comprehensive timeline for your entire wedding weekend, which we’ll finalize about 8 weeks before your wedding day. This is all included in your wedding package, so you can feel confident knowing that every little detail will be accounted for.

For couples who opt for our planning, design, or coaching packages, we also provide an initial draft timeline during the early stages of planning as we work on your design board and vendor selections. This helps us communicate your vision with your vendors and make sure everything is aligned!

Final Thoughts

Planning your wedding timeline is key to creating a smooth and enjoyable day for both you and your guests. From choosing your ceremony time to coordinating photo schedules and meals, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Ready to dive into your timeline planning? Let’s chat during your coordination services and create a timeline that fits your vision for the perfect wedding day.

At The Maples Estate, we can’t wait to help bring your wedding dream to life! 🌿

Find more answers to your questions on our inspiration blog and learn more about our wedding packages to celebrate with us!

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