How Much Time Should You Plan?

Ceremony Timeline:

Pre ceremony at church getting prepared for the event: 60 - 90 Minutes

Ceremony: 30 - 60 Minutes

Receiving Line: 30 - 45 Minutes

Photographs: 45 - 60 Minutes

Bustle dress: 10 Minutes

Leave for reception.

Options:
1. Do all the photographs before the ceremony begins. This may break tradition, however it will shave an easy hour off from the tale end of the ceremony and get you to the reception much earlier.
2. Instead of a receiving line, release your guests from their seats. This cuts the receiving time down usually by half.
Make sure and remember this is YOUR day. Don’t be afraid to let your guests wait an extra ½ to a full hour at the reception while you perhaps have photographs taken at a local park or garden. Or while you spend a little more time in your limo or bus!! You only do this once and your guests will understand.

Reception Timeline:

VERY IMPORTANT: MAKE SURE YOU CHOOSE EITHER A DJ OR BAND THAT KNOWS HOW TO RUN A RECEPTION!! This can truly make or break the party!!
Arrive at the reception site. Meet with the DJ for your grand entrance:
Enter reception area and have the wedding party seated.
Kiss!
Have best man and/or maid of honor perform the toast.
Have the selected person say grace and announce how tables will be released or served. (Make sure you have seating for your photographer, DJ, and videographer. It is proper etiquette to ask them to dine with you)
Go through buffet line or begin to be served.
15-30 minutes after dining, have the DJ announce that you will be cutting the wedding cake. Give people time to get their cameras for your cake cutting.
Mingle with your guests.
Begin your dancing.
After dancing, perform the bouquet and garter toss.
If you have anything else special planned, remember to notify your dj and photographer so they both can be prepared for it.