THE ULTIMATE
TIMELINE
FOR YOU WEDDING
HOW DO YOU APPROACH A SCHEDULE?
So, you’re engaged and ready to dive into planning your wedding! But how does a wedding day actually come together? Where do you even begin? Most people only get married once, and beyond that, we don’t typically attend a lot of weddings in our lifetime. Before I started photographing weddings myself, I had only been a guest at a couple of them.
While every wedding is deeply personal and unique to the couple, there are some common elements that can serve as a helpful framework to ensure everything runs smoothly. There are so many moving parts and details to coordinate, which is why a solid (and realistic) timeline can be the key to whether your wedding day feels like a joyful celebration or a stressful event.
Not every couple gets married at 1 PM or 2 PM, but to keep things simple, let’s base this on a timeline that, in my experience, works well for most weddings. From this starting point, you can tweak and adjust to suit your vision and needs. Let’s make sure your day flows seamlessly and becomes the celebration you’ve always dreamed of!
PLEASE NOT THAT THE FOLLOWING TIMELINE IS BASED ON MORE TRADITIONAL DANISH WEDDINGS.
CEREMONY - 1:30 PM - 45-50 minutes
While most church ceremonies today last around 30–40 minutes, it’s a good idea to allow a little extra time. The bride is often 5 minutes late, and it’s increasingly common to have an additional element, such as a singer performing a song, in addition to the 3–4 hymns you choose with the officiant. Some officiants also tend to talk a bit more than others, which can extend the ceremony slightly.
TIPS FOR A SMOOTH CEREMONY:
• Hydration Awareness: While staying hydrated is important, avoid drinking an entire bottle of water in the car on the way to the church. The last thing you’ll want upon arrival is an urgent trip to the restroom!
• Walk Slowly! It’s natural to feel nervous, and many brides and their escorts have a tendency to rush down the aisle. Take your time! Allow your guests to fully enjoy the moment, and give yourself the opportunity to truly soak it all in—this is what you’ve been waiting for! I often suggest that the person escorting the bride set the pace. They’re usually less nervous and can gently guide the bride to slow down if needed. Plus, the slower you walk, the better opportunity the photographer has to capture stunning photos.
• Ring Exchange Tips: Typically, the best man is responsible for handing over the rings at the right moment. However, if capturing beautiful photos of the ring exchange is important to you, remind the best man to sit down as soon as he has handed over the rings. Photographers can’t take photos through people, so ensuring an unobstructed view is key for this special moment!
AFTER THE CEREMONY
2:15 PM - 30-45 minutes
This is often where I see the first delays occur. Many couples are told by the officiant that the ceremony will last about 45 minutes, leading them to assume they’ll be ready to leave right after. However, the reality is that you should allow an additional 25–30 minutes around the church after the ceremony ends.
Once the ceremony is over and the couple walks out together, they typically stand in the church foyer. Here, guests line up to congratulate you with hugs and kisses before heading outside to wait for your exit. A typical Danish wedding has around 65 guests at the dinner, with often even more attending the ceremony. Each guest will want to congratulate you both individually, which can easily take 15 minutes.
Afterwards, many couples choose to briefly return inside the church to take a couple of photos at the altar, which usually takes about 2 minutes. If there are children involved, this can add another 5 minutes. Once the couple steps outside again, guests traditionally throw rice, birdseed, or other celebratory items.
Side note: Contrary to popular belief, rice is not harmful to birds—that’s a myth. The reason some churches discourage it is partly due to the cleanup involved and partly because it can attract rats, which is completely understandable.
Once the rice (or birdseed) has been tossed, many guests will want to take photos with you. Some guests, often colleagues or acquaintances, may not be attending the reception, so they’ll want to chat briefly before leaving. As you can see, this adds up quickly, often extending the timeline by another 30 minutes.
Depending on the number of guests, I always advise couples to allow at least 75 minutes for the ceremony and everything that happens in and around the church. If you’re having a civil ceremony, this timeframe can usually be cut in half, as civil ceremonies are often shorter and held at the same location as the reception.
TIPS FOR A SMOOTH EXIT:
• Take photos inside the church before the rice is thrown. You may not be allowed back inside once the rice has been tossed, so capture those altar shots first.
• Organize the rice toss for the best photos. When you come outside after taking your church photos, the rice (or other items) will likely already have been distributed, and your guests will be ready. Assign one of your guests to help organize the group into a semicircle. This creates a beautiful setting for photos, as you’ll be surrounded by smiling faces. Just make sure not to turn your back—smile and enjoy every moment!
COCKTAIL HOUR(S) - 3:00 PM – approx. 3 hours
Most of my couples opt to head straight to the reception after the ceremony. Some couples ask to take portraits “on the way” to the reception, but I usually discourage this. Taking photos with me (or ask your photographer for their timing) requires about an hour, excluding travel time. I simply think that’s too long for your guests to wait for you.
Many venues are excellent at taking care of your guests while you’re away with the photographer, but in my experience, the best option is to arrive at the reception with your guests. This allows everyone to settle in together, gives you the chance to welcome your guests, share a toast, and possibly cut the wedding cake (unless you’re saving it for dessert).
During a 3-hour reception, plan to be away for about an hour with your photographer. As described in the article about Receptions, I recommend starting the reception by welcoming your guests and cutting the cake. Then, while your guests enjoy the cake, you can slip away to have your portraits taken.
AN ALTERNATIVE TO POST-CEREMONY PHOTOGRAPHY
In the U.S., Sweden, and many other countries, couples often take their wedding portraits before the ceremony. This includes having a “first look,” where the couple sees each other for the first time in an intimate moment, followed by their portrait session.
In Sweden, it’s also common for the couple to walk into the church together while all their guests are waiting. If you don’t want to miss part of your reception or if your timeline is tight due to a late ceremony, this is a great option. More and more couples are choosing this approach, and the private moment of seeing your partner for the first time can be incredibly emotional and meaningful.
You can still include traditional elements, such as walking down the aisle with your father, if that’s important to you.
TIPS FOR THE RECEPTION:
• If seating is limited during the reception, make sure to reserve seats for elderly guests, pregnant women, or anyone with limited mobility.
• Ensure there are shaded areas for guests to relax, along with plenty of drinks—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. I’ve witnessed guests suffering from heatstroke on more than one occasion, both in churches and during receptions. Summers in Denmark have become increasingly warm, and wearing suits doesn’t help the situation! Providing sunscreen and water bottles is also a thoughtful touch.
Planning these small details will help make your reception comfortable and enjoyable for everyone. It ensures that your guests are well cared for while you focus on celebrating your big day!
DINNER - 6:00 PM – 5-6 hours
Once dinner starts, your toastmaster takes over the responsibility of keeping the schedule on track, working closely with the venue staff. Most Danish weddings have between 60 and 70 dinner guests and typically feature 7–12 speeches or activities. While this might sound like a lot, it’s usually possible to fit everything in and still dance your first dance before midnight—if you’re following tradition. Of course, there’s no rule that says you have to follow tradition!
Some speeches might only be a few minutes long, while others could involve activities lasting 15–20 minutes. Don’t worry though—these longer segments are often fun and interactive, engaging not just you as the couple but also your guests.
That said, there are exceptions! Some weddings might have only 4–5 speeches, while others might feature speeches lasting over 20 minutes. It’s all part of the experience and something you’ll need to embrace.
Dinner typically wraps up around 11:00 or 11:30 PM, when guests head out for some fresh air and coffee while the venue staff clears the tables and prepares for the first dance. I highly recommend coordinating with your musicians so the party kicks off immediately after your first dance. Everyone will already be gathered around the dance floor, making it the perfect moment to transition into the celebration.
Avoid speeches, activities, or gift-opening after the first dance. Instead, spend this time with your guests—they’ll appreciate it far more than watching you open presents!
TIPS FOR A SMOOTH DINNER EXPERIENCE:
• Worried about talking to all your guests? Create a seating plan with two empty chairs at each table, so you and your partner can rotate and spend time with different groups.
• Set up a designated spot for speeches and activities. If space allows, reserve a good location for those giving speeches or performing activities. Not everyone speaks loudly, and if someone is seated at the far end of the room, their voice might not carry to everyone.
• Keep speech timing organized. If there are many speeches or activities, it’s crucial that your toastmaster is strict about the order of events and designated breaks, like smoking or restroom breaks. Guests walking in and out during speeches can be distracting and unfair to the speaker.
• Allow guests to finish eating before the next speech. Make sure there’s enough time for everyone to enjoy their food before the next speech begins. It’s not fair to the speaker or the guests if people are still eating or distracted.
With the right planning and a toastmaster who keeps things running smoothly, your dinner will flow seamlessly, allowing everyone to enjoy the evening and focus on celebrating with you!
PARTY – 00:00 onwards
How Long Does a Wedding Party Actually Last?
I often hear the phrase, “We’ll party until dawn!” But how often does that really happen? Having played at countless weddings over the past 20 years, I can honestly say it’s rare. I can count on two hands the number of times a wedding party has continued past 3 or 4 am.
When I used to perform with my band or DJ, I’d typically say we play until 3 am, and many couples would enthusiastically tell me that their friends are “hardcore party animals” who’ll definitely keep going until 5 am. However, they often forget that a wedding is not just another night out.
The bride has probably been up since 6 or 7 am after very little sleep, and guests have likely been up since mid-morning, getting ready for the day. From there, it’s been one long, emotional, and festive event. After a 5–6 hour dinner full of delicious food, laughter, tears, and plenty of wine and beer, people are ready to party when midnight strikes—but their energy is already dwindling.
That doesn’t mean your party will be dull! In fact, most parties are full of energy and excitement, but they usually wrap up by 3 am. Of course, you’ll always have a handful of hardcore guests who are ready to continue until morning, but by then, it’s more of an after-party.
Ending on a High Note
In my experience, dinner usually ends around 2 am, and about a third of the guests will call it a night, heading home or to their hotel rooms. The remaining guests will dig deep into their reserve energy and give it their all until around 3–3:30 am, at which point it’s time to wind things down. Keep in mind that as a guest, you’ve been going for 15–16 hours, and as the couple, you’ve likely been on your feet for 20+ hours.
This doesn’t mean every wedding follows this pattern—there are always exceptions. Some parties do continue until 4, 5, or even 6 am. Most musicians will also be happy to extend their performance an hour at a time for an additional fee. However, I recommend having a playlist and sound system ready after 3 am. There’s no need to pay for live music or a DJ when there are only a few people left on the dance floor, no matter how good your intentions were!
GOOD TIPS:
1. Keep the bar near the dance floor.
Never have the bar in a different room than the dance floor. Even the best musicians can’t compete with a crowd gathered around a bar in another room. If the bar is right next to the dance floor, the floor will stay packed from start to finish!
2. Coordinate late-night snacks with live music.
If you have live music, make sure the kitchen doesn’t serve late-night snacks while the band is playing. Most late-night snacks are pre-prepared and just need to be served, so plan to bring them out during a break or after the band finishes. No band can compete with grilled hotdogs at 2:30 am—it’s an instant dance floor killer.
3. Treat your musicians well.
Ensure the staff looks after the musicians and that they have everything they need. Happy musicians will go above and beyond to give you the party of a lifetime. Plus, well-treated musicians will speak highly of your venue, acting as walking advertisements. It’s a win-win for everyone!
4. Save the gift-opening for another day.
Don’t open gifts during the party—or even earlier in the day. Your guests are there to celebrate with you, not to watch you unwrap presents. Opening gifts can really deflate the atmosphere, so save it for a quieter moment after the wedding.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure your wedding party ends on a high note and leaves everyone with amazing memories!
ONE LAST ADVICE:
ENJOY IT! And make sure to give yourself a few minutes of alone time here and there. Look each other deep in the eyes and enjoy the moment. You’ll hear it so often, but it simply can’t be said enough. It goes SO fast. And then it’s over. A year of planning, nervousness, worry and excitement – gone in 14-15 hours. And it feels like a few hours. Trust me!
