You get engaged, pop some bubbles, soak up the excitement and chat about your dream day. And then you actually have to start planning your wedding. Where do you start? I completely understand that overwhelm can kick in.
Most of us have only been to a couple of weddings, let alone had to plan one ourselves. So I wanted to write this blog to give you the absolute basics of a simple wedding day timeline — especially if you’re planning a Kent wedding — so you have a bit of knowhow – knowledge is power right?
Based on a “typical” civil registrar-led wedding ceremony in Kent and the surrounding counties here is a simple wedding day timeline: the basics for couples who don’t know where to start.
Getting Ready – before the ceremony
Your getting-ready start time will depend on a few things:
- Whether you’re getting ready at the same venue as your ceremony
- How many people are having hair and makeup
- Whether you’ve booked professional hair and makeup artists
Hair and makeup always take longer than you expect, so my biggest tip is this:
Plan to be ready at least one hour before your ceremony time.
This gives you breathing space, keeps things relaxed, and avoids that rushed feeling before you even walk down the aisle.
About 40–45 minutes before the ceremony, the registrars will meet with one of you to go through the ceremony details and check information against your Notice of Marriage. Around 20–25 minutes before, they’ll then see the other partner.
The Wedding Ceremony
A typical civil wedding ceremony lasts around 25 minutes, although this can vary depending on your wording choices and whether you include any readings.
Straight after the ceremony is the perfect time for confetti — one of my absolute favourite moments of the day. After that, it’s time to grab a drink, soak up the congratulations, hugs, and kisses, and officially begin your drinks reception.
Drinks Reception
A drinks reception usually lasts around 90 minutes, and it’s one of the most important parts of your wedding day timeline.
This time is used for:
- Mingling with your guests
- Group photos
- Relaxed portraits of you both
- Capturing natural, candid moments
- Photographing the styling and setup of your wedding breakfast
From a photography point of view, this is when everything feels most natural. I personally leave your couple portraits until later in the drinks reception, giving you a lovely breather before heading into your wedding breakfast.
If you want your day to feel calm and unhurried, anything shorter than 90 minutes can feel tight. If you’re dreaming of live music, lawn games, or entertainment, consider stretching this to two hours for a truly relaxed feel.
The Wedding Breakfast
Your wedding breakfast is simply the name given to your main meal. Traditionally, it was the first meal after a couple married — the “breaking of the fast” — hence the name.
The length of your wedding breakfast depends on:
- Your food choices
- Whether you’re having speeches before or after
A three-course sit-down meal typically lasts 2–2.5 hours.
These days, there are no rules. Your wedding breakfast might be:
- A formal sit-down meal
- A buffet or sharing feast
- Grazing tables
- Food trucks
The most important thing? Make it feel like you.
Speeches – Before or After the Meal
Traditionally, speeches happened after the meal, but many couples now choose to have them before.
The benefits of speeches before the meal:
- Speakers can relax and enjoy their food
- No nervous anticipation
- Tables look neat and untouched
That said, speeches after the meal work just as well — there’s no right or wrong here.
Evening Celebrations
After the meal, there’s often a coffee or cocktail hour. This allows:
- The venue to be turned around
- The dance floor to be set up
- Bands or DJs to prepare
This is also usually when evening guests arrive.
From here, you might:
- Cut the cake
- Share your first dance
- Open the dance floor and start the party
You’ll then dance the night away, often with evening food served an hour or so later.
Example Wedding Day Timeline
1:00pm – Ceremony
1:25pm – Ceremony ends
1:30pm – Confetti
1:30pm–3:00pm – Drinks reception
3:00pm – Wedding breakfast (speeches before or after)
6:00pm – Coffee / cocktail hour
7:00pm – Evening guests arrive
7:30pm – Cake cut & first dance
Planning your wedding day can feel overwhelming, but having a clear timeline makes everything so much easier — and more relaxed. I hope this guide has helped you understand the flow of a typical Kent wedding day, from getting ready to dancing the night away. If you’re looking for a Kent wedding photographer who will capture all these moments naturally and make you feel completely at ease on the day, I’d love to chat and hear more about your plans.
Here is another blog all about starting to plan your Kent Wedding which you may find helpful too.
If you’re ready to enquire about your Kent wedding photography then get in touch