Exploring a typical wedding day schedule can be a helpful starting point for your planning process. It’s important to allocate extra time for each part of the day to avoid feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
If you’re a fan of the Get Wed Podcast, be sure to tune in to our episode about Wedding Day Timings for more insights.
Getting Ready
To capture moments of getting ready before the ceremony, consider arriving at least 2 hours in advance. Factor in additional time for both the bride and groom’s morning preparations for thorough coverage.
Dressing Up
Plan to spend about an hour getting dressed, as delays are common. Leave at least 20 minutes before the ceremony to account for parking and last-minute preparations.
Ceremony Time
Civil ceremonies typically last around 30 minutes, while church ceremonies can extend to about an hour.
Post-Ceremony
Allocate 20 minutes for greeting guests and arranging group photos after the ceremony.
Group Portraits
To keep group photos engaging, limit them to 5-8 groups and allow approximately 40 minutes for this session.
Couple Portraits
Schedule two 30-minute portrait sessions, one during the drinks reception and another later in the day, weather permitting.
Reception
Set aside 1.5 to 2 hours for a mix of mingling, group shots, and couple photos before the wedding reception.
Details Capture
Dedicate 15 minutes to capturing details before guests are seated for dinner.
Speeches
Speech lengths can vary, so plan accordingly to avoid delays in the evening program.
Room Turnaround
Following speeches, prepare for the evening festivities by arranging the room for post-dinner activities and entertainment.
Cake Cutting
Traditionally, the cake cutting ceremony marks the beginning of the evening celebrations before the first dance.
First Dance
Transition seamlessly from cutting the cake to the first dance to maintain the guests’ enthusiasm and get them ready to hit the dance floor.
Capture candid moments for about 30 minutes after the first dance before wrapping up for the day.
Discover the purpose and importance of having an order of service for your wedding day.
What is an Order of Service?
An order of service serves as a guide for your wedding day, providing guests with details about the events and timeline. It helps guests anticipate and participate in the ceremony.
Order of services is typically placed on seats or distributed at the entrance for guests’ convenience.
Also referred to as a ceremony program, an order of service outlines the sequence of events for the day, ensuring everyone is informed.
While the order of service is commonly used in weddings, it can also be adapted for various ceremonies such as funerals. This guide focuses specifically on weddings.
The order of service usually consists of an outer cover and an insert, with details like venue information, couple’s names, and ceremony time on the cover.
The insert contains the content of the order of service, providing guests with a rundown of the day’s events. Depending on the complexity, it may require multiple pages with readings, prayers, and hymns.
The front page typically displays the venue, couple’s names, and ceremony time, and a customized design can enhance its visual appeal.
Inside, guests will find a detailed schedule of events, including entrance, hymns, prayers, readings, and blessings. Lyrics may be included for guests to participate in songs.
Details of the wedding party and other key individuals are often listed, allowing for personalization.
A message of gratitude to guests and special acknowledgments can be included at the end to show appreciation.
Incorporating photos into the order of service can add a personal touch, with options for placement on the cover or inside pages.
Designing the order of service should consider the type of ceremony, whether religious or civil, and adhere to venue regulations and specific requirements.
A downloadable template is available for a basic order of service, covering elements like hymns, prayers, and readings.
Copyrighted music and content must be reproduced with permission, ensuring legal compliance and proper attribution.
Overall, the order of service plays a vital role in guiding guests through the wedding ceremony, providing essential information in a personalized and engaging format.
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Explore the sequence of a Catholic wedding with Mass, alongside notes and alternative forms of the Order of Celebrating Matrimony.
Order of Celebrating Matrimony Within Mass
Details the entrance procession in a Catholic wedding.
The congregation stands during the entrance song as the priest, ministers, and wedding party position themselves near the altar.
The priest greets the assembly, and a Gloria is sung by everyone in attendance.
Various options are available for the Opening Prayer.
The priest leads the Liturgy of the Word with readings and the Gospel.
The Matrimony celebration includes addresses, consent, blessings, and the exchange of rings.
The couple responds to intentions, exchange vows, and bless rings.
The congregation recites the Creed on Sundays or solemnities, followed by the reading of the Universal Prayer.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist features the Prayer Over the Gifts and the Eucharistic prayer.
The couple receives a nuptial blessing and offers peace to the assembly.
The congregation receives communion and a solemn blessing before the dismissal.
Explanatory notes
- Explains the components of the Catholic wedding Mass in a specific order.
- Provides instructions on when to sit, stand, and kneel, with additional resources and musical accompaniment.
- For a comprehensive look at the Order of the Mass, including prayers and responses, click on the link below.
- Regional variations exist due to adaptations by local bishops’ conferences.
For more information
Order of a Catholic wedding ceremony without Mass
A detailed guide to a Catholic wedding ceremony without Mass.
Order of a wedding between a Catholic and an unbaptized individual
A detailed guide to a wedding between a Catholic and a non-baptized individual.
Choosing the style of your wedding
Consult with your priest or deacon about the Rite of Marriage options for your wedding. Here are three fundamental choices.
Other websites
The Structure of the Mass
A thorough examination of the Mass’s structure, elements, and prayers provided by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Statement from the USCCB Committee on Divine Worship:
The Gloria is now more frequently used throughout the Roman Missal, Third Edition. Ritual Masses like Confirmation, Holy Orders, or Marriage require the Gloria, treating them as Feasts. Although Advent and Lent regulations apply, the Gloria is included in these ritual masses, excluding Sundays of Advent and Lent.
Additional resources:
For more information on the structure and elements of the Mass, visit the official website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. They provide a wealth of resources for understanding and participating in the celebration of the Mass.