Tear up the rule book: non-traditional wedding day timelines

Photo by Anneli Marinovich.

Weddings are a celebration of love, and what better way to make your special day truly memorable than by breaking free from tradition and reimagining the order of events? We’ll let you in on a secret: couples often ask us “do you think it would be ok if we…” and nine times out of 10 the answer is “it’s your day, if that’s how you want to do it, then why not?!” In this blog post, we'll explore creative ideas for switching up the traditional wedding day timeline. From moving the cocktail reception before the ceremony to opting for an evening ceremony and with a late dinner, we'll dive into a few ways you can switch up your wedding day to make it work better for you and your guests.

Sipping and Mingling

Why wait until after the ceremony to celebrate? Shake things up by hosting a pre-ceremony cocktail reception. This allows your guests to arrive and immediately immerse themselves in a relaxed and social atmosphere. Picture a garden setting with a chic lounge setup where friends and family can sip signature cocktails, indulge in appetizers, and enjoy each other's company. Here's a sample timeline to consider:

4:00 PM: Guests arrive for the pre-ceremony cocktail reception.

5:30 PM: Guests are invited to take their seats for the ceremony.

6:00 PM: The ceremony begins.

Twilight Elegance

For a touch of enchantment, consider hosting an evening ceremony followed by a late dinner. This unique approach allows you to exchange vows under the romantic glow of twinkling lights or by the soft hues of a sunset. Here's a suggested timeline:

7:00 PM: Guests arrive and are seated for the ceremony.

7:30 PM: The ceremony commences.

8:30 PM: Cocktail hour or pre-dinner mingling.

9:00 PM: Late dinner is served, accompanied by toasts and speeches.

Intimate Elegance

For an intimate and cozy experience, why not flip the traditional order and have your ceremony after dinner? This arrangement allows you to create an intimate ambiance where your closest family and friends can witness your vows in a more relaxed setting. Note: We generally only recommend this if your party is mainly made up of lighter drinkers! Here's a suggested timeline:

6:00 PM: Guests arrive and enjoy pre-dinner cocktails and appetizers.

7:00 PM: Dinner is served, followed by toasts and speeches.

8:30 PM: Guests are invited to gather for the ceremony.

9:00 PM: The ceremony takes place.

Capturing Blissful Moments

Consider starting your wedding day with a memorable photoshoot, capturing the anticipation and excitement of the moments leading up to your ceremony. This option allows you to enjoy a leisurely morning with your partner, capturing stunning images that will forever encapsulate the essence of your love. This option is particularly popular for couples who are having city weddings in France either in Paris or Bordeaux. Here's a suggested timeline:

6:00 AM: Hair and makeup starts (yes, you’ll need to be prepared for an early morning for this one!)

9:00 AM: Begin the photoshoot, capturing candid and posed moments.

12:00 PM: You come back to your accommodation, have a rest. Hair and makeup can change your look if desired.

2:00 PM Guests arrive for a daytime celebration, featuring a brunch or lunch reception.

3:00 PM: Ceremony takes place, followed by celebratory activities and mingling.

Variations and Ideas

Here are some additional ideas to inspire you in switching up the traditional wedding day order:

Sunset Ceremony and Fireworks: Exchange vows at sunset, followed by a stunning firework display before you settle down for a delicious gastronomic wedding meal.

Explorers’ Wedding: Host each element of your celebration at multiple locations, such as a garden ceremony, followed by a cocktail hour at a historic venue, and concluding with a grand reception at a luxurious ballroom. This option works best in larger cities.

Your wedding day is a reflection of your unique love story, and breaking tradition allows you to infuse your celebration with personal touches and unforgettable moments. From pre-ceremony cocktail receptions to evening ceremonies and late dinners, exploring alternative timelines opens up a world of possibilities. Embrace the freedom to design a wedding day that speaks to your heart, ensuring an experience that will be cherished by you and your guests for a lifetime. It's your day, your love, and your chance to create a celebration that defies convention and reflects the essence of your extraordinary journey together.