28 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | FEBRUARY 2025
A mock wedding day timeline
Married couples often advise loved ones who are engaged that they should make time to enjoy their wedding days in the moment, noting that the day has a tendency to fly by. The pace of a couple’ s wedding day can seem so fast because the hours leading up to the ceremony and reception are typically filled with activities to ensure couples and bridal parties look their best.
Wedding ceremonies begin at different times depending on variables such as couples’ preference, ceremony site and even the time of year the wedding is taking place. The following timeline, which is based on a summer wedding with a 5 p. m. ceremony, can serve as a guideline for couples as they map out their own big day.
10 a. m.-2 p. m.: Begin getting ready. Grooms and groomsmen typically do not require the same level of attention and amount of prep time as brides and their bridesmaids, so they likely won’ t need to start at 10 in the morning. But brides and their bridesmaids will need ample time to do their hair and makeup, and it may be necessary to begin by 10 a. m. Depending on the size of the bridal party, the hair and makeup session may last to 2 p. m. Grooms and groomsmen can decide when to start getting ready within this four-hour window. If a groom and his groomsmen will get a hot shave at a local barbershop or hairstylist, schedule the shave so there’ s enough time to return to the hotel to get dressed, as it’ s not advisable to get a shave when already dressed in a tuxedo.
2 p. m.: Once everyone’ s hair and makeup is done, a bride can begin to get in her dress. Be sure the photographer is aware of this timeline, as many prefer to document the bride revealing how she looks in her dress.
3 p. m.: Couples who want to do what’ s called a‘ First Look’ can do so at 3 p. m. for a 5 p. m. Couples choose to do a first look for a number of reasons, but it involves
28 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | FEBRUARY 2025