🤍 🔔 Save your dream date – exclusive wedding offers now live,Click Here
Couple walking into a room

What is the best timeline for my wedding day?

Lauren Withers, Venue Manager
Author

Lauren Withers

Venue Manager

Date
CategoryPlanning Tips

You’ve booked your venue and now you have to start planning the timescale, so how should you time your day? If booking your wedding with us we give all couples access to an online portal that is personalised with their event schedule, we even create a timeline for you to work with based on your booked ceremony time.

Morning Preparations

(8:00 AM – 12:00 PM):

Start the day with a relaxed morning. Ensure hair and makeup sessions are completed with enough time for any unexpected delays (warning: sometimes this does require a 6am start!). Make sure the photographer is booked to start early to capture those precious pre-wedding moments with your bridal party and family.

Ceremony (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM):

We recommend having your ceremony between 12 and 2pm which allows the perfect amount of time between the ceremony and wedding breakfast. If the weather is on your side, and you are able to take advantage of an outdoor ceremony, consider providing shade or hand fans for guests.

Cocktail Hour and Photos (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM):

Following the ceremony, this is where the fun really begins. This time provides an opportunity for guests to mingle, enjoy some welcome drinks and games, while you and your wedding party capture those all important photos.

Wedding Breakfast (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM):

Try not to leave too much time between the ceremony finishing and the wedding breakfast, if it’s 3+ hours we recommend having some canapés for guests in the meantime. Be mindful of the sunset time, ensuring there’s ample natural light during this portion of your celebration.

Speeches and Toasts (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM):

Traditionally speeches and toasts take place after the wedding breakfast, however more couples are doing these at the start to get the nerves out the way. Use the fading daylight to your advantage for heartfelt moments captured in the golden hour. Ensure all speakers and your Wedding Coordinator are briefed on the timeline to maintain a smooth flow.

Evening Guests, Cutting the Cake & First Dance (7:00 PM – 7:30 PM):

Evening guests tend to arrive at 7pm, where you can then carry out the tradition of cutting the cake and then whisking to the dance floor for the all important first dance. Your Wedding Coordinator will then cut the cake into portions and serve for your guests.

Evening Entertainment (7:30 PM – 11:00 PM):

As the day transitions into the evening, kick off the entertainment. Whether it’s a live band, DJ, or a mix of both, ensure your chosen entertainment keeps the energy high and the dance floor full. Consider room and outdoor lighting to enhance the ambiance as the night progresses. A good idea once the sun has set is to do a sparkler tunnel outside with all your guests, this makes for wonderful photos!

Late-Night Snacks and Send-Off (11:30 PM Onward):

Conclude the evening with late-night snacks and a memorable send-off (pasties are the number one favourite). Then you can retire to your evening accommodation for a night to remember!

More Posts You Might Like

Kerry and Crispin
Planning Tips

Last Minute Wedding

Why a Last-Minute Wedding Might Be the Best Decision You Ever Make When most couples start planning their wedding, they picture a year or two of preparation, endless spreadsheets, supplier searches, and decision fatigue. But what if we told you that some of the most magical weddings we’ve hosted at The Barn at Pengelly have come together in just a matter of months? That was exactly the case for Kerry and Crispin, who tied the knot with us this summer after deciding just two months before that they were ready to make it official. A Full-Circle Love Story Kerry and Crispin first visited Pengelly back in 2022, just before we opened our doors and had planned to hold their wedding with us in 2023, but as life often does, unexpected circumstances and the arrival of a new family member meant their original plans were put on hold. Fast-forward to June 2025, and they decided it was time to make their dream day happen, setting the date for August 2025. With just eight weeks to plan, our team jumped straight into action. How to Plan a Wedding in Two Months Pulling together a wedding in such a short time might sound daunting, but with the right venue and support, it can be stress-free (and surprisingly fun!). At Pengelly, our team helped Kerry and Crispin every step of the way, from finding last-minute suppliers to styling the décor and ensuring every detail felt personal to them. One of the biggest perks of a short lead time? Supplier availability and last-minute offers. Many of the brilliant local florists, photographers, and stylists we work with often have discounted rates for dates still open in their calendar, meaning couples can save without compromising on quality. Kerry & Crispin’s Kind Words “You have been nothing but amazing from the first original wedding date and were so understanding and supportive when we had to reschedule and find a new date that worked for us. From start to finish your team were outstanding, nothing was ever too much trouble! From helping us find last-minute suppliers to setting up the décor exactly how we wanted it, everything was just perfect and seamless. We honestly wish we could relive the day again, by far the best service and venue we could ever have dreamt of.” Captured beautifully by I Do Film Photo, Kerry & Crispin’s day was filled with joy, relaxed elegance, and that special kind of energy that only comes when everything just clicks into place.

Read more
Pippa & Wenna Hicks
Pippa & Wenna Hicks
Co-Owners
A tablescape
Planning Tips

Stress-Free Style: Wedding Table Styling Packages & Enhancements

Planning a wedding should feel exciting, not overwhelming. At The Barn at Pengelly, we know how many details go into bringing your vision to life, which is why we’ve created our wedding styling packages and on-site enhancements to make the process effortless. Designed to take the stress out of your big day, our curated table décor options help you achieve a cohesive, beautiful look, without the endless sourcing or setup worries.

Read more
Lauren Withers, Venue Manager
Lauren Withers
Venue Manager