The Perfect Timeline for a Marquee Wedding
A marquee wedding gives you the freedom to design your day from the ground up—but with that freedom comes the need for a carefully structured timeline. Without a venue dictating proceedings, it’s essential to create a smooth, well-paced schedule that flows naturally and keeps guests engaged from start to finish.
In my experience, a 2pm ceremony works beautifully. Whether you're marrying at home with a celebrant or nearby in a church, this time allows for a relaxed morning and a well-paced afternoon. A home ceremony typically lasts 30 minutes; a church service around 45 minutes, plus travel time if needed.
After the ceremony, allow 90 minutes for your drinks reception. This gives 20 minutes for formal group photos and another 20 minutes for couples portraits, with ample time left for mingling and canapés. Seating guests for dinner should take no more than 30 minutes, including the entrance of the couple.
Speeches are best together either before the meal or after mains to allow a break before pudding, consider what you are servicing your guests as this is the hardest part of the day to schedule, if you are planning on serving fillet of beef or pink lamb opt for speeches after main so your caterer can plan their timings with ease, with each lasting around 15 minutes—keep the total to about 45 minutes. For the meal itself, allow 2 to 2.5 hours, including service and clearance. A coffee station works well as a relaxed alternative to serving coffee at the table.
Evening entertainment should flow directly from the final course. I suggest cutting the cake and starting the first dance as soon as the band is ready. These moments create a natural transition and keep the energy high. Most bands perform two 60-minute sets, followed by a DJ until around 1am—five hours of dancing feels generous without dragging on.
Always set a clear finish time. Open-ended celebrations can feel aimless by the end, and guests are more comfortable knowing when to arrange transport.
From a logistical point of view, marquee weddings require more coordination. Unlike venues, there's no turnaround time needed between ceremony and reception, so the flow remains uninterrupted. But that also means your suppliers need early access and time to prepare.
Marquees usually go up the day before, with set-up happening that afternoon. On the wedding day, access from 8am is ideal, with most suppliers arriving from 10am. I always advise that all visible areas be fully set one hour before guest arrival. Staff should be in place and ready to serve at least 15 minutes before the ceremony ends.
It’s important to plan for contingencies—particularly weather. Decisions about relocating outdoor elements should be made at least two hours before guests arrive to give staff time to adapt.
Entertainment during the day avoids lulls. Whether it's live music during the drinks reception or background playlists during dinner, every moment should feel intentional. Transitions between parts of the day—such as moving to dinner or welcoming evening guests—should be smooth and well-paced.
Evening food works best during the band’s break. This is a natural lull in the energy and an ideal time for guests to recharge. A clear call for carriages at 1am offers a full evening without overstaying.
Every event I plan is tailored to the couple. Timings are shaped around seasonality, light levels, and the rhythm that suits your day. Common mistakes include underestimating how long transitions or speeches take. A thoughtful schedule allows space without rushing.
A well-planned timeline isn’t just about structure—it shapes the entire experience. With the right flow, your marquee wedding will feel effortless, elegant, and unforgettable.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the suggested timings for a smooth marquee wedding day:
2:00pm — Ceremony begins
2:30–3:15pm — Ceremony ends (depending on type)
3:30–5:00pm — Drinks reception (includes 20 mins for group photos and 20 mins for couple portraits)
5:00–5:30pm — Guests seated, couple entrance
5:30–6:15pm — Speeches (up to 3 x 15 mins)
6:15–8:30pm — Dinner service (including clearing)
8:30pm — Cake cutting and first dance
8:45–10:00pm — Band first set
10:00–10:30pm — Band break and evening food
10:30–11:30pm — Band second set
11:30pm–1:00am — DJ set
1:00am — Carriages
This outline can be adapted to suit your day, but it provides a useful starting point for a seamless, well-paced celebration.
