Planning a destination wedding is filled with excitement, lots of intricate organisation and communication like no other so having a well-structured, crystal-clear wedding timeline is imperative. It will not only ensure your day will run smoothly, but it will make sure that your wedding is an unforgettable experience for both you and your guests who will have travelled far and wide to be there with you to celebrate. So, where to start? From a venue that’s experienced in hosting luxury wedding experiences, we share our top tips and advice on how to create a wedding timeline for your destination wedding.
Photographer Thomas Audiffren
Pre Wedding Preparation
Clear communication with your guests as early on as possible is imperative when it comes to destination weddings. The earlier you can give them the details the better. If you have a wedding planner then you can draw on their experience to help you with vendors and organisation of the wedding too. Your pre-wedding preparation will come in use when it comes to creating your wedding day timeline so make sure you are organised and keep everything you may need in a safe place. If you have a planner work with them to create a timeline that suits you and the requirements of your day. If you are organising yourself then make sure you communicate your timeline and plans with everyone involved in the day and don’t forget to include buffer time to accommodate any unexpected delays the best you can.
Photographer Ioana Porav
Day 1: Arrival and Welcome Dinner
The arrival of your wedding guests is the first part of your exciting experience on your wedding day timeline. Excitement fills the air and everyone gets the chance to meet and greet before your big day. A welcome dinner is a great way to chat with everyone and welcome them to your celebration. This could either be a low-key relaxed BBQ on the lawns with a cocktail or two, or a formal dinner with wine pairings. We have hosted an array of different welcome dinners here at Château Saint Georges and we work with couples to create a welcome event that matches the vibe and theme of their wedding experience.
- 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Guest Arrivals and Check-In
- 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Welcome Dinner
Photographer Ioana Porav
Day 2 – Wedding Day
Your wedding day is the main event so the more information you can get on your timeline the better. Think about wedding morning prep, pre-wedding photography and hair and makeup touch-ups. Schedule time for individual and group photos with the bridal party and couple photos too. Providing light refreshments or a welcome drink will make sure your guests are kept happy and hydrated as they wait for the ceremony to begin. Dinner, speeches, dancing and food times as well as any special traditions or activities should also be included.
Morning
- 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Hair and Makeup
- 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Groom and Groomsmen Preparation
Pre-Ceremony
- 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Bridal Party and Couple’s Photos
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Final Touches
Ceremony
- 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Guest Arrival and Seating
- 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM: Wedding Ceremony
- 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Cocktail Hour
- 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Wedding Breakfast and Speeches
- 6:00PM – 7:00PM Cutting the Cake/Special Traditions and Photography
- 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM: Evening Reception
Photography Jeremie HKB
Day 3: Post-Wedding Brunch and Farewell
Hosting a relaxed brunch or drinks with canapes gives you the perfect chance to thank your guests and say goodbye in a more informal setting before your guests check out. Providing transportation or options for transportation is always welcomed at destination weddings too.
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Post-Wedding Brunch
- 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Check-Out and Departures
Photography Victoria Quirk
Creating a detailed wedding day timeline for your destination wedding weekend ensures that every moment goes to plan and is sress-free. Here at Château Saint Georges, we help couples to create a day or weekend that’s perfect for them. Whether that’s having a pre-wedding spa experience or a wine-tasting event for your guests. We’re here to create a wedding day experience that’s unforgettable. If you would like to know more about our venue and packages get in touch!
You can see more of our weddings here >> A COUPLE’S GUIDE TO WEDDINGS AT CHÂTEAU SAINT GEORGES, CÔTE D’AZUR