Wedding Day: A Bride's Schedule for a Noon Wedding

Organizing prep time is key to cut down on stress, confusion, panic, and temporary insanity.
Having a noon wedding? Organizing prep time is key. To cut down on stress, confusion, panic, and temporary insanity, let our minute-by-minute wedding day schedule calmly guide you through your day, from waking up to walking down the aisle. Make changes to fit your needs. Ready? Then get set and go for it!

NIGHT BEFORE THE BIG DAY
Confirm all limo and car service pick-up and drop-off times, plus any other wedding day arrangements. Bust out your contact sheet and divvy up the calls.

7:00 a.m.
Up and at 'em -- your big day has arrived. Grab a light, energy-enhancing breakfast: cereal with milk, a small bagel with cream cheese served with juice or milk, or yogurt with low-fat granola are all good choices for optimal energy. To avoid the shakes, limit coffee intake to one or two cups.

7:15 a.m.
Check a weather report and call your wedding day team to make any necessary adjustments. Time to hit the shower.

7:45 a.m.
You own the next two hours. Be a princess and let your makeup artist and hair stylist fuss over you. (Your maid of honor should be in tow at this point.) Once you two are acclimated, change into a robe or button-up shirt -- white for you if you're wearing a white dress -- to achieve the right color scheme for your makeup application. Knot Note: If you think you'll need more prep time, build it into your schedule -- ask your beauty pros in advance about how much time they'll need.

9:45 a.m.
Head to the changing room or suite you've reserved at the hotel. Some brides (and their maids of honor) sleep at the hotel the night before for peace of mind. Remember to take your pre-packed emergency kit, dress steamer, aspirin, good luck charms, favorite CDs, and other essential items. As for your dress, hopefully you brought it over the night before, or your mom (or other trusted soul) will bring it by later.

10:00 a.m.
Bridesmaids arrive with dresses and emergency equipment in hand -- extra stockings, hairspray, sewing kits, clear nail polish, bobby pins, dental floss, and tissues. Their hair and makeup should be done already.
The photographer arrives for shots of bride and bridesmaids primping and getting dressed, looking in the mirror, and other cool candids. You are the focal point, but moms and bridesmaids should be dressed and ready for camera action.

10:15 a.m.
Mom arrives with your dress, your sisters, and the groom's mom and sisters (if they're not in the wedding party). Their hair and makeup will be done already.
Even though you meticulously made a list and brought all your gear, check to be sure you have everything you need (garter, perfume, something old, new, borrowed, and blue). There's still time to send someone on an errand or two.

10:30 a.m.
Two of your bridesmaids attend to your dress. One takes care of steaming and pressing, while the other inspects for loose threads and wrinkles. Bouquets arrive and are distributed before photos. The photographer's assistant arrives at the hotel to set up for pre-wedding photos.

10:45 a.m.
Visit the toilet one last time. Begin dressing. Start with hosiery and undergarments, then slip or petticoat. Wearing a garter? Slide it on now.

11:00 a.m.
Time to slip into your wedding gown. Let your attendants button, fuss, smooth, pat, and gush. Step into your shoes, then don your jewelry and gloves. Savor how gorgeous you look and feel. Breathe.

11:20 a.m.
Dad (or other escort) arrives in a limo at the hotel. You, your mom, and your maid of honor depart for the ceremony.

11:30 a.m.
Bridesmaids, sisters, and the groom's mom depart for the ceremony in limos or town cars.

11:40 a.m.
Meet with your officiant in a designated room at the ceremony site to sign the civil marriage license (and the ketubah, if you're having a Jewish wedding). Your maid of honor signs as your witness.

11:50 a.m.
Hang out with your maids, Mom, Dad, and your wedding coordinator. Get psyched.
Meanwhile, the prelude begins and your guests are seated.

12:00 p.m.
Ushers and groomsmen begin seating important family members such as grandparents, aunts, and uncles.
Your officiant walks down the aisle (or enters from the side) and takes his/her place.
The groom and best man follow (if you're having a Jewish wedding, the groom is escorted down the aisle by his parents, while the best man walks with the groomsmen).
If there is an aisle runner, two of the groomsmen roll it out.

12:35 p.m.
Procession music starts.
Wedding attendants take their places (in pre-determined order).

12:40 p.m.
Attendants proceed down the aisle.
Dad and Mom assume positions on either side of you. (This is the typical arrangement at Jewish weddings, but any bride can have as many escorts as she wants.)

12:48 p.m.
You, Dad, and Mom head down the aisle. Lock eyes with your sweetie, standing just a few footsteps away. Savor the moment and breathe. It's show time...

 

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