What Time Should A Summer Wedding Start?

The ideal start time for a summer wedding will depend on several factors such as the location, the type of wedding, and personal preferences.  In general, a summer wedding can start in the late afternoon or early evening when the heat of the day has subsided, and the temperature is cooler.

If the summer wedding is taking place outdoors, you may want to consider starting the ceremony later in the day, around 5 or 6 pm when the sun is starting to set, and the temperature is more comfortable. If the summer wedding is indoors or in a shaded area, you may be able to start a bit earlier, around 4 pm.

It's important to keep in mind the amount of daylight available, especially if you plan on taking photos outside. If you want to have ample time for pictures during the golden hour (the hour before sunset), you may want to consider starting the ceremony a little earlier.

Ultimately, the start time of a summer wedding is up to the couple getting married and should be based on what works best for their particular wedding and guests.

Here is an example of a summer wedding time schedule that you can use as a starting point for your summer wedding plans:

3:00 pm - Wedding party arrives at the ceremony location for pre-ceremony photos

4:00 pm - Guests begin to arrive and are seated

4:30 pm - Ceremony begins (duration of approximately 30 minutes)

5:00 pm - Cocktail hour begins, and guests can enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres while the wedding party takes additional photos

6:00 pm - Reception starts, guests are seated for dinner

6:30 pm - Newlyweds make their grand entrance, followed by the first dance

7:00 pm - Dinner service begins, and guests enjoy their meal

8:00 pm - Toasts and speeches are given, followed by the cutting of the cake

8:30 pm - Dance floor opens, and guests start to hit the dance floor

10:00 pm - Late-night snack service begins (optional)

11:00 pm - Last dance of the night

11:30 pm - Reception ends, and guests start to depart

12:00 am - After-party! 

Keep in mind that the above is just a rough guideline, and you should adjust your timing based on the specifics of your wedding - location, weather, and personal preferences.  It's always a good idea to work with your wedding planner, venue coordinator, or other vendors to create a timeline that works best for you and your guests.

10 Things to Consider for Summer Wedding Timelines

1. Weather: Summer can be unpredictable, so it's important to check the weather forecast for your wedding date and plan accordingly. Make sure to have a backup plan in case of inclement weather.

2. Lighting: If you're planning an outdoor ceremony or reception, consider the timing of the sunset and plan accordingly to ensure you have the best lighting for photos.

3. Guest comfort: It's essential to consider the comfort of your guests, especially in hot weather. Try to avoid scheduling the ceremony or reception during the hottest part of the day, and provide shade, water, wedding parasols, and wedding fans to keep your guests comfortable.

4. Travel time: If your ceremony and reception are in different locations, make sure to factor in travel time when creating your timeline.

5. Photography: Discuss with your photographer the best time of day for photos, taking into account the lighting and the time of day.

6. Availability of vendors: Check with your vendors to ensure they are available during the times you have selected for the wedding and that they have enough time to set up and prepare.

7. Ceremony length: Consider the length of your ceremony when creating your timeline, and allow enough time for guests to arrive, be seated, and depart.

8. Reception timeline: Think about the events that will take place during the reception, such as dinner service, toasts, and dancing, and make sure to allow enough time for each activity.

9. Transportation: If you are providing transportation for your guests, consider the amount of time it will take for them to arrive and depart from the venue.

10. Local ordinances: Check for any local ordinances that may impact the timing of your wedding, such as noise ordinances that may require you to end your reception by a certain time.

Planning a summer wedding start time and overall timeline can be a fun and exciting process, but it's important to consider several factors to ensure that the day runs smoothly and all of your guests are comfortable. Some critical elements to consider include the weather, guest comfort, travel time, photography, and the availability of vendors. Additionally, you'll want to think about the length of the ceremony and the reception, transportation for guests, and any local ordinances that may impact the timing of the wedding. By keeping these factors in mind and working closely with your wedding planner, venue coordinator, or other vendors, you can create a summer wedding timeline that works best for your wedding and ensures a memorable day for you and your guests.