A post about time (and some ideas for planning a wedding day that will maximise yours!)
A Saturday afternoon ceremony with a reception to follow is a popular choice for a reason - but it isn’t the only run sheet that works. Here are three alternatives I loved over summer 2023/24!
THE SUNDAY SESSION.
RUN SHEET
Venue: Glasshaus Inside
Guests: 45
Guests arrive: Midday
Ceremony: 12:30pm
Reception: 1:00pm onwards
Why I loved this: There is just something much more chilled about getting married on a Sunday! A 12:30pm ceremony also gives you much more time to enjoy the afternoon with your guests - there’s no rush to get that post-ceremony sunset shot. After the ceremony, you’ve got plenty of time to mingle, dance and celebrate with your guests before ducking out for photos later on when the light is at its best.
THE TWO DAY CELEBRATION.
RUN SHEET (x 2!)
THURSDAY
Guests: 30 (family and close friends)
Venue: Home
Guests arrive: 2:00pm
Ceremony: 3:00pm
Reception: 4pm onwards - private dining at home with onsite chef!
SATURDAY
Guests: 100+ (everyone!)
Venue: Back where it all began (in the backyard!)
Reception: 6pm onwards - drinks, dancing and speeches
Why I loved this: Trying to pack in a ceremony, speeches and other formalities all in one day (while also trying to find time to let your hair down) can be a squeeze. For this backyard wedding, the couple chose to have their ceremony at home on a Thursday afternoon with family and close friends, followed by a larger reception/party a couple of days later. Splitting the ceremony and celebration over two days means you don’t have the stress of trying to pack it all into one day and have more time to enjoy yourself! And in my view, two parties are always better than one :)
THE THURSDAY DINNER.
Guests: 12 (family only)
Venue: Epocha
Guests arrive: 5:30pm
Ceremony: 6:00pm
Dinner and cocktails: 6:30pm onwards
Why I loved this: While I know it was tough for this couple to say no to having friends at their wedding, the relaxed vibes at this Thursday evening soiree were so immaculate that I’m sure the tough call was worth it. Having a small wedding in a restaurant means everything is taken care of and there are none of the usual complicated logistics that are involved with large groups. Post-ceremony espresso martinis on the terrace overlooking Carlton Gardens (the perfect photo spot) was also a big tick for me.