So I found out from my venue when the earliest I could get there by and then obviously they gave an end time for the reception. I gave myself an hour and a half before the ceremony for getting ready photos with my photographer - you and your girls should be hair & makeup ready by the time she/he arrives - and then booked her until the end of the reception.

Usually weddings are 5-6 hours total. So I would say (if you want an evening wedding...also I'm basing this off of how my venue does things) to do a 5:30-6 ceremony, 6-7 cocktail hour, and 7-11 reception. Your announcements and first dance would start at 7 and then budget an 1-1.5 hours for dinner (leaving you at around 8:30).

Here's my timeline: 5:30 - 8 am: Makeup and hair 9:00 am: Photographer arrival at mom’s house 10:00 am: Arrival at Country Club 10:00 am – 10:45 am: Bride portraits, details, and bridesmaids photos 10:45 am – 11:15 am: Groom and groomsmen photos 11:00 am: Hot cocoa bar begins, DJ to begin music when guests arrive 11:15 am – 11:20 am: Bride & groom blind first look & card exchange Ceremony 11:30 am: Line up 11:30 am – 12:00 pm: Ceremony (11:35 am is realistic start time) Cocktail Hour 12:00 pm – 12:55 pm: Cocktail hour 12:55 pm: WCC staff instruct guests to take seats Reception 1:00 pm: Grand entrances; Photo Booth starts set-up 1:00 pm – 1:05 pm: First Dance 1:05 pm – 1:20 pm: Time to mingle with guests 1:20 pm – 2:00 pm: Dinner served 2:00 pm – 2:15 pm: Father/Daughter dance; Mother/Son dance 2:15 pm – 3 pm: Dancing 3 pm – 3:30 pm: Dessert served; Cake-cutting 3:30 pm – 5 pm: Dancing (bouquet & garter toss around 4 pm?)