6–8 Hour Micro-Wedding Timelines (Ceremony + Reception)

A beautiful celebration doesn’t need a complicated schedule. The most comfortable evenings follow a clear rhythm with a few well-timed moments and room to breathe. Use these two editor-approved timelines — six hours and eight — as your base, then share them with your coordinator and lead vendors so the cues happen for you.

How to choose your timeline

Choose six hours for a chic, linear evening. Choose eight hours when you’d like an unhurried cocktail hour, a longer portrait window, or a little dancing after.

6-Hour Micro-Wedding (Ceremony + Reception)

Example: 4:30 PM ceremony, 10:30 PM send-off

3:30–4:10 PM — Couple portraits & family formals (with first look)

4:10–4:25 PM — Guest arrival & prelude music

4:30–4:50 PM — Ceremony (see minute-by-minute below)

4:50–5:35 PM — Cocktail hour (canapés + drinks)

5:35–5:45 PM — Guests seated; couple freshen up / room reset

5:45–6:05 PM — First course or family-style open

6:05–6:20 PM — Toasts set 1 (2–3 speakers, ~3 min each)

6:20–6:55 PM — Main course service

6:55–7:05 PM — Golden-hour step-outside (couple only)

7:05–7:25 PM — Cake cutting + dessert/coffee

7:25–8:00 PM — First dance (optional), open floor or mingle

8:00–8:15 PM — Thank-you toast + last-pour call

8:15–8:30 PM — Farewells and exit

If not doing a first look: Move “portraits & family formals” to 5:00–5:30 PM during cocktails; extend cocktail hour to 60 minutes (4:50–5:50); seat 5:50.

8-Hour Micro-Wedding (Ceremony + Reception)

Example: 3:30 PM ceremony, 11:30 PM send-off

2:30–3:10 PM — Couple portraits & family formals (with first look)

3:10–3:25 PM — Guest arrival & prelude music

3:30–3:55 PM — Ceremony

3:55–5:00 PM — Cocktail hour (full 60–65 min)

5:00–5:15 PM — Guests seated; couple freshen up / room reset

5:15–5:40 PM — First course

5:40–6:00 PM — Toasts set 1 (2–3 speakers)

6:00–6:35 PM — Main course

6:35–6:55 PM — Golden-hour portraits / room photos (10–20 min)

6:55–7:15 PM — Cake cutting + dessert/coffee

7:15–8:00 PM — First dance + open floor (or lounge-style music)

8:00–8:15 PM — Late-night bite (optional)

8:15–8:30 PM — Thank-you toast + last-pour call

8:30–8:45 PM — Farewells and exit

If not doing a first look:Move “portraits & family formals” to 4:00–4:30 PM during cocktails; keep the rest as-is.

Minute-by-Minute Ceremony (15–25 minutes)

• Prelude (5–10 min): music while guests are seated

• Processional (2–3 min): parents/party/couple entrance

• Welcome (1 min): officiant sets tone

• Readings / remarks (2–4 min): optional

• Vows (3–5 min): personal or standard

• Rings (1–2 min)

• Pronouncement & kiss (30 sec)

• Recessional (1–2 min): exit; music rises

Tip: Sign the license during cocktails so you don’t pause the ceremony

Vendor cues (so you never run the night)

• Coordinator / venue lead: seats guests, cues processional, manages transitions, keeps the arc on time

• Catering captain: aligns course pacing with toasts and cake; pauses pour during speeches

• Photographer: confirms portrait lists; grabs you for a 10-minute golden-hour window

• DJ/musician: handles prelude, processional, recessional, entrance, cake, first dance, last song

• Officiant: confirms names, pronouncement wording, license plan

Buffers that save the day

• Travel (if changing locations): 15–20 minutes

• Speeches: plan 10 extra minutes beyond your list

• Cake: 10 minutes to stage and photograph before slicing

• Personal pause: 5 minutes for you two before entering dinner

Notes for different venues

• Restaurant/private room: confirm sound limits and end time; keep dances short and intimate

• Backyard/garden: add 10 minutes for sunset light + weather contingency

• Gallery/loft: include a 10-minute room-flip buffer if sharing ceremony/reception space

Begin with a simple base, share it with your team, and add only the moments that matter to you. That restraint — a clear rhythm with room to breathe — is what makes a micro-wedding feel quietly luxurious.

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