When setting the timings for the day start with the fixed elements and work backwards or forwards until all the pieces of the jigsaw fall into place.

If you are having extra guests for an evening party this may well determine the time of your wedding. Let us explain: In order for your evening guests to have a reasonable amount of party time, you may want the evening celebrations to start at 7.30. This sets the wedding breakfast time at 4.45pm - 5pm if the speeches are to have finished before the evening guests arrive. Allowing for a decent amount of milling time, photography and fun in the afternoon the post ceremony reception will start at about 2.45 - 3pm. If you are having a civil ceremony at the reception venue then a 2pm ceremony is probably ideal.

Having set the wedding for 2pm in the previous scenario, there will be time in the morning for the guys to go clay pigeon shooting or to play a round of golf, before dressing for the wedding and having a pub lunch. The girls can have a spa massage before having their hair and makeup done etc.

The important things to remember are:

1) Your wedding day starts from the time you wake up. Plan to enjoy every moment.

2) Imagine the day from the point of view of your guests. When will they want to eat? Are there times that will seem flat? A free hour after dinner before the evening starts can slow the day down and fragment the party.

3) It's your wedding day, so allow plenty of time to chat to your guests after your photographs have been taken.