How to Slay Your Small Wedding Timeline
Your wedding day doesn’t need to be a marathon to be magical. With this timeline, you’ll have a seamless, unforgettable small celebration that’s short, sweet, and packed with love. So go ahead, rock that white dress, flash that megawatt smile, and enjoy every minute of your micro wedding masterpiece!
Hey, gorgeous! So, you’re planning a micro wedding at a stunning cottage venue, and you only have 1-4 hours to pull off your big day. No worries! You’ve got this, and I’m here to help you create a timeline that’s so smooth, it’ll feel like a breeze—even with Aunt Susan trying to give unsolicited advice. Let’s break it down!
Sample 4-Hour Timeline
Hour 1: Guests Arrive + The Ceremony
0:00–:30 | Arrival + Welcome
- Cue the romantic vibes! Have soft music playing and a cute sign at the entrance welcoming your 60 (or fewer) VIPs.
- Offer a pre-ceremony drink station—think bubbly or lemonade for a chic touch.
12:30–1:00 | The “I Do’s”
- It’s showtime, babe! Walk down the aisle like the queen you are.
- Keep the ceremony short and sweet (10–15 minutes) with personalized vows.
Hour 2: Portraits + Cocktail Hour
1:00–1:30 | Couple’s Portraits
- After the ceremony, sneak away with your photographer to capture those dreamy just-married shots. Your guests won’t miss you—they’ll be sipping on signature cocktails and nibbling on hors d’oeuvres.
1:30–2:00 | Family + Group Photos
- Gather your VIPs for some quick group pics. Pro tip: Assign a photo wrangler (hello, bossy cousin!) to keep things moving. We help with this too since we offer Day of Coordinator.
Hour 3: Reception Shenanigans
2:00–2:15 | Grand Entrance + Toasts
- Strut into your reception like the star you are! Cue a fun, upbeat song to get everyone hyped.
- Keep toasts short (3 minutes max) and save the cringe stories for another day.
2:15–3:00 | Dinner + Sweetheart Cake
- Opt for plated dinners or buffet meals to keep things intimate and stress-free. We have so many options to choose from Chef Mike.
- Cut your sweetheart cake and feed each other—no smashing unless you’re prepared for revenge!
Hour 4: Dancing + Send-Off
3:00–3:30 | Dancing
- Time for that special dance between mother and son, bride and dad/mom. Get your Spotify playlist and get the party going.
3:30–4:00 | Send-Off
- End on a high note with a sparkler exit. Have your photographer capture the magic as you head off into your happily-ever-after.
Photographer; Madisen Watson Photography (@madisenwatsonphoto)
Venue; The Emerald Cottage (@theemeraldcottage)
Hair + Makeup; Captivating Beauty (@captivatingbeautyhairandmakeup)
Gown; Emily Kaye Bridal (@emily_kaye_bridal)
Food: 3Cheers Catering
