Planning your dream wedding in Northern Virginia? Whether you’re tying the knot at a luxurious estate or a chic urban venue, crafting the perfect wedding day timeline is key to ensuring a seamless, memorable celebration. Today we wanted to bring you a sneak peek into S+C’s meticulously-planned wedding at the stunning Great Marsh Estate in Bealeton, VA this past June.

The Day Before: Setting the Stage

Friday, June 7th

• 10:00 am: Rehearsal kicks off, ensuring everyone knows their roles for the big day. We had to have a morning rehearsal because of an event later that day
• 5:00 pm: Rehearsal dinner – a relaxed, intimate evening to toast the couple.

The Big Day: Setting The Scene

Saturday, June 8th

• 8:00 am: Doors open at the Great Marsh Estate for the bridal party to begin preparations.
• 8:30 am: Bridesmaids arrive, and the glam squad sets up. Hair and makeup artists, Claudine and Megan, work their magic from 9:00 am, transforming the ladies into their most radiant selves.

Pro Tip: Make sure your bridal party arrives with clean hair and fresh faces to ensure the best results!

• 12:00 pm: The Evermore Occasions team arrives on site, ready to coordinate every detail.
• 1:00 pm: Groomsmen gather downstairs, and the photographer begins capturing those special candid moments. Our floral designer starts setting up, including a cross adorned with blooms for the ceremony.

Picture-Perfect Moments

• 2:00 pm: The reception space opens for setup, and the bridal party steps into their gowns and tuxedos. The bride gets dressed shortly after, followed by touching first-look moments with her father and then with her groom.
• 3:15 pm: Guest buses begin arriving to nearby hotels. The wedding party strikes a pose for photos, capturing the joy and excitement of the day.
• 4:00 pm: Guests start to arrive to the soothing sounds of classical and jazz tunes, setting the mood for the ceremony.
• 4:30 pm: The ceremony begins.

Celebration Time!

• 5:00 pm: Cocktail hour kicks off with champagne and signature drinks served by the catering staff. The newlyweds enjoy appetizers and drinks, while the photographer snaps more photos of the blissful couple.
• 6:00 pm: The reception begins. Guests find their seats, and the bridal party is introduced. S+C make a grand entrance, followed by their first dance, and heartfelt father-daughter and mother-son dances.
• 6:40 pm: Plated dinner service.

Pro Tip: Ensure your vendors are well-fed and happy by arranging for them to eat while your guests eat!

Toasts, Dancing, and Sweet Endings

• 7:30 pm: The best man, maids of honor, and father of the bride deliver touching toasts.
• 7:45 pm: Cake cutting, followed by an open dance floor.
• 9:00 pm: An early shuttle takes guests back to their hotels.

The Send-Off

• 10:30 pm: The newlyweds make their grand exit to cheers and well-wishes. Meanwhile, the Evermore team handles the breakdown, ensuring every detail is wrapped up beautifully.
• 11:30pm: The venue is clean and all vendors have headed out. Evermore is the last vendor on-site.

Planning a wedding involves a million little details, but with a well-structured timeline, your day can flow seamlessly. The key is to balance planned moments with space for spontaneity and joy. Need help with your timeline? Reach out!