In Sonoma County and Napa Valley, sunset is more than a backdrop—it’s a pivotal part of your wedding day!! The right timing can elevate your entire wedding, especially if you want that gorgeous golden hour glow in your photos. Here’s a quick look at how sunset influences your wedding timeline, from ceremony start times to the perfect moments for cake cutting and first dances.
How The Sunset Effects Your Ceremony & Wedding Day Timeline
To avoid as much harsh lighting as possible without sacrificing some golden hour photos during cocktail hour, we recommend starting your ceremony at least 2 hours before sunset! This will give you a more soft feel and romantic glow. In summer that often means starting your wedding day around 5:00pm while fall and winter weddings start sooner! Below is an example basic wedding timeline with a 6:26pm sunset timing:
4:00pm – guest arrival
4:30pm – ceremony start
5:00pm – cocktail hour & sunset photos with your photographer
6:00pm – invite guests to dinner
Keeping this timing would allow you to do your sunset photos before it completely disappears behind the Napa Valley mountains and still gives you plenty of time to enjoy cocktail hour. A great tip is to consider doing a first look before your guests arrive to maximize the most amount of time at cocktail hour!
Timing Your Reception Milestones & Wedding Day Timeline with Sunset in Mind
The Cake Cutting: Many couples choose to cut their cake after dinner, and we think that’s a fantastic idea! It serves as a perfect transition into dessert and sets the stage for the dance party to come. Typically, the cake cutting is followed by a heartfelt thank you toast from the bride and groom, inviting guests to join them on the dance floor.
Whether you decide to do this while it’s dark outside, enhancing the romantic atmosphere, or inside your venue, if it accommodates, you have plenty of options for how your cake cutting can unfold. It’s all about creating a moment that feels personal and celebratory!
First Dance and Parent Dances: Depending on your wedding day timeline, you can absolutely have your first dances set against the stunning backdrop of golden hour skies. To make this happen, we suggest scheduling your first dances right after your grand entrance into the dining area. This timing is perfect because most of your guests will be focused on you, allowing you to ease any jitters before diving into the rest of your night!!
But don’t worry if you can’t make it happen right after your entrance. Many venues offer beautiful lighting or lovely indoor spaces that can provide an equally charming setting for your dances. You’ll still create a memorable moment, no matter where you are!
Don’t Forget About The Sunset During Your Wedding Day!
Sonoma County’s natural beauty makes it a dream destination for weddings, but the exact timing of sunset varies depending on the season. Your wedding planner, like us here at Carly Saber Events, can guide you through these details, helping you create a timeline that highlights each part of the day with the best light possible!! And, of course, by planning your wedding day timeline with sunset in mind, you’ll capture breathtaking photos, savor each significant moment, and enhance the magic of an already beautiful setting.
If you’re looking to bring your wedding day vision to life but aren’t sure where to start, we’re here to help! We’d love to guide you in creating the celebration you’ve always dreamed of. Reach out to us through our website, and let’s set up a consultation call to see if we’re the perfect fit for your needs. We can’t wait to chat with you!
