Q5 – How does the timing of the day affect the budget?

If you have the ceremony at 12pm, it is going to be a long day if you also want an evening party. The added costs to be considered might be more reception drinks, more entertainment, feeding the guests twice, photographer waiting longer for the first dance etc.

If you do want an early wedding you could invite all the guests to the ceremony and have a formal reception or tea party straight after the service and no evening reception. Alternatively, you could have a very small ceremony and just book a table at a restaurant for close family. Then have a gap before an evening party with all the guests invited.

If you are happy to have a late ceremony, then you can invite all guests for 5pm and go straight into the reception meal and evening party without needing to provide more food or entertainment.