When I got married back in 2012, I remember arriving at the ceremony full of butterflies, ready to walk down the aisle… but instead, I sat in the car for 20–30 minutes, waiting. At the time, I didn’t think much of it. I figured someone was still getting ready or guests were finding their seats.
Fast forward over a decade later—I’m now a full-time wedding photographer. I recently photographed a wedding, and I had this moment of déjà vu when I realised this was happening all over again, except this time I was on the other end as a wedding industry professional. The bride arrived, the car pulled up… and then she sat there.
There it was—that exact same awkward 20–30 minute delay between arriving and actually starting the ceremony.
It hit me: this wasn’t just a one-time thing. There was no process in place to bridge the gap between arrival and aisle. So today, I want to share exactly how to prevent this from happening to you.
Whether you’re planning your dream wedding or just fine-tuning your timeline, these tips will help ensure your ceremony flows beautifully—without the unnecessary wait.
✨ Why Does This Delay Happen?
That “pause” is more common than you’d think—and often completely avoidable. It usually comes down to one thing: no clear communication plan between your arrival and your entrance.
Here’s what might be going on behind the scenes:
- The celebrant is waiting for a signal from someone… but no one gives it.
- You’re waiting in the car thinking someone will come get you… but they don’t.
- Guests are still standing or mingling, unaware it’s meant to be go-time.
- The music isn’t cued, the bridal party is confused, and the celebrant isn’t sure what’s happening.
Basically, everyone’s waiting for someone else to do something—and the result? A delay that eats into your timeline and can make the moment feel a bit flat instead of magical.
💡 5 Simple Ways to Ensure a Seamless Ceremony Start
Appoint a “Go-Time” Person
Assign someone to be the point of contact between you (or your car), the celebrant, and any musicians. This could be:
- Your planner or venue coordinator
- A confident bridal party member
- A trusted friend who’s great under pressure
They’ll be the one to check:
- Guests are seated
- The celebrant and groom are ready
- The music is ready to go
- Then give the all-clear for you to make your entrance
Include a Ceremony Cue in Your Timeline
On your timeline, don’t just note when you arrive—note when you walk.
Example:
- 3:15pm: Groom and Photographer onsite at ceremony location (I like my grooms standing at the aisle waiting 15 mins prior)
- 3:20pm: Bride arrives in car (I like my brides onsite at least 10 minutes prior, that way she can have some time to herself without being late)
- 3:25pm: Guests seated
- 3:30pm: Ceremony begins
Having this buffer builds in space for quick touch-ups, deep breaths, and positioning, while ensuring everything flows smoothly.
Brides don’t be late to your own wedding ceremony! I know that everyone says “the bride should always be late” or “make the groom sweat”, etc etc but it actually just ends up to be very frustrating on your guests waiting and your vendors who now will be running behind for your wedding day timeline causing un-necessary stress on everyone.
Chat with Your Celebrant Before the Big Day
Let them know you want a smooth transition. Ask:
- “What’s your usual process when the bride arrives?”
- “Do you wait for someone to cue you, or should we assign someone to do that?”
This can be a light, friendly conversation—most celebrants will appreciate the clarity and be happy to work with your plan.
Make Sure Music Is Coordinated
If you’re having live music or using a playlist, make sure the cue person knows exactly when to start the processional. Ideally, have a short, soft piece of music while guests settle, then the processional begins only when everyone is in place.
Do a Quick Walkthrough or Rehearsal
Even if it’s just a day-before run-through, going over the moment from “arrival to aisle” will help everyone feel confident. You don’t need a full rehearsal—just a 5-minute chat with the key players.
📝 Final Thoughts from a Photographer and a Bride
I never thought I’d be sitting in a car on my wedding day wondering why no one was coming to get me. And I definitely didn’t think I’d see the same thing happen 10 years later while holding a camera at someone else’s wedding.
This moment—when the bride arrives—is emotional, high-energy, and unforgettable. It deserves to be treated with intention and flow.
With just a few small tweaks and clear communication, you can avoid the unnecessary wait and start your ceremony with the grace, beauty, and timing it deserves.
Let’s make your wedding day feel seamless, not stalled. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who values your experience on the day just as much as beautiful photographs to cherish forever then reach out here, I would love to hear from you!
