An Expert Wedding Planning Guide to a Stress-Free Destination Wedding in Marrakech
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but having a well-structured wedding timeline can help you stay organised and ensure that everything runs smoothly on your special day. In this blog post we are sharing with you our wedding day timeline overview that you can customise to fit your wedding plans. We'll also highlight some important considerations to think about before your destination wedding in Marrakech.
Insider Tips for Planning your Destination Wedding in Marrakech:
- Time zone differences: Be mindful of the time zone difference between your home country and Marrakech. This can affect the timing of your events, especially if you have guests travelling from afar. Give your guests time to adjust to the local time so they aren’t jet-lagged for your wedding day. This might mean suggesting they arrive a few days before your celebration.
- Cultural customs: Marrakech is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage. Consider incorporating local customs and traditions into your wedding day to make it a truly authentic experience like organising a henna night for the women the day before your wedding or exploring the popular and traditional Medina with your guests after your special day.
- Weather: Marrakech enjoys a warm and sunny climate for most of the year. However, it's important to be prepared for potential rain showers, especially during the winter months. If you are getting married in the hotter months then prepare your guests beforehand with items and clothing that they would find useful like hand fans, sunscreen, parasols and lightweight outfits.
Wedding Day Timeline Overview:
Morning:
Get ready: Start getting ready at least two hours before your ceremony. This will give you plenty of time for hair, makeup, and dressing. If you are having multiple bridesmaids you may need to increase this timing.
First look: If you're planning a first look, schedule time for this after your hair and makeup. Plan this with your wedding photographer and choose a secluded location in your wedding venue for this.
Photos: You can schedule family photos and wedding party photos before the ceremony. Solo portrait photos are also good to take at this time.
Afternoon:
Ceremony: The ceremony should begin promptly at the scheduled time. If you are getting married in the summer months in Marrakech we suggest avoiding the hottest times of the day which are 3pm - 6pm.
Cocktail hour: Enjoy a cocktail hour with your guests and organise group photos with family and friends.
Reception diner: The reception should begin 1-2 hours after the cocktail hour.
Speeches: Decide if you will be having your speeches before, during or after the meal has been served.
Cake cutting: Schedule to cut your wedding cake after your meal and decide if you will be serving it as a dessert or a late night snack. This will let you know what time to cut your cake.
First dance: Get your Emcee or DJ to announce your first dance so all of your guests can be in the right place to celebrate this moment with you.
Evening:
- Open dance floor: Let your guests dance the night away and invite them to the dance floor.
- Evening snacks: Serve snacks usually buffet style to your guests in the late evening so they can join you until the end of the night.
- Send-off: Plan a fun wedding exit to end the evening on a high note. Plan this with your entertainment, DJ and wedding planner.
Tips for a stress-free wedding day:
- Hire a wedding planner: A wedding planner can help you stay organised, meticulously plan your wedding day timeline and ensure that everything runs smoothly on your wedding day.
- Delegate tasks: Don't try to do everything yourself. Delegate tasks to friends and family members to help reduce stress and ensure you enjoy your wedding planning.
To ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly and is everything you've dreamed of, consider working with an experienced, local Marrakech wedding planner. A wedding planner can help you navigate the complexities of planning a destination wedding, from finding the perfect venue to coordinating vendors and managing your budget.
At Party Maroc, we specialise in planning stunning weddings in Marrakech. Our team of experienced professionals will work closely with you to create a bespoke celebration that reflects your unique style and personality.
Contact us today to start planning your dream destination wedding in Marrakech!