Goan Weddings do seldom start on time, as we are called susegad so are our weddings, The Card timings always have to have an add up of 1 to 1.5 hours for any of our Occasions to begin, so here is a blog that will help you plan and start your wedding on time and give the guests a great time to dance & dine.
This Article comes from the Bride & Groom that have started all their Family Weddings receptions on time at dot 07:30 pm and the Legacy continues, So where do you begin

1) THE WILL TO BEGIN THE LIFE’S JOURNEY ON TIME

To Prepare to start your Wedding Reception on time, Both the Couples & their Families must be ready to accommodate time in heir stride & be willing to get the clock ticking in their side.

2) ONCE THE MIND IS SET, THE HEART WILL FOLLOW

Firstly the Nuptials should be agreed to start at 03:30 pm, and ideally 07:30 pm would be the best time to begin the reception. If the Nuptials are to begin at 04 pm then 08 pm Reception time will be suitable. Once Firm on the Time, let the Cards be Printed that says Nuptial at 03:30 pm, Reception at Sharp 07:30 pm and send out a message that you are serious on starting it on time.

3) PRACTICE BEING ON TIME

Months before the wedding, start making it a habit to be on time for all your Wedding related preparations, whether it’s meeting a Decorator or Starting pre-wedding traditions, let Punctuality start growing and eventually turn into a Positive Couple’s Habit.

4) SPREAD THE WORD

To start the wedding on time is a dual responsibility task, not only the Bride & Groom should be ready but also the Guests, Family and the venue ready for the clock. While Handing over a personal invite to your guests, drop in a line to inform that the wedding reception shall begin on time & Wedding bus shall leave an hour early (06:30 pm) to the Venue. Wedding Vendors must be well informed about the same. Create a little hype about starting it on time.

5) GET THE FAMILY INVOLVED

The Family will play the biggest role whether you can begin the wedding on time or No. A Minimum of 100 – 150 guests have to be present on the dance floor to start the wedding and to make this possible, Considering the Goan Relatives & Families from both sides involving them will be the key. Allocate Two Responsible individuals from both Families to lead up the task of getting the families lined up at the reception 15minutes prior. Two Days Prior to the wedding, a Joint Meetup with the Family (excluding the bride /groom) should be held to let know the plans & the Event Flow for the Big Day.

6) PLAN YOUR WEDDING DAY SUMMARY

Planning your big day and putting all the tasks for the day in the time summary will make you feel relaxed and Comfortable, The Time Summary will be the backbone of how your Day spreads across. Executing it will be the role of one individual given out in the family who shall see that the activity is ongoing at the particular time.

7) ON YOUR WEDDING DAY

Be calm and just Enjoy the Moment, You have done your part of Planning and Praying.

(Start the Nuptials on Time, There cannot be any reasons on why you can be late for the nuptials, check our other blog on Being on time for your Nuptials.)

8) THE PLAN GOES HAYWIRE POST NUPTIALS

No matter how much you have planned on starting your wedding on time, the final hurdle begins Post Nuptials. Here are the below important events to take a special note. Lots of planning is required here as different couples shall have different expectations & priorities.

Time should be Allocated and managed as per below queries,

• How much time do you expect for Guests wishing at the church door, Post Nuptials?
• Is there going to be a Scenic photoshoot post-nuptials? If Yes Then How Long?
• How far is the church from groom’s place?
• How long will be required for the Vhor ( Bridal Welcome) ceremony, freshen up or makeup or change dress/suit for the Bridal Couple?
• Is the Family changing up the dress code for the reception, How far from the wedding hall?
• How far is the reception from the groom’s place?
• Is the Bridal Family geared up to be on time for transport & other Logistical Arrangments?

For a Decent and Elegant Wedding Line up, this would be the perfect flow to start the Wedding Reception on Time.

The Nuptials should normally end by max 05:15 pm – 05:30 pm.

Inside Altar Photography (Max 15 Mins) – 05:45pm

Wishing at the Church Door ( 20 Mins Max ) – 06:10 pm

Post-Nuptials Photoshoot at the Church Itself or Closest location ( 20 Max ) – 06:30 pm

(You can always go in for a photo shoot post wedding for exclusive captures)

Drive to Groom’s Home (10Mins) – 06:40 pm

Vhor Entrance & Prayers at groom’s place (15mins) – 06:55 pm

Drive to Reception (Max 20 Mins) – 07:15 pm at the Hall

(If the Drive to the reception is more then above accordingly the plans have to be made)
The Bridal team has to be at the Venue at 07:15 PM Along with the Family & Relations to begin at 07:30 pm.

9) YOU ARE READY BUT THE VENUE IS STILL NOT

Many times the Bridal team has all in their stride, worked hard to be on time but upon reaching the Venue the Band is still setting the sound or the Emcee is still on his way or the Cake is not set along with the centerpiece. Goan Weddings & All of these Preparations must be Handled by your Appointed Family responsible, I Call him the “Family Captain” who will see that all preparations & Wedding vendors are in line and ready for the clock to strike 07:30.

10) CLOCK STRIKES: 07:30

Feel proud of the moment that your life has begun on Time, This is your First Achievement as the newly wedded couple in celebrating life in Union and what a way to begin it on Time, Your Hard work, Collaboration, and Planning has made it possible and Made memories that you can speak about for the rest of your lives that you started your Wedding on Time. A Solid foundation for a journey that is filled with Love & Laughter with Time to Say “We Did It “.

Weddingsdegoa Wishes you all the Very Best in your New Journey of Life!