Below is common scheduling for weddings and receptions at Corona Heritage Park. This is a sample starting point to help you create an easy flowing evening and make it your perfect event.
7:00 AM It’s not time for your people to get here yet. We’re lucky not to have a lot of flying pests, but because it’s an outdoor venue, we start every event day by fogging the grass area. Our maintenance crew also needs to make sure everything is cleaned up from any event the night before, plus cleaning the cottage, event restrooms, and putting out trash barrels with new liners.
Your furniture rental company may deliver your tables, chairs, and other furniture rentals as early as this time and put them into place. If there are special arrangements, have someone knowledgeable to direct the positioning. Otherwise, most local companies know how the setup goes.
Also, regular meetings and events are happening here already and the parking lot is usually pretty full. We need every parking place we can get until 10:00 am.
10:00 AM Your coordinator, crew, and/or helpers are welcome to start arranging, decorating, and setting the tables. The Bride’s Cottage and restrooms will be opened. You’ll have plenty of time to use the cottage to relax and start getting ready. Arrange for your hairdresser and make-up artist to come at your convenience. If you're wearing a traditional wedding dress, you'll want to give yourself enough time to get dressed and accessorize. The last thing you want is to feel rushed while slipping into your wedding outfit.
3:00 PM Solo portraits. Now's the time for your photographer to capture you in your wedding day look.
3:15 PM First look and photos with the couple. This is when you can move around and get every single glam shot you want with all the picturesque vignettes of the park and gardens.
3:30 PM There’s always traffic, delays, and things that make people late. Have your guests arrive 30 minutes before your ceremony so everyone can get seated and nothing interrupts your wedding time. Ask your planner or day-of point person to greet guests, usher gifts, and direct them to the guest book and seating arrangement display if used. Be sure they are provided with water while they’re waiting for the ceremony. Having soft music playing sets the mood and alleviates awkward silences. The bar is not open before the wedding ceremony because it’s a solemn and sober commitment. The celebration can start immediately afterward and will be well worth the wait.
4:00 PM It’s The Big Moment and the length of the ceremony will vary. A secular wedding ceremony can take just 15-20 minutes, while a religious ceremony will take closer to an hour. There are no worries either way because as soon as you’re finished it’s time for family portraits. Be sure to give your photographer and planner a rundown of family dynamics before the wedding. Doing so will help everyone stay focused during this time. The idea is to capture a variety of groups together and it's necessary to remain on task. If you don't catch the perfect photo at this time, don't stress. You have the rest of the evening for more organic photos to take place.
4:45 PM While you take family portraits, guests will fill their time with cocktails, light bites, and music. This is one of the most enjoyable times for your guests, and you won’t be available, so be sure to touch base with relevant vendors to create a seamless transition between the ceremony and reception.
5:45 PM The Reception Begins. Your officiant or D/J will ask your guests to find their seats. This will take a few moments and then your party will enter and you will be announced as newlyweds as you make your Grand Entrance. This will lead you to the dancefloor and your first dance.
6:00 PM When your dance is completed, dinner is ready. You and your spouse are served, you will find your seats. Most often your wedding party will lead off the buffet line followed by your guests.
6:30 PM After everyone is seated and dining has progressed, speeches and toasts will begin. This moment is likely the last time all guests will be seated, making it an opportune moment to arrange wedding party speeches. The best man is traditionally the first to speak, followed by the maid of honor. This order, though, is completely up to you. Follow tradition if that's what you want, or create an entirely personal lineup of speakers. What matters most, though, is that each speech is only approximately two to three minutes to keep things lively and moving along.
7:00 PM The newlyweds will be invited to come to the dance floor and Once dinner wraps up, it's time for parent dances. Though they'll be brief, both are emotional moments for parents to enjoy with their kids. guests will be invited to join them.
8:00 PM It’s time to cut the cake and take a bite. While your guests enjoy dessert, it’s a good time for the garter and bouquet toss. This is a prime photo op time when all the attention is on you. Dancing continues.
9:30 PM It’s an important time that your D/J announces the Last Call. This ensures that everyone knows that things will wind down soon and have plenty of time to enjoy their last drink.
9:45 PM The bar is closed, to everyone, and it’s clean-up begins. Goodbyes are made with any last-minute speeches. Invitations and locations of any after-party celebrations are announced.
9:55 PM Cue your wedding exit song and leave your wedding with a Grand Departure.
9:59 PM The guests are thanked for coming. All music and announcements end.
10:00 PM The guests make their way to their cars. The decorations are removed and cleanup begins.
11:00 PM With rentals removed, the last helpers depart.
