Your Guide to a Stress-free South Georgia Wedding Day Timeline
Planning your South Georgia wedding day at Cardinal Cove with an easy step by step guide
When planning your wedding at Cardinal Cove in Tifton, Georgia, timing is everything and plays a crucial role in ensuring a successful event! With its stunning lakeside setting and charming rustic elegance, Cardinal Cove provides a breathtaking backdrop for your special day. To guarantee that everything runs seamlessly, a well-organized timeline is absolutely essential. If your ceremony is set to begin at 5:00 PM, here’s a comprehensive timeline that will help keep you on track from the morning preparations to your grand exit at the end of the unforgettable night. We do encourage you to appoint a designated person as your day-of coordinator and share your carefully crafted game day timeline with that individual, so that everyone involved will be at the appropriate place at the appropriate time throughout the day.
At Cardinal Cove you and your bridesmaids can enjoy the spacious home for one last girls night before your amazing wedding day! Start your morning with an easy brunch served to your bridal party on the assorted dishes that were our mother’s and creates a beautiful, feminine table setting!
12:00 PM - Bride & Bridal Party Preparation
The day begins with the bride and her bridal party getting ready, filled with excitement and anticipation for the joyous occasion ahead. You’ll want to ensure that hair and makeup are completed in plenty of time to allow for any last-minute touch-ups that may be necessary. Bringing along some snacks and refreshing beverages will help keep everyone energized and in good spirits throughout this busy morning.
What to Bring: Make sure to pack the wedding dress, veil, shoes, accessories and makeup bag. At Cardinal Cove we do have some bobby pins, two sided cloth tape and other essential items just in case! We also have assorted thread and needles for emergency repairs!
Pro Tip: Have a professional photographer on hand to capture the details as you prepare—getting ready shots are a beautiful and meaningful way to start documenting the day and will provide cherished memories for years to come.
1:00 PM - Groom & Groomsmen Preparation
While the bride and her bridal party prepare for the big day, the groom and his groomsmen are also getting ready in a nearby space designed for comfort and convenience. It’s the perfect moment for the best man to lend a helping hand with those important final touches, such as adjusting the tie or fastening the cufflinks for that polished look. The tobacco barn is a fun area for the groom and his groomsmen to hang out during the day but for hot days the upstairs bedroom and loft area can be used.
What to Bring: For the special occasion, ensure you have your suit or tuxedo, a tie or bowtie, polished shoes, cufflinks, a stylish belt, and your favorite cologne to complete your ensemble.
2:30 PM - First Look & Couple’s Photos
This is the moment to have a private, intimate first look before the ceremony begins, a cherished chance to connect with one another in a meaningful way. Many couples choose to have this special moment at Cardinal Cove’s beautiful and picturesque lakeside, or amidst the tranquil wooded areas, ensuring a serene and romantic atmosphere that enhances the joy of the occasion. Following the first look, take some quality time for couple’s portraits; this not only captures the love you share but can also significantly reduce stress. It allows you to secure stunning photographs in a relaxed setting without the pressure of feeling rushed during the reception festivities.
Pro Tip: This is also a fantastic opportunity to gather and get group shots of the bridal party and immediate family members, capturing those beloved relationships among your closest loved ones.
3:30 PM - Bridal Party Photos
After your couple’s portraits are beautifully captured, it’s time to move on to the bridal party photos. Cardinal Cove boasts an array of stunning locations by the serene water, inside the stunning great room or cozy living room, making it a truly ideal setting for both intimate and lively group photos. Be sure to ensure that the wedding photographer has an organized list of all the bridal party members so that no one is inadvertently left out of this special and important moment, allowing everyone to be included in the memories of your big day.
4:15 PM - Guests Begin to Arrive
The ceremony location should be thoroughly prepped and ready by this point, with seating thoughtfully arranged for all attending guests. You’ll want your guests to begin arriving approximately 45 minutes prior to when the ceremony officially begins. This timing allows everyone a chance to settle in comfortably, grab a refreshing drink, and find their assigned seats without any rush.
What to Do: Ensure that the wedding coordinator or a designated person is available to warmly greet guests as they arrive, offering them programs and clear directions to the seating area to enhance their experience.
4:30 PM - Final Touches & Pre-Ceremony Relaxation
Settle back inside and take a moment to breathe deeply, allowing yourself to truly relax and embrace the present moment before the ceremony begins. This is your last chance to thoughtfully go over any final details with your knowledgeable wedding planner, ensuring that everything is on track and meticulously arranged as you had envisioned it for this special day. Cherish this precious time to enjoy the peaceful calm before the wonderful excitement and joy start to build, creating lasting memories for you and your loved ones!
5:00 PM - Wedding Ceremony
Your ceremony truly is the highlight of the day! As the sun begins to gracefully set on the horizon, Cardinal Cove offers an incredibly breathtaking view, with the tranquil lake shimmering brilliantly in the background. As you make your way down the aisle, all eyes will undoubtedly be on you, and this moment will be one of the most magical and unforgettable experiences of your life. Remember to take it slow, savoring every beautiful step along the way.
Ceremony Tip: Consider incorporating meaningful elements that reflect your unique love story, such as heartfelt personalized vows, a unity ceremony to symbolize your commitment, or even a short yet touching reading by a close friend or family member to add a personal touch to your special day.
5:45 PM - Cocktail Hour
After the ceremony concludes, guests are invited to enjoy a delightful cocktail hour while the newlyweds take a well-deserved moment to unwind and capture more beautiful photos. At Cardinal Cove, there is ample space to accommodate cocktail tables, a selection of light appetizers, and an array of refreshing drinks, allowing guests to mingle, converse, and celebrate the happy couple in a relaxed atmosphere.
What to Serve: Consider offering signature cocktails, a selection of fine wines, and enticing light hors d'oeuvres such as classic shrimp cocktails, a beautifully arranged charcuterie board with assorted cheeses and meats, or flavorful bruschetta topped with fresh ingredients.
6:30 PM - Reception Begins
The time has come to kick off the celebration in style! Guests will eagerly head to the beautifully decorated patio-pergola area, where the festivities truly begin to unfold. Have your DJ or band warmly welcome everyone with the enchanting sounds of your first dance. Following this memorable first dance, invite your guests to join you on the dance floor for a joyful night filled with dancing, laughter, and spirited celebration.
7:00 PM - Dinner & Toasts
After the first dances have concluded, it’s time to transition into the dinner portion of the celebration. You’ll definitely want to make sure that the meal is served promptly and efficiently to keep the festivities flowing smoothly. While guests indulge in their delicious food, under the custom designed string lights, your maid of honor and best man can take the opportunity to give their heartfelt speeches or toasts in honor of the couple. Be sure to take a moment to express your gratitude and thank your guests for being a cherished part of your special day, as their presence adds to the joy of the occasion!
8:00 PM - Cake Cutting & Dessert
The cake cutting ceremony is always a wonderfully sweet moment that everyone looks forward to with eager anticipation, and it is typically followed by a delightful bite for the newlyweds as they share this intimate experience, along with the sharing of the very first slice of cake with one another. If you happen to have additional desserts such as a colorful and vibrant candy station, deliciously crafted cupcakes, or an enticingly arranged dessert bar, this is truly the perfect opportunity to invite guests to indulge in and savor those delectable treats that you have thoughtfully provided for their enjoyment. These delightful arrangements can be set up on the spacious back porch, in the lush green yard filled with natural beauty, or on the charming porch of the rustic Cardinal Cove tobacco barn, creating a picturesque setting for all to enjoy.
8:30 PM - Dancing & Entertainment
After dessert has been served and enjoyed, it’s time to truly dance the night away and create lasting memories! Whether you decide to hire a talented live band that can encompass a wide range of musical styles or opt for a skilled DJ who can seamlessly spin your favorite tunes, this is the perfect moment for everyone to let loose and fully enjoy themselves. The dance floor, under the South Georgia stars, will be alive with vibrant energy, laughter, and joyous expressions, and it is bound to be the unforgettable highlight of the entire evening, keeping guests talking long after the celebration is over.
10:30 PM - Grand Exit
As the evening draws to a close, gently gather your guests for your grand exit. Whether you choose a charming sparkler send-off, delicate rose petals, or and old fashioned birdseed toss your exit is a truly magical way to conclude the night and seamlessly kick off your new life together as a married couple. It’s a beautifully thoughtful way to say goodbye before you head off to your honeymoon or the next exciting adventure that awaits you both!
Your wedding day at Cardinal Cove in Tifton, Georgia, will truly be a day to remember forever, filled with love and joy. A well-planned timeline will help keep everything running smoothly, ensuring that you and your cherished guests have a stress-free and magical experience from start to finish. Remember to be flexible, stay calm amidst the excitement, and, most importantly, enjoy every moment of your special day! Congratulations on your upcoming wedding; it promises to be a beautiful celebration of your love!
Did you know…when you choose a locally owned wedding venue you are helping to develop and improve the local economy? It’s true, your locally owned wedding venues are small business owners who not only create hundreds of jobs for the local wedding industry every year, we actively support our local economy. Please consider a locally owned venue, you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.
