Well I believe its important not to have long boring gaps but equally you do not want a rushed day
A ceremony at 1pm is a good choice, even earlier if this is at a church or venue that's further away from your reception venue
Leaving a long relaxing morning to get yourselves ready and also allow time for guests to travel
Finishing ceremony 1:30-1:45 and time for some pictures
Welcome drinks 2:30pm with some light canapes gives a chance for family and friends to mingle generally you do not want more than an hour for this, it can start to get boring or relatives may start getting drunk
3:30pm sit for the wedding breakfast, now this time is neither lunch or dinner but its also not too late that people start thinking about going home if children are in attendance or older people
Depending on what you having to eat depends on how much time to allow, if you are having alot of guests is a buffet could mean that people are waiting a long time before they eat so have several serving tables so this can be achieved swiftly, with a large number of catering staff or go for the direct to table service, this would mean a veggie option or non veggie and no further options, people wont mind its a free meal, just make sure its something simple that most people like or that they can choose the vegetarian if need be,
Why not have a dessert table, this means people can stretch their legs, if you've had the main served to you then this is also possible to then have choosing for dessert
Allow 2 hours for your 3 course meal, so now its 5:30pm people have been sat for a while so why not give a ten minute warning for speeches, as I am sure when dessert is finished they will hop to the loo or cigarette break,
Its even better to start with the speeches before the meal or half and half
The Best Man, Father of Bride, Groom and Bride but try not to go over five minutes and start having slide shows or props, it may seem funny but its actually quite boring .. sorry
If you are having a speech before the meal, an allocated time will need to be made so the staff can be ready to serve once the speech is finished
6pm its drinks time, you could take the first dance or you could wait until late if you are having evening guests, it depends how much you like tradition, if not take this as a time to freshen up before the evening party, get that DJ on
8pm get the band to start and have that first dance to your special song
9pm is a good time for a light tea, like a supper, hot/cold buffet, cheese and crackers etc, get it put out with plates then people can help themselves, make sure its announced though as guests may miss it
If you having a coach to collect then midnight is perfectly acceptable time and you will be knackered, mentally drained, A coach is a good way to get people to leave, if your not a late bird why not have the big departure with the bride and groom leaving first in a wedding car and to some fireworks, just make sure theres a responsible adult to clear away the cards and presents
