Your Timeline Matters: Sample Wedding Day Schedules for The Alexander Room & Terrace

One of the best parts of celebrating your wedding at The Alexander Room & Terrace is the flexibility to design a day that perfectly fits your vision. Whether you’re dreaming of a golden-hour ceremony on the terrace followed by dinner and dancing indoors, or a chic evening reception-only celebration, having a clear timeline makes the day run seamlessly.

Here’s a look at how real couples structure their wedding days at The Alexander Room & Terrace, along with expert tips on making the most of both the indoor and outdoor spaces.

The 6-Hour Full-Day Wedding Timeline

(Ceremony on the Terrace, Reception in the Ballroom)

This option is ideal for couples who want to host everything in one beautiful location and have the ceremony, cocktails, dinner, and dancing all in one place.

Sample Schedule:

• 2:00 PM – Vendors Arrive: The décor team, florist, and catering staff begin setup. Your planner or venue coordinator ensures tables, linens, and ceremony seating are in place.

• 4:00 PM – Wedding Party & Photographer Arrive: Bridal party touches up in the private bridal suite while your photographer captures detail shots of your décor, attire, and the terrace setup. When couples have their ceremony at The Alexander Room, the bridal suite becomes available 2 hours before the ceremony start time.

• 6:00 PM – Ceremony on the Terrace: Exchange vows surrounded by string lights and open air. The natural lighting is ideal at this time.

• 6:30 PM – Cocktails Begin Indoors: Guests mingle with drinks and appetizers as you and your new spouse sneak away for sunset photos. The terrace glows beautifully at golden hour, making for stunning portraits. The Alexander Room’s open layout makes it easy for guests to move comfortably while staff resets the terrace for later use.

• 7:00 PM – First Dance & Open Dance Floor: After formal dances, open up the floor! The ballroom lighting, dance floor, and built-in sound system create an energetic atmosphere.

• 7:30 PM – Buffet Opens: Our dinner buffet opens to your guests. Our food offerings are purposefully arranged so that there is no traffic jam on the way to Italian Stuffed Shells or Corn and Crawfish Bisque.

• 8:00 PM – Cake Cutting: Get your classic cake cutting photos and do a cake pull with your bridesmaids!

• 8:30 PM – Late-Night Treats or Lounge Time on the Terrace: As the night cools off, invite guests back outside for a nightcap under the string lights.

• 9:00 PM – Grand Exit: Wrap up the evening with a bubble send-off or private last dance before heading out as newlyweds.

• 10:00 PM – Extra Hour: Early ceremony times can eat into prime dancing hours! Add an extra hour to make sure you get the most out of your wedding reception.

The 3-Hour Reception Timeline

(Reception Only — For Offsite Ceremonies)

If you’re hosting your ceremony elsewhere (church, park, or another location), The Alexander Room & Terrace makes a perfect reception venue with both indoor and outdoor entertainment spaces.

Sample Schedule:

• 4:00 PM – Vendor Setup Begins Caterers, DJ, and florist arrive to set up the ballroom and terrace décor.

• 7:00 PM – Guest Arrival & Cocktails on the Terrace: Welcome guests with light bites and cocktails as the sun sets. The outdoor speakers and soft lighting create a lively but relaxed start.

• 7:30 PM – First Dance: Gather indoors to watch the formal dances. The dance floor will open up after this.

• 8:00 PM – Buffet Indoors: Guests can head to the dinner buffet to enjoy some delicious New Orleans-style eats.

• 8:30 PM – Dancing & Celebration: Keep the energy high with your DJ or live band. The Alexander Room’s acoustics make it perfect for music and mingling.

• 9:30 PM – Late Night Snack & Farewell: End on a fun note with a dessert bar, beignet cart, or coffee station before your farewell exit.

• 10:00 PM – Last Dance and Grand Exit: Our couples love to take advantage of the empty ballroom and enjoy one last dance while their guest are gathered to wait downstairs for their grand exit. Our glass elevator makes for the perfect vehicle to watch your guests shower you with bubbles, wands or whatever you want for your last hoorah!

Vendor Coordination Tips

A well-organized vendor timeline keeps everything running effortlessly:

• Catering: Our catering staff arrives an hour early to assure everything is perfect before your guests arrive.

• Florist & Décor: Most florists and decor rental companies will arrive in the late afternoon to set up and sneak away before any guests arrive.

• DJ/Band: Your band should arrive with enough time to set up equipment and rehearse so your entrance and first dance goes without a hitch!

• Photographer: While first look photoshoots are quite popular these days, some traditional brides like to take photos after the ceremony. Make sure your photographer is crystal clear on group and location expectations.

  
  

Optimizing Guest Flow Between Spaces

One of the biggest advantages of The Alexander Room & Terrace is how naturally the two spaces complement each other. To keep your guests comfortable and engaged:

• Use the terrace for larger vendor displays — seating arrangements, late night treats, etc...

• Have clear signage or guidance from your planner so guests move smoothly between spaces.

• For larger weddings, we make sure we have the appropriate amount of bars and bartenders, often setting up an additional bar on the terrace, if needed.

A Stress-Free Wedding Day Starts with the Right Plan

Your wedding day should feel effortless, not scheduled down to the second — but having a clear framework gives you (and your vendors) the freedom to enjoy the moment.

Whether you’re planning an intimate terrace ceremony or a grand ballroom reception, The Alexander Room & Terrace offers the flexibility and flow to make your vision come to life — from “I do” to last dance.