Creating The Perfect Wedding Day Timeline
Here’s a sample wedding timeline for you to use. Feel free to copy and paste it and modify it any way you like. Your wedding day is unique to you and make changes to the time and events that will occur. Ultimately remember that this is your special day! As the bride and groom the party can’t happen without you so there’s no such thing as running late. Don’t let timelines and situations stress you out.
Morning:
7:00 AM - Bride & Groom Start Preparing
Bride: Hair and makeup team arrives. Begin getting ready (hair, makeup, and dressing).
Groom: Start getting ready (haircut, shave, putting on the suit or tuxedo).
8:30 AM - Bridal Party and Groom's Party Getting Ready
Bridal Party: Bridesmaids help the bride with finishing touches (dressing, accessories).
Groom's Party: Groomsmen help the groom with any final adjustments (tie, cufflinks, shoes).
Photographer: Captures candid shots of both parties getting ready.
9:30 AM - Detail Shots
Photographer/Videographer: Take pictures of wedding rings, invitations, flowers, dresses, and other important details.
Late Morning / Early Afternoon:
10:30 AM - First Look (Optional)
Bride & Groom: A private moment before the ceremony where the couple sees each other for the first time.
Photographer: Capture the moment and portraits of the couple together.
11:00 AM - Pre-Ceremony Photos (Optional)
Bride & Groom: Take portraits with bridal party, family, and individual shots before the ceremony starts.
Groom’s Party & Bridal Party: Photos separately or together.
12:00 PM - Lunch & Relaxation
Bride & Groom: Quick bite to eat and take a moment to relax before the ceremony.
Bridal Party: Final checks on attire and personal items.
Afternoon:
1:30 PM - Guests Begin Arriving at Ceremony Venue
Guests: Arrive and find their seats for the ceremony.
Musicians/DJ: Set the tone for the ceremony (instrumental music or soft background music).
Wedding Coordinator: Ensure guests are directed to their seats and the ceremony area is ready.
2:00 PM - Ceremony Begins
Officiant: Starts the ceremony, the processional begins.
Bridal Party: Walks down the aisle (bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, ring bearers).
Bride's Entrance: The bride walks down the aisle with the father (or chosen escort).
Ceremony: Vows, readings, exchange of rings, and any traditions.
2:30 PM - Ceremony Ends
Recessional: Couple exits the ceremony followed by the bridal party.
Guests: Exit the ceremony area and head to the cocktail hour or reception.
Cocktail Hour:
3:00 PM - Cocktail Hour Begins
Guests: Enjoy drinks, appetizers, and socializing.
Bride & Groom: Take a moment for themselves and may take family or bridal party portraits.
Photographer: Continue capturing group photos of family and friends.
DJ/Band: Play light background music.
4:00 PM - Reception Setup
Vendors: Final touches to reception area, including place settings, décor, and centerpieces.
Wedding Coordinator: Ensures everything is in place for the reception.
Evening:
4:30 PM - Grand Entrance
Bride & Groom: Enter the reception to applause.
Emcee/DJ: Announce the couple’s entrance.
First Dance: Bride and groom share their first dance as a married couple.
5:00 PM - Welcome Toast & Dinner Service
Toast: A quick welcome speech or toast by the best man, maid of honor, or a close family member.
Dinner: Begin serving the meal (buffet, plated dinner, or family-style).
Guests: Enjoy the meal while the couple mingles with guests.
6:30 PM - Toasts and Speeches
Best Man & Maid of Honor: Give their toasts.
Other Family Members: May offer additional speeches or toasts.
7:00 PM - Cake Cutting & Dessert
Cake Cutting: Bride and groom cut the wedding cake together.
Guests: Can begin enjoying cake and other dessert options.
7:30 PM - Dancing & Entertainment
First Dance: Followed by a dance with the father (and mother) of the bride.
Open Dance Floor: Guests join in dancing.
Entertainment: Any special performances, games, or planned activities.
8:30 PM - Bouquet Toss & Garter Toss (Optional)
Bride: Tosses the bouquet to the single women.
Groom: Tosses the garter to the single men.
Late Evening:
9:00 PM - Late Night Snacks (Optional)
Serve late-night bites, such as pizza, mini sliders, or a dessert station.
9:30 PM - Dancing Continues
The party continues on the dance floor with the DJ or band.
Special dances (anniversary dance, etc.) may take place.
11:00 PM - Last Dance
The couple shares their last dance, often to a slow, meaningful song.
11:30 PM - Farewell & Send-Off
Couple’s Send-Off: Guests gather for a grand exit with sparklers, bubbles, or petals.
Bride & Groom: Depart for their honeymoon or the hotel.