Your Wedding Times
When your ceremony officially begins
When hair & makeup begins
Event Categories
Getting Ready
Ceremony
Photos
Reception
Your Timeline
9:00 AM
Hair & Makeup Starts
Allow 45 min per person
12:00 PM
Photographer Arrives
For getting ready photos
12:00 PM
Bride Ready
Final touches and dress
12:30 PM
First Look
Private moment for couple
1:00 PM
Wedding Party Photos
Bridal party and groomsmen
1:45 PM
Family Photos
Immediate family only
3:30 PM
Guests Arrive
Seating and mingling
4:00 PM
Ceremony Begins
Processional to recessional
4:30 PM
Cocktail Hour
Appetizers and drinks
5:30 PM
Grand Entrance
Wedding party introductions
5:45 PM
First Dance
Couple's first dance
5:50 PM
Welcome & Toast
Welcome from couple or parents
6:00 PM
Dinner Service
Seated meal service
7:00 PM
Speeches
Best man, maid of honor, parents
7:30 PM
Parent Dances
Father-daughter, mother-son
7:40 PM
Cake Cutting
Cut and serve cake
7:55 PM
Open Dancing
Party time!
9:55 PM
Last Dance
Final song
10:00 PM
Send Off
Sparklers, bubbles, etc.
Share With Your Vendors
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Frequently Asked Questions
Most weddings last 5-6 hours from ceremony to send-off. Add 3-4 hours before for getting ready. A typical timeline runs 8-10 hours total from the start of hair and makeup.
Add 15-30 minutes of buffer time between major events. Things often run behind schedule, and buffer time keeps stress low.
If doing a first look, do most photos before the ceremony. Without a first look, schedule photos during cocktail hour. Golden hour (1 hour before sunset) is ideal for outdoor photos.
Consider sunset time for photos, venue curfew, and guest comfort. Late afternoon ceremonies (4-5 PM) work well for most weddings.
Creating Your Wedding Day Timeline
A well-planned wedding timeline keeps your day running smoothly and ensures you have time for everything important - from getting ready photos to the last dance. Our generator creates a customized schedule based on your ceremony time and preferences.
Timeline Tips
- Build in buffer time: Add 15-30 minutes between events for transitions
- Consider your venue: Factor in travel time between ceremony and reception
- Share with vendors: Send your timeline to photographers, DJ, and coordinator
- Be flexible: Things may run late - that's okay!