The secret to a smooth wedding? Planning ahead. Breaking your big day into an organized timeline helps keep everything on track from start to finish. Your schedule should cover the entire day, from getting ready to the last dance. In fact, the more detailed your timeline, the better. Typically, ceremonies last 30 minutes to an hour (though short and sweet ones are fine too), and receptions usually run four to five hours.
Expert wedding planner helped us create a sample modern wedding reception timeline based on a 5:30 p.m. start time. If your celebration begins earlier or later, just adjust the timing accordingly.
Important note: This timeline assumes the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, so guests won’t need to travel between locations before cocktail hour. If your reception is elsewhere, factor in travel time for guests to get there after the ceremony.
Below, you’ll find a sample timeline to help structure your perfect wedding day.
A Full Breakdown of the Perfect Wedding Day Timeline
Before the Ceremony
The start time on your invitations is for guests—for the couple, wedding party, and vendors, the day begins much earlier.
11:00 a.m. – Hair & Makeup Starts
This depends on how many people need services, but 11 a.m. usually works for an average bridal party. If you’re having a groom-only wedding or skipping formal hair/makeup, you can skip this. For larger groups, you may need to start earlier. Your stylists can help determine the best timing.
2:00 p.m. – Photographer Arrives
The photographer should arrive 30 minutes before the couple is fully dressed. They’ll capture shots of attire (dresses, suits, tuxes), rings, invitations, and other details. They might also scout the venue for great photo spots.
2:15 p.m. – Wedding Party Is Ready; Bride’s Hair & Makeup Done
By now, bridesmaids (plus the mother of the bride and other VIPs) should be dressed and ready. This way, they can be in the background of photos while the bride gets dressed.
Pro tip: Want those adorable matching-robe shots? Schedule them after hair/makeup but before bridesmaids put on their dresses.
2:30 p.m. – Couple Gets Dressed
Once mostly dressed, have the photographer capture intimate moments—like your maid of honor (and maybe bridesmaids) helping with your dress, shoes, or jewelry. Don’t forget to include your mom—maybe she helps with your earrings or veil.
For the groom, this is when he’ll put the final touches on his look (tying his tie, attaching his boutonnière) for photos.
2:45 p.m. – Individual Portraits
Now fully ready, the photographer will take solo portraits of each partner at pre-scouted spots around the venue.
3:10–3:30 p.m. – Wedding Party Group Photos
These should be fun and casual, capturing the celebration between the couple and their closest friends. Want Champagne toasts? Have clean flutes ready. Typically, the bride takes photos with bridesmaids, and the groom with groomsmen.
3:30 p.m. – First Look (Optional)
This is a special, private moment where you and your partner see each other for the first time—away from the crowd during the ceremony.
3:30–4:10 p.m. – Couple Portraits
If you’re doing a first look, this is the perfect window for intimate portraits of just the two of you.
4:10–5:00 p.m. – Wedding Party & Family Photos
Tessa’s advice: “Have family meet, dressed and ready, in the venue lobby by 4 p.m. Give your photographer a shot list of every family combo you want, and assign a family member to help identify everyone. It’s easier for your sibling or cousin to find Aunt Linda if she wanders off!”
During & Immediately After the Ceremony
Now things kick into high gear—guests arrive, and you’re about to say “I do!”
5:30 p.m. – Invitation Start Time
Most weddings don’t start exactly on time. Tessa says: “Plan to begin 15 minutes later than the invitation time. This gives late guests a buffer so no one misses your big moment due to traffic!” Play some music to set the mood and signal the ceremony is starting soon.
5:45–6:15 p.m. – Ceremony
Timing varies widely. Non-religious ceremonies often last ~20 minutes, while religious ones can run up to an hour.
6:15–7:15 p.m. – Cocktail Hour
Guests enjoy cocktails while you sneak away for post-ceremony photos. This gives you a breather before rejoining the party. If you skipped a first look, this is when you’d take couple, family, and full wedding party photos.
7:00 p.m. (ish) – Sunset Photos
Block off ~30 minutes before sunset for dreamy golden-hour portraits. Tessa recommends: “Check Timeanddate.com for the exact sunset time—it’s super accurate!” In winter, sunset photos may need to happen around 4 p.m.
During & After the Reception
You’re married—time to celebrate! Here’s how the rest of the night unfolds.
7:15 p.m. – Guests Invited to Dinner
Direct everyone to the dining area (if they’re not already there).
7:30 p.m. – Grand Entrance & First Dance
Tessa suggests: “Go straight from your entrance into your first dance to keep the energy high. Dance the full song or fade out after two minutes. You can also add a short dance set (3–5 songs) after to amp up the vibe before dinner.”
7:35–7:45 p.m. – Welcome Toasts
Usually given by parents or family—traditionally, the father of the bride goes first.
7:45–8:30 p.m. – Dinner
Time to relax and eat!
8:30–8:40 p.m. – Wedding Party Toasts
As dinner wraps up, the best man and maid of honor give their speeches. Tessa’s rule: “Set a time limit—I recommend no more than five minutes per toast.”
8:40–8:50 p.m. – Parent Dances
Tessa’s tip: “Do these right after toasts, then open the dance floor. After the last formal dance, switch to high-energy music and get everyone dancing!”
9:30–9:45 p.m. – Cake Cutting, Bouquet & Garter Toss
Slice the cake first, then do the bouquet and garter toss (if you’re keeping these traditions). This is also a great time to thank your guests.
9:45 p.m. – Open Dance Floor
Dance the night away!
11:30 p.m. – Grand Exit
Coordinate a final song with your DJ/band. Say your goodbyes, and if you’re doing a sparkler exit, have your wedding party organize guests and hand out sparklers. When the song plays, make your magical exit!
FAQ
How do I create a wedding timeline?
If you have a planner, start with them. Otherwise, use this guide! Begin with your ceremony time and work backward. Ask vendors (hair/makeup, florist, caterer) when they’ll arrive and how much time they need. Compile everything in a document (like Excel) for easy editing.
Will a first look help my timeline?
Absolutely! A first look gives you more freedom and time for photos before the ceremony, especially helpful for evening weddings when daylight is limited.
Should I have an extended reception?
Most receptions last 4–5 hours, but if you have a big crowd, lots of speeches, or a party-loving group, you might extend it. Just make sure you have a plan to keep guests entertained!
