How To Create Your Wedding Day Timeline (3 Examples)

Morning Ceremony and Brunch Reception

• 6 a.m. Wake up; eat breakfast.
• 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Nearlyweds and wedding parties shower and cycle through skin, hair, and makeup. (More hairstylists/makeup artists may be necessary if you have or want complicated looks. Consider keeping looks simple and/or DIYing where possible). Photographers arrive during the last hour when the newlyweds are getting ready and start to capture any preliminary shots.
• 8:30 a.m. Wedding party is dressed and ready; newlyweds are ready. Everyone heads to the ceremony site.
• 8:45 a.m. Couple does first look photos and portraits.
• 9:10 a.m. Photographers shoot the couple, wedding party, and family portraits.
• 10:15 a.m. Ceremony begins. 11:00 a.m. Guests move from the ceremony to the reception location and mingle, play games, etc.
• 11:15 a.m. The newlyweds make their entrance and either have their first dance or take a seat.
• 11:20 a.m. Brunch service begins
• 11:35 a.m. While guests are eating, speakers make short toasts.
• 11:50 a.m. Wedding parents, wedding party, and other pre-determined dances take place.
• 12:00 p.m. Dance floor opens.
• 12:45 p.m. Cut the cake (or open the dessert bar).
• 1:00 p.m. Guests sit for dessert.
• 1:05 p.m. Newlyweds make a short thank-you speech while guests enjoy dessert.
• 1:10 p.m. Toss the bouquet (if you're doing that) or just get back to dancing!
• 1:55 p.m. Last dance.

Late Afternoon Wedding and Seated-Dinner Reception

• 7:00 a.m Wake up; eat breakfast.
• 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. Nearlyweds and bridal party cycle through hair, skin, and makeup.
• 12:15 p.m. Eat a quick lunch; photographers arrive during the last hour when the newlyweds are getting ready and start to capture any preliminary shots.
• 12:45 p.m. Hair, skin, and makeup touch-ups.
• 1:00 p.m. Wedding party is dressed and ready; newlyweds get into their attire.
• 1:30 p.m. Photographers shoot portraits with newlyweds, wedding parties, family, and others.
• 2:30 p.m. Everyone travels to the ceremony site.
• 2:45 p.m. First look photos with the couple.
• 3:10 p.m. Photographer shoots couples individual portraits, wedding party portraits, and family photos.
• 4:30 p.m. Wedding ceremony begins.
• 5:00 p.m. Cocktail hour begins.
• 6:00 p.m. Guests move from the cocktail hour to the reception area.
• 6:15 p.m. The wedding party is introduced, and then the newlyweds make their entrance and either have their first dance or take a seat.
• 6:25 p.m. Dinner service begins.
• 6:35 p.m. While guests are eating, speakers make short toasts.
• 7:00 p.m. Parents, wedding party, and other pre-determined dances take place.
• 7:15 p.m. Dance floor opens for guests.
• 8:00 p.m. Cut the cake (or open the dessert bar).
• 8:15 p.m. Guests are served dessert.
• 8:20 p.m. Newlyweds make a short thank-you speech while guests enjoy dessert.
• 8:45 p.m. Toss the bouquet (if you're doing that) or just get back to dancing!
• 9:30 p.m. Announce the last call.
• 9:55 p.m. The last dance.
• 10:00 p.m. Exit. 

Late-Night Cocktail Party

• 9 a.m. Wake up; eat breakfast; enjoy your morning.
• 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nearlyweds and wedding party shower and cycle through hair, skin, and makeup. The bride puts on her wedding dress and the groom puts on his tux.
• 4:45 p.m. Eat dinner.
• 5:30 p.m. Photographers arrive; hair and makeup touchups.
• 5:45 p.m. Wedding party is dressed and ready; newlyweds are finishing up.
• 6:15 p.m. Photographers shoot portraits with newlyweds individually, wedding party, parents, and any others.
• 6:45 p.m. Everyone travels to the ceremony site.
• 7:00 p.m. First look photos.
• 7:20 p.m. Photographer shoots couples portraits, wedding party portraits, and family portraits.
• 8:00 p.m. Wedding ceremony begins.
• 8:30 p.m. Hors d'oeuvres are passed; food stations open.
  
• 9:15 p.m. The newlyweds are introduced and start greeting guests.
• 9:35 p.m. While wedding party members are eating, speakers make a short welcome toast.
• 9:45 p.m. First dance, parents, wedding party, and other pre-determined dances take place; foodservice pauses.
• 9:55 p.m. Dance floor opens; food service continues.
• 10:20 p.m. Cake cutting (or opening the dessert bar); newlyweds make a thank-you speech.
• 11:30 p.m.  Last call is announced.
• 11:55 p.m. Last dance.