Sample Timelines to Help You Plan the Perfect Wedding Day

You said “YES”—congratulations!
Now the planning begins. When I began planning my own wedding, I remember feeling completely overwhelmed. There were so many moving parts—choosing a date, booking a venue, securing vendors—it felt like an endless to-do list. But through it all, one thing made the biggest difference: a well-planned wedding day timeline.

Your wedding day is a celebration of your love, surrounded by family and friends. And while it may seem like magic, a seamless day doesn’t happen by accident—it’s thoughtfully curated. That’s where I come in. I love working closely with my brides to build a timeline that reflects the flow of your day, ensures you never feel rushed, and captures every beautiful moment.

Let’s walk through two sample timelines—one with a first look, and one without—to give you an idea of how your day might unfold.

Sample Wedding Day Timeline With a First Look

11:30 AM — Hair & Makeup Begins, Detail Shots, Getting Ready Photos
2:00 PM — Arrive at Venue
2:10 PM — Bride Gets into Dress, Finishing Touches
2:30 PM — First Look with Father
2:45 PM — First Look with Groom
3:00 PM — Bride & Groom + Bridal Party Portraits
4:00 PM — Guests Begin to Arrive
4:30 PM — Ceremony Begins
5:00 PM — Ceremony Ends
5:10 PM — Family Portraits
5:15 PM — Cocktail Hour Begins
6:00 PM — Cocktail Hour Ends
6:15 PM — Grand Entrances
6:30 PM — Welcome Speech & Blessing
6:35 PM — Dinner Service Begins
7:00 PM — Toasts
7:30 PM — Dinner Concludes
7:35 PM — Cake Cutting
7:40 PM — First Dance
7:45 PM — Father-Daughter Dance
7:50 PM — Mother-Son Dance
7:55 PM — Open Dancing Begins
8:00 PM — Sunset Photos (timing may vary by season & location)
8:45 PM — Bouquet & Garter Toss
9:00 PM — Dancing Continues
10:00 PM — Grand Exit

Sample Wedding Day Timeline Without a First Look

1:30 PM — Hair & Makeup Begins, Detail Shots, Getting Ready Photos
3:30 PM — Arrive at Venue
3:40 PM — Bride Gets into Dress, Finishing Touches
4:00 PM — Guests Begin to Arrive
4:30 PM — Ceremony Begins
5:00 PM — Ceremony Ends
5:10 PM — Family Portraits
5:30 PM — Cocktail Hour Begins
5:30 PM — Bridal Party Portraits
5:45 PM — Bride & Groom Portraits
6:30 PM — Cocktail Hour Ends
6:35 PM — Grand Entrances
6:40 PM — Welcome Speech & Blessing
6:45 PM — Dinner Service Begins
7:25 PM — Toasts
7:45 PM — Dinner Concludes
7:50 PM — Cake Cutting
7:55 PM — First Dance
8:00 PM — Father-Daughter Dance
8:05 PM — Mother-Son Dance
8:10 PM — Open Dancing Begins
8:15 PM — Sunset Photos
8:55 PM — Bouquet & Garter Toss
9:05 PM — More Dancing!
10:00 PM — Grand Exit

Wedding Timeline FAQs

When should my photographer arrive?

I love to arrive during the getting-ready portion of your day. This allows time to photograph your details and begin telling the story of your wedding. I typically need 1 to 1.5 hours to capture everything beautifully before moving on to candid moments with you and your bridal party.

How long does a receiving line take?

Longer than you might think! Guests are so excited to congratulate you, and a receiving line can easily take 20–25 minutes depending on your guest count. If you’re working with a tight timeline, I recommend skipping it in favor of mingling during cocktail hour.

What are sunset photos and why does the time vary?

Sunset, or "golden hour," is one of the most flattering times of day for romantic, glowing portraits. The exact timing depends on the season, your location, and surrounding structures. I always keep a close eye on the light and will guide you to step away for about 15–20 minutes when the light is just right.

Can we do family photos before the ceremony?

Yes—if you opt for a first look and all key family members are present and on time. However, in most cases, it’s more efficient to do family portraits right after the ceremony when everyone is gathered in one place.

When do guests typically arrive?

Guests usually begin arriving 20–30 minutes before the ceremony. It’s best to list the actual ceremony start time on your invitation so guests don’t arrive too early or too late.

Do I have to do a first look?

Not at all. First looks are completely optional. Some couples love the privacy and calm that comes with seeing each other before the ceremony. Others cherish the traditional moment of seeing each other for the first time down the aisle. It’s all about what feels right for you.

Why do detail shots take so long?

Your details—rings, invitations, shoes, heirlooms—are more than just pretty things. They’re part of your story. Styling and photographing these elements with intention takes time and care, which is why I recommend allocating at least an hour for this portion of the day.

What’s “wedding day homework” and why do you give it?

To make the most of our time, I ask my brides to prepare all of their wedding details in one place before I arrive—things like your invitation suite, rings, perfume, shoes, jewelry, and any sentimental keepsakes. Having everything ready ensures we can dive right into creating beautiful, editorial-style flat lays and detail shots.

Can you help customize my timeline?

Absolutely—this is one of my favorite parts of the planning process! No two weddings are the same, and your timeline should reflect your unique vision and priorities. I’ll help you create a personalized, stress-free schedule that flows effortlessly.

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—let’s make sure every minute of it feels like magic. If you’re ready to start planning your perfect timeline, I’m here to help every step of the way.