Our Guide to a Standard Wedding Day Timeline
Planning a wedding involves careful attention to detail, especially in crafting a timeline. This ensures that the day’s events unfold smoothly and adhere to the schedule.
This article serves as a guide to standard wedding day schedules, detailing the usual activities and their appropriate times throughout the day.
This is a typical timeline for a majority of our weddings where the ceremony starts at 3pm but can be adjusted based on your start time.
Before the Ceremony
A typical wedding day timeline is crucial for coordinating activities from preparation to reception. This guide starts several hours before the ceremony, focusing on the bride and groom’s readiness. Understanding this timeline simplifies wedding planning.
Hair and Makeup – 8am -12pm
It is important for the bride and her bridesmaids to set aside a few hours for hair and makeup to ensure they look their best.
Bridal Details and Getting into Wedding Dress – 12pm-1pm
Post hair and makeup, the next step involves the bride and bridesmaids getting dressed, ensuring there is enough time for adjustments and dressing.
Pro-tip! If you’re getting dressed off-site (i.e. at a hotel or a family home) be sure to account for travel time to the venue AS WELL AS time to transition into the suite and settle in before jumping right into the first look. That transition time can often be overlooked and could be the difference of rush versus relaxed portraits.
Groomsmen Getting Ready 12pm-1pm
As the bride and bridesmaids prepare, the groom and groomsmen should use this time to dress and ready themselves for the day’s events.
First Look with Bridesmaids / First Look with Parents – 1pm -2pm
This special moment allows the bride and groom to share personal time with their nearest and dearest before the big leap into marriage.
First Look with fiancé and Formal Couple Photos – 2pm – 2:30pm
This is a special moment where the bride and groom see each other before the wedding ceremony, providing a private and emotional opportunity often captured by photographers. This is a great time to take some pre-ceremony photos of just the two of you.
Formal Photos with Bridal Party and Family 2:30pm – 3:00pm
It’s common for venue coordinators to request the completion of pre-ceremony portraits 30 minutes prior to the ceremony, as this is when guests start arriving.
Ketubah Signing (Jewish Ceremony – plan in a half hour)
Ceremony 3:00 – 4:00pm
The wedding ceremony, featuring the pivotal exchange of vows, officially unites the bride and groom. It’s vital to follow the set timeline to ensure the day proceeds smoothly.
After the Ceremony
A wedding reception is a vibrant celebration, beginning with the wedding party’s grand entrance and the couple’s first dance. Dinner follows, lasting 60-90 minutes based on guest count and service style. Speeches from the best man, maid of honor, and parents of the bride and groom take place after dinner, spanning 30-60 minutes. The dance floor opens post-speeches, featuring the couple’s, father-daughter, and mother-son dances, then transitions to general dancing, driven by a DJ or band. Receptions last about 4-6 hours.
Cocktail Hour 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Post-ceremony, the excitement continues with a cocktail hour! It’s the perfect time to mingle, savor delicious appetizers, enjoy drinks, and celebrate the newlyweds!
Pro Tip! We allocate time to photograph your room and decor, as well as any extended family photos that may have been missed prior to the Ceremony. Additionally, if two photographers are hired, one can be assigned to cover the cocktail hour upon request.
Reception 5:00pm – 11:00pm (end time will be noted in your contract with your venue)
A reception typically features dinner, speeches, and dancing. By keeping to our planned schedule, we ensure every event finishes before the evening’s close.
This is the perfect time to capture your first dance, as well as any parent / grandparent dances before dinner is served.
Dinner 6pm – 7pm
During the initial hour of the reception, dinner is served, providing guests an opportunity to savor a meal while listening to speeches.
Speeches and Toasts 7pm – 8pm
Key figures such as the best man and maid of honour deliver speeches and toasts, sharing stories and memories about the bride and groom
Pro Tip! Sunset shots! Take the time between eating dinner and cake cutting to grab that unforgettable outdoor shot!
Dancing and Celebrating 8pm – 11pm
Following dinner and speeches, guests are invited to enjoy the dance floor. The DJ or live band will provide entertainment, ensuring the celebration continues until the night concludes.
Don’t forget about your cake cutting! Whether you want a private moment or the entire wedding watching you, we will make sure you get the best shot!
Offering late-night snacks like pizza, sliders, or dessert at the end of the evening can energize guests before they leave.
Farewell / End of the Night Shot 10:30-11p
There’s something truly special about capturing those final, fun moments of the night before your wedding concludes.
Planning a wedding day timeline might seem daunting, yet it’s manageable with a clear plan. This schedule helps ensure the day proceeds without hitches, allowing you to cherish each moment. Remember to stay calm, and adaptable, and enjoy your wedding day.
