How to Plan a Wedding Day Timeline

So, you’re getting married! You’ve said yes to the dress, the venue’s booked, and now it’s time to figure out how the big day will actually unfold. Sounds simple, right? Well, a little planning goes a long way to ensure things run smoothly, without that “where did the time go?” feeling creeping in. Here’s how to create a wedding day timeline that keeps everything on track—without stressing out.

1. Start with the Basics: Ceremony Time, Reception Time, and How Much Time You Need in Between

First, figure out your ceremony time. Once you know that, you can build everything else around it. Will you have a short, sweet ceremony, or do you envision a longer, more elaborate one? Once that’s decided, work backward to determine how much time you’ll need for pre-ceremony photos, getting ready, and of course, any travel time to and from locations.

Then, plan your reception start time. This helps you slot in dinner, speeches, dancing—everything that follows. Once you’ve got those big markers, you’re off to a great start.

2. Account for Getting Ready (Don’t Skip the Details)

Getting ready is a big part of the day. From your makeup and hair to slipping into your dress or suit, these are some of the most intimate and fun moments you’ll have. It’s important to build enough time here so you’re not rushed. Ideally, plan for at least 2 hours for you and your crew to get prepped, plus an extra 30 minutes for any last-minute hiccups.

If you’re planning a first look (which I highly recommend!), you’ll need to factor in time for that, plus extra time for photos beforehand.

Don’t forget your details! I like to arrive 45 minutes before getting ready photos begin to document all the little things you’ve put so much love into getting: your dress, shoes, jewelry, flowers, invitations, rings, etc. These photos are perfect for adding to your album later and you’ll love seeing all those details when you look back on your day. 

3. The First Look (If You’re Doing It)

Speaking of the first look, let’s talk about this magical moment. It’s a fantastic way to make sure your portraits happen while the sun’s still up and everyone looks fresh. Plus, it allows you to get a little more intimate time together before the festivities begin. If you’re doing a first look, you’ll want at least 20–30 minutes for photos.

Pro tip: Schedule this early enough to allow for some buffer time—things always run a little late, and you don’t want to be stressed out right before the ceremony.

4. Ceremony & Family Photos

The ceremony itself is often the easiest to schedule—it’s the main event! You know when it’ll start and roughly how long it will take, but make sure to leave extra time for any possible delays (like Aunt Mary getting lost on the way in).

Right after the ceremony, family photos are up next. Have your list of group shots ready to go so you can move through them quickly. It’s a good idea to give your photographer and coordinator a detailed list in advance so no one’s left wondering who’s next. I love to walk my couples through the shot list to make sure we cover everything.

5. Cocktail Hour and Couple’s Photos

Cocktail hour is such a fun time for your photographer to go around getting candid photos of everyone

Golden hour it’s the perfect time to steal away for a few more portraits. Depending on how many photos you’re looking for, this could be anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. It’s a good chance for you to relax a little before jumping into the reception fun.

Don’t forget: you’ll want to enjoy the cocktail hour, so make sure to get some time for you both to grab a drink or snack. A good photographer knows how to make this time fun and relaxed—without taking you away for too long.

6. Reception: The Grand Entrance, Speeches, and Dancing

The reception’s where the party starts, and you want a timeline that lets you enjoy every moment of it! Here’s a typical breakdown:

• • Grand entrance: This should happen right after the cocktail hour ends, followed by the first dance. Plan for about 15-20 minutes for this.

• • Dinner: Whether it’s plated or buffet, make sure you leave plenty of time for everyone to enjoy their meals. Around 45 minutes to an hour should be enough, depending on the number of guests.

• • Speeches and toasts: Plan for about 20–30 minutes here—just enough time to let your loved ones share their kind words.

• • Dancing: After dinner and toasts, it’s time to hit the dance floor! Build in a solid 1–2 hours for dancing, depending on how long you want the party to last.

7. Keep It Real: Build in Buffer Time

While we’d all love to think everything will go exactly according to plan, life happens, and weddings are no exception. Allow some buffer time throughout the day for those little unexpected delays—whether it’s a late guest, a longer-than-expected speech, or a quick outfit change.

8. Enjoy the Day (Seriously)

The most important part of your wedding day timeline? Don’t forget to enjoy the experience! Yes, it’s all about planning, but you also want to savor the moments. Take time to breathe, celebrate with your loved ones, and soak it all in. Your wedding day will fly by, so remember to stop and take it all in.