Wedding Timeline Sample
Hello, beautiful brides, I hope you enjoy this free example of a wedding timeline.
Please feel to share this timeline with friends and family and whoever is helping you with organizing your big day.
Morning
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Bride and bridal party hair & makeup
Bride and bridal party begin getting ready, including hair, makeup, and dressing.
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Groom and groomsmen get ready
Groom and groomsmen prepare at a separate location or at the same venue, depending on the couple’s preference.
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Bride and groom final preparations
Bride and groom do final touches (getting dressed, personal photos).
Pre-Ceremony
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM: First Look (Optional)
The couple sees each other before the ceremony for private, emotional photos.
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Bridal Party Photos
Wedding party photos are taken prior to the ceremony to allow the couple to spend more time with guests after.
Pre-Ceremony
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Guest Arrival & Seating
Guests arrive and are seated. Light music may be playing.
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Wedding Ceremony
The official ceremony where the couple exchanges vows, rings, and becomes married.
Post-Ceremony
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Family Photos
Family photos are taken immediately after the ceremony. Provide the wedding coordinater/helper with list of specific family groupings. This person will be in charge organizing people so the photographer can concentrating on taking the photos.
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Couple’s Portraits
Bride and groom have private portraits taken together.
Reception
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Cocktail Hour
Guests enjoy drinks and appetizers while the couple finishes their photos.
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Couple Arrives at Reception
The couple arrives and is introduced to their guests.
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM: First Dance & Parent Dances
The couple shares their first dance, followed by dances with parents (father/daughter, mother/son).
6:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Dinner
Dinner is served, whether buffet-style or plated.
6:30 PM – 6:45 PM: Cake Cutting
The couple cuts the cake, and cake is served to guests.
6:45 PM – 7:00 PM: Toasts and Speeches
Toasts by the best man, maid of honor, and other close friends/family members.
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM: Dancing & Entertainment
The dance floor opens, and guests enjoy music, games, and other entertainment.
8:00 PM – 8:15 PM: Bouquet and Garter Toss (Optional)
The bouquet toss and garter toss for the single guests.
9:30 PM – 10:00 PM: More Dancing & Socializing
The party continues, with dancing and socializing.
10:00 PM – 10:15 PM: Grand Exit / Send-off
The couple departs the reception, often through a celebratory send-off (e.g., bubbles, sparklers, confetti).
