Full Wedding Day Timeline

(This is a guide, and does not have to be strictly followed, time buffers included)

Morning Preparations

• 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM: Hair and makeup artists arrive for bridal party and bride.

• 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM: Bride and bridesmaids get their hair and makeup done.

• 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Groom and groomsmen begin preparations (dressing, light breakfast, toasts).

• 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Photographers and videographers arrive to capture “getting ready” moments:

  • Bride’s dress, shoes, and accessories.

  • Groom’s details (tie, watch, cufflinks).

  • Photos of the bridal party and groomsmen.

• 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Bride gets into her dress, with mother or maid of honour assisting.

• 12:30 PM – 12:45 PM: First look with the bride’s father or family members.

• 12:45 PM – 1:00 PM: First look with the groom (optional).

Pre-Ceremony

• 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Travel to ceremony venue (if offsite).

Ceremony

• 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Guests arrive and are seated.

• 3:00 PM – 3:15 PM: Ceremony begins:

  • Processional (grandparents, parents, bridal party, flower girl/ring bearer, bride).

• 3:15 PM – 3:45 PM: Ceremony activities:

  • Vows, readings, unity rituals, and ring exchange.

  • First kiss and signing, pronouncement.

  • Confetti Walk

• 3:45 PM – 4:15 PM: Recessional and congratulations, family photos, group photos, couple’s exit.

Post-Ceremony

• 4:15 PM – 5:45 PM: Couple’s and bridal party portraits (golden hour optional, check time zone).

Reception Prep

• 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Couple freshens up or changes attire (optional).

• 6:30 PM – 6:45 PM: Guests arrive at the reception venue, enjoy cocktails, and sign guest book.

• 6:45 PM – 7:00 PM: Couple arrives and makes their grand entrance.

Reception

(order can be changed to suit)

• 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Dinner service during speeches and toasts (/ buffet opens).

• 8:15 PM – 8:30 PM: Cake cutting.

• 8:45PM – 9:00 PM: First Dances, followed by dance floor opening.

• 9:30 PM – 10:00 PM: Bouquet toss and garter toss (if included).

• 10:00 PM – 10:30 PM: Special performances or traditions (cultural dances, games).

• 11:00 PM – 12:00 AM: Final Snacks, Drinks, Final dance or sparkler send-off/couple exit.

Extras to Consider

• Pre-Wedding Breakfast or Brunch: For the bridal party and/or family.

• Venue Opening & Closing Times

• Extra Events such as “trash the dress" or other plans.

• Transportation Logistics: For the bridal party, couple, and guests between venues.

• Time Buffer: Include 15-30 minutes of padding between key events for unexpected delays.