# Wedding Day Timeline Templates
## 5:00 PM Ceremony Timeline
This is the most popular wedding timeline, allowing for morning prep and ending around 11 PM.
| Time | Event |
|------|-------|
| 10:00 AM | Hair and makeup begins for bride |
| 11:30 AM | Bridesmaids hair and makeup |
| 1:00 PM | Light lunch for wedding party |
| 2:00 PM | Bride dresses, finishing touches |
| 2:30 PM | First look (optional) |
| 3:00 PM | Wedding party photos |
| 3:30 PM | Family photos |
| 4:15 PM | Bride hidden, guests arrive |
| 4:45 PM | Groom and groomsmen in position |
| 5:00 PM | Ceremony begins |
| 5:30 PM | Ceremony ends, guests to cocktails |
| 5:30 PM | Couple and family portraits |
| 6:00 PM | Cocktail hour |
| 6:30 PM | Couple joins cocktail hour |
| 7:00 PM | Guests seated for reception |
| 7:15 PM | Grand entrance |
| 7:20 PM | First dance |
| 7:30 PM | Dinner service begins |
| 8:15 PM | Toasts and speeches |
| 8:45 PM | Parent dances |
| 9:00 PM | Cake cutting |
| 9:15 PM | Open dancing |
| 10:45 PM | Last dance |
| 11:00 PM | Send-off |
## 2:00 PM Ceremony Timeline (Daytime Wedding)
Perfect for brunch weddings or outdoor celebrations.
| Time | Event |
|------|-------|
| 7:00 AM | Hair and makeup begins |
| 10:00 AM | Light breakfast |
| 11:00 AM | Bride dresses |
| 11:30 AM | First look |
| 12:00 PM | Wedding party photos |
| 12:30 PM | Family photos |
| 1:30 PM | Guests arrive |
| 2:00 PM | Ceremony |
| 2:30 PM | Cocktail hour |
| 3:30 PM | Reception begins |
| 4:00 PM | Lunch service |
| 5:00 PM | Toasts and dances |
| 5:30 PM | Cake cutting |
| 5:45 PM | Dancing |
| 7:00 PM | Send-off |
## Timeline Planning Tips
### Build in Buffer Time
Add 15-30 minute buffers between major events. Things always take longer than planned - transportation, group photos, moving between locations.
### Work Backward from Sunset
If outdoor photos are important, schedule them during "golden hour" (1-2 hours before sunset). Work backward from this to set your ceremony time.
### Communicate the Timeline
Share the timeline with:
- Wedding party (week before)
- All vendors (month before)
- Parents (week before)
- Day-of coordinator (finalize 2 weeks before)
### Things That Take Longer Than Expected
- Getting dressed (bride especially)
- Group photos with extended family
- Transportation between locations
- Getting guests seated
- Dinner service
Frequently Asked Questions
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