Complete Wedding Timelines
RECOMMENDED TIMELINES
We recommend this timeline if you want a first-look / first touch and are having a 30 minute long ceremony
Wedding Timeline 1
1. Getting Ready (2 hours)
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM: Bride and bridesmaids get hair and makeup done.
12:30 PM to 2:30 PM: Groom and groomsmen get ready and dressed.
2:30 PM to 3:00 PM: Photographer captures candid moments and details of attire.
2. First Look & Family Portraits (1 hour)
3:00 PM to 3:30 PM: Bride and groom have their first look, with the photographer capturing the special moment.
3:30 PM to 4:00 PM: Family members join for formal portraits with the couple before the ceremony.
4:00 PM to 4:30 PM: Bridal party portraits are taken during this time as well.
3. Pre-Ceremony Refreshments and Relaxation (30 minutes)
4:30 PM to 5:00 PM: Offer light snacks and beverages to the bridal party and immediate family to keep everyone energized and relaxed.
4. Ceremony (30 minutes)
5:00 PM to 5:30 PM: Guests are seated.
5:30 PM to 6:00 PM: The ceremony takes place (make sure to factor in 30 minutes, but the actual ceremony might be shorter).
6:00 PM to 6:30 PM: The newlyweds make their grand exit down the aisle.
5. Cocktail Hour (1 hour)
6:30 PM to 7:30 PM: Guests enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres while the couple takes formal photos with extended family and the bridal party, if not done before.
6. Reception (3 hours)
7:30 PM to 7:45 PM: Grand entrance of the newlyweds.
7:45 PM to 8:00 PM: Dinner is served (sit-down meal or buffet, depending on your preference).
8:00 PM to 8:15 PM: Speeches and toasts by the Best Man, Maid of Honor, and close family members.
8:15 PM to 8:30 PM: Cutting of the wedding cake.
8:30 PM to 8:45 PM: First dance as a married couple.
8:45 PM to 9:00 PM: Father-daughter dance and mother-son dance.
9:00 PM to 11:00 PM: Open dance floor for guests to enjoy.
7. Farewell and Send-Off (15 minutes)
11:00 PM to 11:15 PM: Say goodbye to guests who are leaving.
11:00 PM to 11:15 PM: If desired, organize a special send-off, such as a sparkler exit.
We recommend this timeline if you do not want to do a first look / first touch and want a 30 minute ceremony
Wedding Timeline 2:
1. Getting Ready (2 hours)
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM: Bride and bridesmaids get hair and makeup done.
12:30 PM to 2:30 PM: Groom and groomsmen get ready and dressed.
2:30 PM to 3:00 PM: Photographer captures candid moments and details of attire.
2. Ceremony (30 minutes)
3:00 PM to 3:30 PM: Guests are seated.
3:30 PM to 4:00 PM: The ceremony takes place (make sure to factor in 30 minutes, but the actual ceremony might be shorter).
4:00 PM to 4:30 PM: The newlyweds make their grand exit down the aisle.
3. Family Portraits (30 minutes)
4:30 PM to 5:00 PM: Immediately after the ceremony, gather the couple's families for formal portraits.
4. Cocktail Hour (1 hour)
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM: Guests enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres while the couple takes formal photos with extended family and bridal party (including couples portraits).
5. Reception (3.5 hours)
6:00 PM to 6:15 PM: Grand entrance of the newlyweds.
6:15 PM to 6:30 PM: Dinner is served (sit-down meal or buffet, depending on your preference).
6:30 PM to 6:45 PM: Speeches and toasts by the Best Man, Maid of Honor, and close family members.
6:45 PM to 7:00 PM: Cutting of the wedding cake.
7:00 PM to 7:15 PM: First dance as a married couple.
7:15 PM to 7:30 PM: Father-daughter dance and mother-son dance.
7:30 PM to 11:00 PM: Open dance floor for guests to enjoy.
6. Farewell and Send-Off (15 minutes)
11:00 PM to 11:15 PM: Say goodbye to guests who are leaving.
11:00 PM to 11:15 PM: If desired, organize a special send-off, such as a sparkler exit.
We recommend this timeline for elopements
Elopement Timeline:
1. Morning Preparations (1.5 to 2 hours)
10:00 AM to 11:30 AM: Both partners get ready. Keep it simple and relaxed, as there won't be a large bridal party to coordinate.
2. First Look & Private Moment (30 minutes)
11:30 AM to 12:00 PM: Have a special first look moment where the couple sees each other before the ceremony. Take a moment to soak in the emotions and share a private exchange.
3. Elopement Ceremony (15 to 30 minutes)
12:00 PM to 12:30 PM: Conduct your intimate ceremony at a beautiful location of your choice. It could be a scenic spot in nature, a city landmark, or a cozy venue. Keep the ceremony personal and meaningful to you both.
4. Couples Portraits (1 to 1.5 hours)
12:30 PM to 2:00 PM: After the ceremony, take your time for couples portraits. Utilize the natural light and the location's beauty to capture stunning photos.
5. Lunch Break (1 hour)
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM: Take a break to enjoy a private lunch or light meal together. Reflect on the ceremony and the joy of the day.
6. Adventure or Activity (2 to 3 hours)
3:00 PM to 6:00 PM: Plan an adventure or activity that you both love. It could be hiking, exploring the city, visiting a museum, or anything else that brings you joy.
7. Sunset Moment (30 minutes)
6:00 PM to 6:30 PM: Depending on the season and location, enjoy a sunset moment together. Watch the sunset and bask in the romantic atmosphere.
8. Romantic Dinner (2 hours)
6:30 PM to 8:30 PM: End the day with a private and romantic dinner. Book a special restaurant or have a cozy dinner set up in a beautiful location.
9. Stargazing and Reflection (optional)
8:30 PM to 9:30 PM: If the location permits and it's a clear night, spend time stargazing and reflecting on your special day.
