Wedding Day Timeline for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide

Planning your wedding day can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re newly engaged and have no idea how the day is actually meant to run. One of the most common questions couples ask me is:

“What does a wedding day timeline actually look like?”

If you’ve never planned a wedding before, you’re not alone. This beginner-friendly guide breaks down a realistic wedding day timeline, explains why timing matters, and helps you understand how your day flows from morning prep through to the final dance (obviously keeping in mind that each wedding is different).

Why a Wedding Day Timeline Is So Important

Your wedding day timeline is the backbone of your entire celebration. It ensures:

• Everyone knows where to be and when

• Vendors can work seamlessly together

• You’re not rushed, stressed, or running late

• You actually get time to enjoy your wedding day

Without a clear timeline, small delays can quickly snowball into missed moments, rushed photos, or a late reception start.

Wedding Day Timeline Basics (For Beginners)

Before we dive into the example timeline, here are a few key things to know:

• Your ceremony time dictates everything

• Photography, hair & makeup, and travel time must be carefully padded

• A good timeline includes buffer time

• Your timeline should be customised — not copied from Pinterest

This example assumes:

• A mid-afternoon ceremony

• Getting ready at one location

• Ceremony and reception at the same venue (or nearby)

Example Wedding Day Timeline for Beginners

Morning: Getting Ready

8:00am – Hair & Makeup Begins
Your HMUA team arrives and begins hair and makeup services. This usually starts earlier than couples expect — especially if you have a large bridal party.

Tip: Always schedule the bride second last for makeup, not first.

10:30am – Photographer Arrives
Your photographer begins capturing:

• Detail shots (dress, shoes, stationery)

• Candid getting-ready moments

• Final touches of hair and makeup

12:00pm – Bride Gets Dressed
This allows time for:

• Photos with your bridal party

• Calm, unrushed moments

• Adjustments to the dress if needed

Early Afternoon: Pre-Ceremony

1:30pm – First Look (Optional)
If you’re doing a first look, this is a great time to:

• Share a private moment together

• Calm nerves

• Get a large portion of photos done early

2:15pm – Wedding Party Photos
Photos with bridesmaids, groomsmen, and combined groups.

3:00pm – Hideaway / Freshen Up
Final touch-ups, hydration, and a moment to breathe before the ceremony.

Ceremony

3:30pm – Ceremony Begins
Guests have arrived, music starts, and the ceremony unfolds.

4:00pm – Ceremony Concludes
Congratulations — you’re hitched!

Post-Ceremony & Cocktail Hour

4:00pm – Family Photos/Group Photos
Group photos and Immediate family photos while guests move to cocktail hour.

4:30pm – Cocktail Hour Begins
Guests enjoy drinks and canapés while you:

• Finish portraits

• Enjoy a moment together

• Freshen up before the reception

Reception

5:30pm – Reception Opens
Guests are invited into the reception space and find their seats (if hosting a seated reception)

5:45pm – Grand Entrance
Your official entrance as newlyweds.

6:00pm – Entree Service Begins

Tip: Always speak with your caterer or venue about meal service timing, and how long they need between courses.

6:30pm – Speeches

Typically:

• Couple (if desired)

• Parents

Tip: If public speaking isn’t your forte and you’re feeling anxious about giving a speech, we recommend delivering it early in the reception so you can relax and fully enjoy the reception without any lingering worry.

6:50pm – Main Service Begins

7:30pm – Speeches
Typically:

• Bridal party

7:45pm – Dessert Service Begins

8:00pm – Cake Cutting

8:05pm – First Dance
Followed by open dancing.

Evening Celebrations

8:10pm – 10:30pm – Dancing & Celebrations
This is where the party truly begins.

10:30pm – Final Song / Farewell

Common Wedding Timeline Mistakes Beginners Make

Underestimating Time

Everything takes longer on a wedding day — hair, photos, travel, even putting on shoes.

Skipping Buffer Time

A professional timeline always includes padding to prevent stress.

Copying Someone Else’s Timeline

Your venue, vendors, and priorities should shape your timeline.

Who Should Create Your Wedding Day Timeline?

While couples often try to DIY their timeline, this is one area where professional support makes a huge difference.

A wedding planner or coordinator:

• Creates a realistic, stress-free schedule

• Coordinates vendors behind the scenes

• Adjusts timing on the day without you even knowing

At Emily Jean Events, timeline creation is a key part of our planning and coordination process — ensuring your day flows beautifully while you stay present and relaxed.

If you’re new to wedding planning, remember this:
You don’t need to know everything — you just need the right guidance.

A well-structured wedding day timeline allows you to:

• Enjoy your day

• Stay calm and present

• Trust that everything is taken care of

If you’d like help creating a personalised wedding day timeline or want support bringing your vision to life, Emily Jean Events would love to be part of your journey.

Get in touch with Emily Jean Events to learn more about our wedding planning, styling, and coordination services.

Photo Credit: The Storytellers Wedding Co