Wedding Timeline: Expert Breakdown from Ceremony to Reception with Simple Planner Template and Tips

Hair and Makeup (2–3 hours before the ceremony)Make sure the bride and bridal party have scheduled hair and makeup appointments to ensure timely completion. If hiring a stylist, confirm their arrival time and make sure there's enough space for everyone to be styled.Set up a light breakfast or snacks to keep energy levels up. Have water or juice readily available.

Getting Dressed (1–2 hours before the ceremony)Ensure all dresses and accessories are ready to go. Have the bridal party's attire prepared and organized. Designate someone to assist the bride with her gown and accessories.Take time for a few candid photos of the bride and bridesmaids getting ready.

Photography (1–1.5 hours before the ceremony)Plan for a "first look" shoot where the couple sees each other before the ceremony. It helps ease nerves and gives the photographer time for intimate photos.Ensure family members and bridal party are available for group photos right after the first look.

Tip: Build in a buffer time of 30 minutes to account for delays.

Guests should start arriving at the venue at least 30 minutes before the ceremony begins. This gives enough time for seating and any last-minute adjustments.

Make sure ushers are available to guide guests to their seats and answer any questions.

Start with the entrance of the bridal party, including bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, and ring bearers.

The bride's entrance typically follows last, with music carefully selected for this moment.

This is the heart of the wedding day. The couple exchanges vows, rings, and any readings or rituals are performed as planned.

Ensure the officiant has all the necessary paperwork and scripts for the ceremony.

If you’re doing personalized vows or readings, make sure all involved parties are prepared and know their lines.

The newlyweds walk out, followed by the bridal party.

Celebrate the moment with music and cheering from guests!

Tip: Provide officiant and bridal party with a detailed script of the ceremony.

After the ceremony, the couple and their bridal party can take additional photos at the venue or nearby locations. This is also a great time to capture family photos.

Ensure the photographer knows which specific shots you want (e.g., family groups, bride and groom alone, etc.).

While the couple is off taking photos, guests enjoy cocktails and light appetizers. This is also a good time for guests to mingle and relax.

Make sure your bar staff has a variety of drinks available and that appetizers are ready to go.

Tip: Provide your caterer or bar staff with an exact list of drinks and appetizers. It’s helpful to have a signature drink or cocktail for your wedding.

The couple makes their grand entrance into the reception hall. This is typically accompanied by upbeat music, making it a fun and energetic moment for everyone.

You may want to announce the bridal party or even involve a DJ to announce the newlyweds.

This is a special moment where the couple dances alone to their first song. It’s a great way to kick off the dancing portion of the evening.

Have a rehearsal before the wedding to ensure you're comfortable with your dance moves.

The best man, maid of honor, and perhaps parents or close friends typically offer speeches during this time.

Ensure speakers know their limits for time and that microphones are working correctly.

Dinner is served, either plated or buffet-style. If speeches are given, they can be interspersed with courses.

If you’re having multiple courses, plan accordingly for when each dish will be served.

After dinner, open the dance floor! Depending on the size of your wedding, you may have a DJ or live band playing for the remainder of the evening.

You can schedule special dances for family members, such as the father-daughter or mother-son dance.

The couple cuts the cake together as a symbolic act of sharing their life. Afterward, guests are served cake.

Consider having a small cake for the couple to cut and a separate sheet cake for serving guests.

For those staying late, having a food truck or late-night snacks is a nice touch. It can be anything from pizza to donuts or sliders.

As the event wraps up, the couple says goodbye to their guests and makes their grand exit. Guests can cheer with sparklers, bubbles, or even a vintage car.

If you're leaving by car, ensure it's parked somewhere easily accessible to avoid delays.

Tip: Keep the schedule flexible but well-paced to avoid feeling rushed and stressed.

Hair, makeup, breakfast, snacks, and dressing.

Attire, grooming, final touches.

Couple’s private moment, then bridal party pics.

Ceremony setup, guests seated.

Processional, vows, recessional.

Couple and family portraits.

Drinks, appetizers, mingling.

Grand entrance, first dance.

Buffet or plated, toasts.

Open the dance floor.

Couple cuts the cake.

For guests who stayed late.

Sparklers, bubbles, vintage car.