A wedding day timeline keeps the day calm: everyone knows where to be, vendors know when to arrive, and you get time to enjoy it. Below is a sample schedule for a 5:00 pm ceremony, with notes on photos, cocktail hour and the reception. Shift every time by the same amount for an earlier or later ceremony.
Sample wedding day timeline (5:00 pm ceremony)
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 10:00 am | Hair and makeup begin for the wedding party |
| 1:00 pm | Photographer arrives for details: dress, rings, invitation suite |
| 2:00 pm | Getting dressed |
| 2:45 pm | First look and couple portraits |
| 3:30 pm | Wedding party and family photos |
| 4:30 pm | Guests arrive; couple tucked away |
| 5:00 pm | Ceremony |
| 5:30 pm | Cocktail hour; remaining family photos |
| 6:30 pm | Grand entrance, welcome toast, dinner |
| 7:30 pm | Toasts, first dance, parent dances |
| 8:00 pm | Dancing opens |
| 8:45 pm | Cake cutting |
| 10:30 pm | Last dance and send-off |
Tips that keep the day on time
- Do a first look. Portraits before the ceremony free up cocktail hour, so you can actually be at it.
- Pad hair and makeup by 30 minutes. It's the part of the day most likely to run long.
- Give family photos a list. Write every grouping down and give it to someone who knows the family.
- Check sunset. In Southern California, golden hour moves from around 7:30 pm in June to about 4:30 pm in December. Plan sunset portraits around it.
- Keep toasts short. Three toasts of three minutes each keeps dinner moving.
When vendors arrive
Most vendors set up before guests arrive, so share the timeline with your venue coordinator and every vendor two weeks out. Ask each one for their setup time and space needs.
- Florals and décor: morning, once the venue opens.
- Caterer: early afternoon for kitchen setup.
- DJ or band: before guests arrive, with a sound check.
- Photo booth: set up before guests arrive, then open at cocktail hour or after dinner. Many couples run it straight through the dancing, when it's busiest. Our wedding photo booth ideas cover placement.
Where the photo booth fits best
The booth works hardest when guests have free time: cocktail hour while you take portraits, and the stretch after dinner when dancing begins. An attendant runs it, guests get prints and digital copies in seconds, and you get the full gallery afterward. Compare the open-air, glam and vintage wedding booths, or start with our wedding photo booth page.
Still booking vendors? See how far in advance to book a photo booth and our questions to ask a photo booth company.
Wedding day timeline questions
What is a typical wedding day timeline?
For a 5:00 pm ceremony: hair and makeup from about 10:00 am, portraits from about 2:45 pm, the ceremony at 5:00, cocktail hour at 5:30, dinner at 6:30, toasts and first dance around 7:30, dancing from 8:00 and the send-off around 10:30.
How long should cocktail hour be?
About an hour. It gives you time for remaining family photos and gives guests time to settle, find their seats and visit the photo booth.
When should the photo booth open at a wedding?
Many couples open it at cocktail hour, then keep it running after dinner through the dancing, when guests have the most free time.
Should we do a first look?
A first look moves couple and wedding party portraits before the ceremony, which lets you spend cocktail hour with your guests.
When should vendors get the wedding timeline?
Share the final timeline with your venue coordinator and every vendor about two weeks before the wedding, along with load-in details and contacts.
Building your wedding timeline?
Send your date, venue and ceremony time, and we'll recommend the booth window and share starting prices.
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