Planning your big day: the wedding day timeline

Your wedding day is one of the most magical and memorable days of your life - but it also has a lot of moving parts and can be stressful. In order to make sure nothing gets forgotten and your day is as smooth as can be from start to finish, here's an ideal wedding timeline you can use to help plan your day.

We've based ours around a 2pm ceremony time, so if yours is different, please just adjust accordingly.

Morning: The Calm Before the Celebration

7:00 AM – Wake up & take it in

Start the day with a moment of calm to yourself. Enjoy a light, healthy breakfast, drink plenty of water, and take a few deep breaths—today is the day!

7:30 AM – Hair & makeup begins

For the bride and bridal party, hair and makeup should start early to allow enough time for everyone to get pampered. Depending on how many are in the bridal party and/or how many hair or makeup artists you have, this will be a schedule all its own: your HMUA will be able to advise.

Tip: Schedule the bride’s makeup second to last to ensure it's as fresh as can be, without any last minute hurrying.

9:00 AM – Wedding party breakfast & getting ready

In between getting ready, put on a playlist and most importantly - don't forget to eat! Grazing boards make a great breakfast spread that can cater to everyone's dietary requirements, are easy to eat in between hair and makeup slots, and look pretty in pictures too.

10:30 AM – Photographer arrives

Your photographer and videographer will start capturing candid moments—bridesmaids in their matching robes, final makeup touches, and the groom adjusting his tie.

11:30 AM – Bride & bridesmaids get dressed

Slip into that stunning gown and help each other with final details. The groom and groomsmen should also be getting dressed at this time.

12:00 PM – First look (optional)

A private moment between the couple before the ceremony makes for an emotional and beautiful photo opportunity. If you prefer to wait until the ceremony for the big reveal, use this time for individual portraits or just to have a glass of champagne and savour the moment!

Afternoon: The Ceremony & Celebration Begin

1:30 PM – Guests arrive & are seated

Make sure your groomsmen are ready to go and are in place to guide guests to their seats. Don't forget to build a playlist for this time as well to set the scene for your big day.

2:00 PM – The wedding ceremony begins

The moment you’ve been waiting for! The ceremony typically lasts 30–45 minutes, depending on whether it's religious or civil.

2:45 PM – Congratulations & confetti toss

After the couple says "I do," guests celebrate with a grand exit. This is the perfect time for a confetti toss, bubbles, or a petal throw.

3:00 PM – Cocktail hour

Guests enjoy drinks and canapés while the newlyweds sneak away for photos. Many couples like to provide entertainment like live music, a photo booth, or signature cocktails to keep guests engaged at this time and encouraging mingling.

Evening: Dining, Dancing & Toasting to Forever

4:00 PM – Reception begins & grand entrance

The couple makes a grand entrance—whether it's a formal introduction or a fun dance move, this sets the tone for the night. Make sure to pick a song you feel sums you up as a couple!

4:15 PM – Speeches & toast

It is of course up to you whether you do your speeches before, after, or during dinner, but we think a brief few words is a great way to get dinner started and welcome your guests again.

4:30 PM – Dinner is served

Guests enjoy a delicious meal. Whether it’s a plated dinner, buffet, or family-style feast, this is often one of guests' favourite part.

5:30 PM – Cake cutting & dessert

This signals the transition to the party portion of the night. After the cake cutting, dessert stations or late-night treats can be set up. If your venue requires you to move to a different space while they turn over the room, consider serving dessert elsewhere or setting up a cocktail bar to keep guests occupied and having fun.

7:00 PM – First dance & party time

The DJ or band turns up the energy, and it’s time to dance! This can also be a chance for couples to sneak off for sunset portraits if it's a summer wedding.

9:00 PM – Late-night snacks

Mini burgers, pizza, or a taco bar? A late-night snack keeps guests fuelled for more dancing.

11:50 PM – Last dance & grand exit

Wrap up the night with a final song and a memorable send-off—whether it’s sparklers, a vintage getaway car, or a private last dance for just the two of you.

Final thoughts

A well-planned wedding timeline ensures that every moment flows seamlessly while allowing you to enjoy your special day stress-free. Whether you opt for a relaxed vibe or a high-energy celebration, this guide helps you strike the perfect balance between structure and spontaneity.