Your 4 PM ceremony schedule
Preparation, a first look and portraits all fit before the ceremony. Every time below is local to your wedding venue.
| Time | Wedding day | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 10:05 AM | Getting ready | 120 min |
| 12:05 PM | Hair & makeup buffer | 30 min |
| 12:35 PM | Getting dressed | 30 min |
| 1:05 PM | First look | 30 min |
| 1:35 PM | Couple portraits | 45 min |
| 2:20 PM | Wedding party photos | 30 min |
| 2:50 PM | Family photos | 30 min |
| 3:20 PM | Arrival buffer | 10 min |
| 3:30 PM | Guest arrival | 30 min |
| 4:00 PM | Ceremony | 30 min |
| 4:30 PM | Exit & transition | 10 min |
| 4:40 PM | Cocktail hour | 60 min |
| 5:40 PM | Guest seating | 10 min |
| 5:50 PM | Grand entrance | 10 min |
| 6:00 PM | Welcome / blessing | 5 min |
| 6:05 PM | Dinner | 75 min |
| 7:20 PM | Speeches / toasts | 15 min |
| 7:35 PM | First dance | 10 min |
| 7:45 PM | Parent dances | 10 min |
| 7:55 PM | Cake cutting | 10 min |
| 8:05 PM | Open dance floor | 165 min |
| 10:50 PM | Last dance / grand exit | 10 min |
| 11:00 PM | Reception ends | — |
Suggested timings, not fixed rules. Confirm them with your venue and vendors before sharing.
Make the schedule work for your wedding
Check daylight for portraits
A 4 PM ceremony does not guarantee golden-hour photographs. Check sunset for your wedding date and location with your photographer. This example finishes the main portraits before the ceremony.
Leave room for transitions
The schedule includes time to leave the ceremony, move to cocktails and seat guests for dinner. A second venue needs extra travel time; choose the guided builder for that arrangement.
Confirm the fixed times first
Confirm your ceremony booking and venue closing time before sharing the plan. Adjust the draft with your vendors, then check the editor for overlap warnings.
4 PM ceremony timeline questions
What time should we get ready for a 4 PM wedding?
This example begins at 10:05 AM to fit preparation, getting dressed, a first look and three photo sessions. Confirm the actual preparation time with your hair, makeup and photography teams.
When is dinner with a 4 PM ceremony?
Dinner starts at 6:05 PM here, after the ceremony, a transition, cocktails, seating, an entrance and a welcome. Changing those moments changes the dinner time.
Can I use this schedule without a first look?
Use the timeline without a first look instead. That version moves portraits after the ceremony and allows a longer drinks reception while photographs take place.
Can I download or print this template for free?
Yes. Download CSV provides the schedule as a spreadsheet file. Print / Save PDF opens your browser’s print dialog. Neither requires creating a timeline. To edit the schedule, choose your wedding date and select Create my timeline.
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