A ceremony-first wedding day
This example uses a 4 PM ceremony. Couple, wedding party and family portraits follow it, alongside a longer drinks reception for guests.
| Time | Wedding day | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 12:20 PM | Getting ready | 120 min |
| 2:20 PM | Hair & makeup buffer | 30 min |
| 2:50 PM | Getting dressed | 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 | Family photos | 30 min |
| 5:10 PM | Couple portraits | 45 min |
| 5:55 PM | Wedding party photos | 30 min |
| 4:40 PM | Cocktail hour | 105 min |
| 6:25 PM | Guest seating | 10 min |
| 6:35 PM | Grand entrance | 10 min |
| 6:45 PM | Welcome / blessing | 5 min |
| 6:50 PM | Dinner | 75 min |
| 8:05 PM | Speeches / toasts | 15 min |
| 8:20 PM | First dance | 10 min |
| 8:30 PM | Parent dances | 10 min |
| 8:40 PM | Cake cutting | 10 min |
| 8:50 PM | Open dance floor | 120 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
Make a focused photo list
Decide which family and wedding party combinations you want before the day. Give your photographer the list and ask someone who knows the guests to gather the next group.
Give guests a comfortable wait
This draft allows 105 minutes for three photo sessions while guests have drinks. Confirm food, seating and drinks service with the venue. If that feels too long, reduce the photo list or move some individual portraits earlier.
Check sunset before booking the ceremony
Photos start after the ceremony and its transition. A late ceremony in winter can leave little daylight. Ask your photographer whether an earlier ceremony or a shorter portrait plan is needed.
Timeline without a first look questions
When do we take photos without a first look?
In this draft, portraits begin after the 4 PM ceremony and a 10-minute transition. Couple, wedding party and family sessions run consecutively while guests attend the drinks reception.
Why is the cocktail hour longer than an hour?
The selected photo sessions total 105 minutes. The drinks reception runs alongside them for that same time so dinner does not start before the couple is ready. Shorten the photo sessions with your photographer if you prefer a shorter wait.
Can we still take some pictures before the ceremony?
Yes. Individual portraits or separate family groups can happen earlier without the couple seeing each other. Add those moments in the editor and adjust the later photo sessions to avoid counting the same time twice.
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.
Count down to your wedding day
Create a free countdown, make it yours, and share it with the people celebrating with you.