Have you ever wondered the proper order of events on a wedding day? Well I am here to help! :)

First thing is first. You should have everything planned out way in advance and should have either a wedding planner or coordinator for your event. This makes things go by much more smooth! Check out why you should have a wedding planner in my link below!

Use this wedding timeline to create your own! Note: Many people choose to have their formal portraits of bride and groom and family right after the ceremony and right before the reception. Usually the formal portraits take 45 minutes approximately. However, weeding season is fall and winter so this timeline is a good option for those who may still want their formal shots outside BEFORE it gets dark outside!

This wedding timeline is for those who host their ceremony and reception at the same venue.

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1 PM: The Photographer Arrives.

The wedding photographer should arrive about 30 minutes to an hour before the bride is ready. During this time, the photographer can get detail shots of the dress, rings, invitation and decor.

2:30 PM: The Bridesmaids are now dressed and ready to go! Bride is now ready with hair and makeup and getting into her dress. This way, the photographer can get the bride getting snuggled in her dress with the bridesmaid in Awe in the background without being in robes!

2:45 PM: Bride gets into her dress.

Oftentimes the bride doesn’t know who will be the one to lace her, button her etc. These are important shots that your photographer wants to be sure to snag! Knowing who will be the one to help you before hand, will make things run smooth! Don’t be afraid to have your mom in these! She will appreciate it!

2:55 PM: Bridal Portraits.

Get ready for some STUNNING solo shots! Be sure to get some of your looking at the camera AS well as AWAY from the camera! These make for some super classy portraits that you may just absolutely love enough to hang in your home! You can even have your father or parents come in to see you for the first time! Those are moments your will have captured by your photographer to cherish for a lifetime!

3:15-3:45 PM: Bridesmaids personal portraits.

These are usually fun candid shots. They can be casual and fun! Toast with champagne or other props!

3:45 PM: First Look!

The first look is a special moment where the groom sees her bride for the first time…preferably away from hundreds of eyes what will be watching them! Have the bridal party close and family who need to be in the portraits directly after.

4:00 PM: Bride and Groom Photos!

Be sure to tell your photographer any ideas you come up with and snag your must-have shots! Make it fun!

4:10-5:00 PM: Wedding Party and Family Photos!

have your family meet with the coordinator, dressed and ready for formal shots in the lobby of your venue. Keep them close that way the photographer doesn’t have to back track! Designate someone to help the photographer to direct family so the bride and groom do not have to stress about it!

5:30 PM Start Time Listed on the Wedding Invitation:

Most weddings do NOT start at the actual time listed on the invitation. It is usually 15 minutes later than the invitation time. Plan to have music during this time that way everyone can get seated and once your song comes on you know when to start. Your wedding coordinator should be directing! The minister should also request everyone to put up their devices if a pro photographer is hired! Cell phones are very distracting to photographers! Not to mention they look bad in professional photos!

5:45-6:00 PM Actual Start Time

Like I said, weddings never start on time! HAHA!

6:15-6:30 PM Ceremony

The time of these vary. Non-Religious ceremonies last 20 minutes while religious ones last an hour. It all depends!

6:45 PM Cocktail Hour

Guests are invited to cocktail hour and may do some post-ceremony shots. During this time the bride and groom may take a moment together without the distraction and pressure of family and friends. They may also walk around from family member to family member while they are congratulation in their new beginnings.

7 PM-ish Sunset Portraits

These portraits are ones that your wouldn’t want to miss out on! You can even find he exact time on your date and location at https://www.timeanddate.com/ . Personally I have found it nearly almost 100% accurate!

7:25PM Grand Entrance and DINNER!!!

Make your Grand Entrance as Husband and Wife! Make an announcement or have someone do this for you! Invite your guests to indulge in some food and drinks!

7:35 PM First Dance

Some people may say that it’s easier to do Grand Entrance straight into first dance, then a toast and dinner because it’s tradition. But I say do what works best for you! I just personally have found that dinner right after the first dance or during helps keep everyone in a more positive mood. Long day can make anyone hungry and tired! Keep up your energy by eating and then doing your dances!

7:40-7:50 PM-ish Toasts

The first toast is considered a welcome toast and the rest are typically offered by parents or a family member close to either bride or groom.

7:50-8:30 PM Dinner and Bridal Party Toasts

As everyone finishes up their dinner, the man of honor and maid of honor do their toasts. Speeches usually should be between one minute to 5. Keeping speeches between that time frame is appropriate.

8:30-8:40 PM Parent Dances

Usually this is the father-daughter dance and the mother-son dance. This is a transition from the toasts to open the dance floor. Get the grandparents in there too! Switch to some high energy or up-beat music and have the DJ encourage everyone to join you on the floor!

9:15-9:20 PM Cake Cutting

Get in on the sweets ya’ll!

9:20-9:45 PM Bouquet toss and Garter Toss

This is the fun part! Get all the single men and women in on this! Then you can also make your own toast to the guests to thank them!

9:50 PM Open Up the Dance Floor

Dance your hearts out until the night ends!

11:30 PM Grand Exit

Arrange a final song and make your exit. Prepare to have some extra help there fo you do not have to tear down the whole wedding yourselves. Say your final goodbyes and hug you loved ones. If you choose to do sparklers, have your coordinator get everyone together. Hold hands and make a run for your Happily-Ever-After!

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Feel free to print this timeline down and use it for your big day! Did you find this helpful? Tell me in the comments below!