Wedding Day Schedule Template: Build Your Perfect Hour-by-Hour Timeline

Planning a wedding day schedule sounds simple until you’re staring at a blank spreadsheet at 11:48 pm thinking, “How long does it take to put on a dress… like… in real life?” We’ve been photographing and filming weddings for 15+ years around the DC metro area (and all over the East Coast), and here’s the honest truth: the timeline is the difference between a wedding day that feels effortless and one that feels like you’re sprinting in formalwear.

A solid wedding day schedule isn’t just a list of times. It’s a strategy. It protects your priorities (photos, guest experience, dinner timing, dancing), it tells vendors exactly when to show up, and it keeps family members from “helping” by making up their own plan. We’ve seen timelines that created a calm, joyful day… and timelines that caused the couple to miss cocktail hour, eat two bites of dinner, and spend sunset doing math in the hallway.

This article gives you an hour-by-hour wedding day timeline template, the logic behind it, and sample schedules you can copy. For a deeper version focused specifically on photos, check out our Wedding Day Photography Timeline and the big-picture overview in Wedding Day Timeline.

Start with the “Anchor Times” (the stuff you can’t move)

Before you build anything, lock in the times that shape the entire day. These are your anchors:

Your ceremony start time (the real one)

If your invitation says 5:00 pm, your ceremony should actually start at 5:05 pm. Guests arrive late. Shuttles run behind. Someone will be in the bathroom. That 5-minute cushion prevents that awkward “are we starting?” energy.

Hot take: Starting 5–10 minutes “late” on purpose is more professional than starting “on time” while half the seats are still empty.

Sunset (for the best natural-light portraits)

Golden hour photos don’t take two hours. They take 15–25 minutes—but you need to schedule it like it matters.

In the DC area:

• May–June: sunset can be 8:20–8:35 pm
• October: often 6:15–6:30 pm
• December: around 4:45–5:00 pm (yes, it’s rude)

Your photographer/videographer will help you calculate this, but you can also check a sunset calculator for your date and venue.

Venue end time + last call

If your reception ends at 11:00 pm, ask:

• When is last call? (Often 10:30 pm)
• When do lights come up / music stop?
• When do vendors need to be out?

You’d be shocked how often we see couples plan a “sparkler exit at 11:00” while the venue requires everyone out at 11:00.

Dinner service constraints (especially plated meals)

Caterers run the reception clock more than anyone else.

Typical service times:

• Buffet: 45–75 minutes for 120–200 guests (depends on number of lines)
• Plated: 90–120 minutes for salad + entrée + table touches (depends on kitchen + staffing)
• Family-style: 60–90 minutes

If you want dancing to start early, you need dinner to start early. There’s no hack here.

Wedding Day Schedule Template (Base Timeline You Can Copy)

This is a “classic” wedding day timeline template that works for a lot of DC-area weddings (150-ish guests, ceremony + reception at same venue, 5:00 pm ceremony, 11:00 pm end).

Base timeline (example)

• 10:00 am Hair + makeup begins
• 12:00 pm Photographer arrives (getting ready + details)
• 1:30 pm Hair/makeup finishes for Partner A (or first group)
• 2:00 pm Getting dressed
• 2:30 pm First look (optional)
• 2:45 pm Couple portraits
• 3:30 pm Wedding party photos
• 4:00 pm Immediate family photos (pre-ceremony if possible)
• 4:30 pm Hide / touch-ups / guests arrive
• 5:05 pm Ceremony begins
• 5:35 pm Ceremony ends
• 5:40 pm Family photos (if not done earlier)
• 5:40–6:40 pm Cocktail hour
• 6:45 pm Grand entrance
• 6:50 pm First dance
• 7:00 pm Dinner service begins
• 7:45 pm Toasts
• 8:10 pm Parent dances
• 8:20 pm Open dancing
• 8:30 pm Golden hour photos (10–20 minutes)
• 9:15 pm Cake cutting / dessert
• 10:45 pm Last song
• 10:55 pm Private last dance / exit setup
• 11:00 pm Reception ends

Now let’s break down each part so you can customize it without creating chaos.

Morning Prep Timeline (how to plan the calmest start)

The morning sets the tone. If the morning is frantic, the rest of the day feels like you’re catching up.

A realistic getting-ready block (3–6 hours)

Most couples need:

• Hair + makeup: 4–6 hours total (for a group)
• Getting ready photos: 60–90 minutes
• Getting dressed: 20–40 minutes
• Buffer time: 15–30 minutes (minimum)

If you’re doing a first look and pre-ceremony photos, your morning prep starts earlier than you want. That’s normal.

What to have in the room before hair/makeup starts

We’ve walked into suites that look like a TikTok “before” shot—bags everywhere, food containers, garment bags blocking windows. It’s fine, but it affects photos and stress.

Have these ready by the time the first stylist arrives:

• Dress/suit on a hanger (not folded in a bag)
• Rings (all of them)
• Invitation suite (if you want it photographed)
• Florals delivered or a plan to bring them in time
• Steamer (or someone responsible for steaming)
• Water + easy food (protein matters more than pastries)

And please don’t forget a trash bag. Glam rooms generate clutter at an impressive rate.

Travel time math (it’s always more than Google says)

If you’re getting ready at a hotel and heading to a venue:

• Add 10 minutes for “loading humans”
• Add 10 minutes for elevators
• Add 10 minutes for “we forgot the bouquet”
• Add 10 minutes for traffic luck not being on your side

So if Google says 22 minutes, schedule 45 minutes. We’re not being dramatic. We’re being experienced.

For photo-specific prep guidance, our team put together a full Getting Ready Photography Guide.

Hair and Makeup Scheduling (the #1 place timelines fall apart)

Hair and makeup is the most common timeline killer. Not because stylists aren’t talented—because groups underestimate time and overestimate how “on schedule” humans are at 9:00 am.

How long hair + makeup actually takes

Typical times per person (varies by style and hair type):

• Bride/Partner A (hair): 45–75 minutes
• Bride/Partner A (makeup): 45–75 minutes
• Attendant (hair): 30–60 minutes
• Attendant (makeup): 30–60 minutes
• Flower girl (simple): 10–20 minutes
• MOB/MOG (light): 30–45 minutes

Now add:

• 15 minutes buffer for the lead artist (touch-ups, lipstick, lashes, “I changed my mind”)
• 10 minutes per person for transitions (sitting down, reference photos, cleaning brushes)

Back-scheduling your “finish time”

Pick the time you need to be photo-ready. Not “done with makeup.” Photo-ready means dressed, jewelry on, hair set, and the room not a disaster.

For example:

• Need to be dressed by 2:00 pm
• Plan to be “makeup finished” by 1:15 pm
• Plan hair/makeup completion by 1:00 pm
• Start hair/makeup at 9:00–10:00 am depending on group size

The “who goes first” order that saves your photos

We recommend:

1. Anyone who needs to leave early (officiant? family?)
2. Bridesmaids/attendants who are always late (you know who)
3. Mom(s)
4. Bride/Partner A last (so hair/makeup is freshest)

Some stylists prefer the bride earlier to reduce nerves. That can work too—just build touch-up time.

Do you need one artist or two?

Here’s a practical comparison.

If you’ve got 8+ services and only one artist, you’re basically committing to a sunrise call time. That’s not romantic. That’s boot camp.

Photography Timeline Blocks (how we build a day that photographs beautifully)

If you want your wedding photos to feel calm and cinematic, you don’t “squeeze photos in.” You give them real space.

We break wedding photography into blocks so you can move pieces around without breaking the whole day.

For a full photo-only version, see Wedding Day Photography Timeline. Here’s the planning-friendly version.

Block 1: Details (30–45 minutes)

This is rings, invites, perfume, heirlooms, shoes, and dress shots.

What helps:

• Put everything in a shoebox or tote labeled “DETAILS”
• Have florals available early (even a couple loose blooms helps)
• Keep the room near a window if possible

Block 2: Getting ready candids (30–60 minutes)

This is the emotional stuff: laughter, hugs, champagne pops (if that’s your vibe), and the “oh wow, it’s real” moments.

If your suite is tiny and dark, we can still make it work—but you’ll get better photos in a room with natural light and space to move.

Block 3: Getting dressed (20–40 minutes)

Dresses take longer than people think. Buttons are slow. Jewelry disappears. Someone will need scissors.

Plan this block so you’re not rushing into the next thing.

Block 4: First look (optional) + couple portraits (60–90 minutes total)

If you’re doing a first look, schedule:

• 10–15 minutes for the first look moment
• 45–75 minutes for couple portraits (depending on locations, travel, and how photo-forward you are)

If you’re not doing a first look, you can still get amazing portraits—just plan them during cocktail hour (and accept you’ll miss some of it).

Block 5: Wedding party photos (30–45 minutes)

This depends on:

• size of the party
• how many combinations you want
• distance between photo spots

If you want editorial-style shots and fun shots, give it 45 minutes.

Block 6: Family photos (20–40 minutes)

Family photos can be fast if:

• you have a list
• someone is wrangling people
• the family is cooperative (a big “if” sometimes)

Here’s our real-world rule:

• Immediate family only: 15–25 minutes
• Immediate + grandparents + siblings’ families: 25–40 minutes
• Big extended family: 45–60 minutes (and it will still feel rushed)

Block 7: Ceremony coverage + exit (40–60 minutes)

Most ceremonies run:

• 15–25 minutes (short and sweet)
• 25–35 minutes (typical)
• 45–60 minutes (full mass/longer cultural ceremonies)

We plan photo coverage around the actual structure—processional, vows, rings, kiss, recessional—then allow time for a quick exit moment.

Ceremony Timing (start time, length, and the hidden domino effects)

Your ceremony time affects everything: lighting, cocktail hour, dinner, dancing, and your energy level.

The ideal ceremony start time (DC-area reality)

For most venues in the DC metro area:

• 4:30–5:30 pm ceremonies are the sweet spot (especially spring/fall)
• Summer can go later (but heat is real)
• Winter needs earlier ceremonies unless you’re okay with night portraits

If you want outdoor ceremony photos that feel bright and airy, aim for 2–3 hours before sunset. If you want moodier, warmer light, you can push closer to sunset, but guests might be staring into the sun. Nobody wants to squint through vows.

Processional timing (it’s longer than you think)

Common time estimates:

• Seating of family: 2–4 minutes
• Wedding party: 3–6 minutes
• Partner A entrance: 1–2 minutes
• Total processional: 6–12 minutes

That’s why we like building a 5-minute “ceremony begins” cushion.

Receiving line: yes or no?

We’re mildly anti receiving line. There, we said it.

A receiving line after the ceremony can take:

• 20–30 minutes for 100 guests
• 35–50 minutes for 150–200 guests

And it eats cocktail hour. If greeting every guest is important, do table touches during dinner (with a plan) or a quick “hi” lap during cocktail hour.

Cocktail Hour Flow (how to keep it fun and still get photos)

Cocktail hour is the pressure valve. It’s the part of the day where guests relax, drinks start flowing, and the couple gets a breather (or portrait time).

The best cocktail hour length

• 60 minutes is standard and works well
• 75 minutes is great if you have lots of family photos or room flips
• 90 minutes is long unless you’ve planned entertainment, stations, or a killer space

If your couple portraits are scheduled during cocktail hour, we recommend taking 20–30 minutes max so you don’t vanish for the entire thing.

What couples always underestimate: bustle + bathroom + hydration

Right after the ceremony, many couples need:

• 3 minutes to breathe
• 5 minutes to pee (seriously)
• 5–10 minutes for bustle help
• 2–3 minutes to drink water

That’s 15–20 minutes before photos even start. Build it in.

Cocktail hour locations and guest movement

If cocktail hour is in a different space than the ceremony:

• Add 10 minutes for guest travel (especially if there are stairs, elevators, or shuttles)
• Make signage obvious
• Tell your DJ/band to make a clear announcement

Confused guests are grumpy guests.

Reception Events Sequence (a wedding schedule of events that actually feels good)

Receptions have a rhythm. The goal isn’t to cram in traditions—it’s to keep energy up and prevent guests from sitting too long.

Here’s a reception sequence that works for most couples.

A proven order for reception events

1. Grand entrance (optional)
2. First dance (or do it later)
3. Welcome toast / blessing
4. Dinner begins
5. Toasts during dinner (best timing)
6. Parent dances (or skip them)
7. Open dancing
8. Dessert / cake cutting
9. Late-night snack (if you’re doing one)
10. Last dance / exit

Toast timing: during dinner beats before dinner

We’ve seen the “toasts before dinner” plan backfire so many times.

Guests are hungry. Drinks hit faster on an empty stomach. And your catering team is stuck holding hot food.

Our team’s opinion: Do toasts after salads are served or once everyone has their entrée. It keeps people in their seats and doesn’t delay dinner.

How long events really take

• Grand entrance: 3–5 minutes
• First dance: 2–4 minutes
• Welcome + blessing: 2–4 minutes
• Toasts: 10–20 minutes total (3 speakers max is our favorite)
• Parent dances: 4–8 minutes total
• Cake cutting: 5–8 minutes
• Bouquet/garter: 5–10 minutes (also: you’re allowed to skip this)

The “too many events” problem

If your reception has:

• 6 speeches
• 4 dances
• bouquet + garter
• shoe game
• anniversary dance
• table dash
• and a 2-hour dinner service…

…you won’t dance until 9:45 pm. Then you’ll wonder why the dance floor is slow. It’s because everyone’s tired.

Vendor Arrival Times (so nobody’s guessing)

If you want vendors to be on time, you need to tell them what “on time” means.

We recommend creating a vendor-only timeline (separate from the couple’s timeline). You can start with our Vendor Timeline Template and customize.

Typical vendor arrival windows (DC metro norms)

These are common, not universal:

• Planner/coordinator: 1–3 hours before first delivery (often 8–10 hours before ceremony)
• Hair/makeup: based on schedule (often 7:00–11:00 am start)
• Photographer: 6–8 hours coverage start is common; arrival often 2–3 hours before ceremony
• Videographer: usually same as photo, sometimes 30 minutes earlier for audio setup
• Florist: 2–4 hours before ceremony (more if installs are complex)
• Rentals: can be 4–8 hours before, sometimes previous day
• DJ/band: 2–4 hours before reception (bands often earlier)
• Officiant: 30–60 minutes before ceremony (earlier for rehearsal or mic checks)
• Caterer: 4–6 hours before dinner service (kitchen setup takes time)
• Photo booth: 60–90 minutes before open
• Transportation: depends, but plan 15 minutes early for each pickup

Vendor timeline must include contact + load-in notes

Your vendor schedule should list:

• arrival time
• contact person + phone
• load-in location
• elevator/stairs notes
• where to park
• who signs for deliveries

If you don’t provide this, someone (usually you) ends up answering texts while getting dressed. Not the vibe.

Buffer Time Strategy (the secret to a timeline that doesn’t explode)

Buffers aren’t “extra.” Buffers are the plan.

Where buffers matter most

We recommend building buffer time into:

• end of hair/makeup (10–20 minutes)
• before leaving for ceremony (10–15 minutes)
• post-ceremony before photos (10–20 minutes)
• before grand entrance (5–10 minutes)
• before sunset portraits (5–10 minutes)

How much buffer time do you need?

For most weddings:

• Minimum: 30 minutes total buffer across the day
• Better: 45–60 minutes total buffer
• Complex weddings (multiple locations/cultural events): 75–120 minutes

The “buffer without looking like buffer” trick

We often label buffer blocks as:

• “Touch-ups”
• “Freshen up”
• “Private moment”
• “Transition time”
• “Travel + arrival”

Because if you label it “BUFFER,” someone will try to fill it with something.

Sample Wedding Day Timeline Templates (by wedding size + style)

These sample schedules cover different guest counts and structures. Copy one, then adjust.

Sample Timeline #1: Small wedding (30–60 guests), ceremony + dinner, minimal formalities

Assumptions: One location, 4:30 pm ceremony, portraits mostly before.

• 12:30 pm Hair/makeup begins (1–2 people)
• 2:00 pm Photographer arrives (details + getting ready)
• 2:45 pm Getting dressed
• 3:15 pm First look + couple portraits
• 4:00 pm Immediate family photos
• 4:25 pm Guests seated
• 4:35 pm Ceremony begins
• 4:55 pm Ceremony ends
• 5:00 pm Toast + cocktail start
• 5:15 pm Dinner begins (family-style or plated)
• 6:30 pm Sunset portraits (10–15 minutes if needed)
• 6:45 pm Cake cutting / dessert
• 7:00 pm Dancing (or lounge hang)
• 9:00 pm Last call / final moments
• 9:30 pm End

Small weddings run fast—in a good way. Don’t over-program them.

Sample Timeline #2: Medium wedding (80–140 guests), first look, full reception

Assumptions: 5:00 pm ceremony, 60-minute cocktail hour, dance-heavy.

• 9:30 am Hair/makeup begins
• 12:00 pm Photo/video arrive
• 1:45 pm Getting dressed
• 2:15 pm First look
• 2:30 pm Couple portraits
• 3:15 pm Wedding party photos
• 3:50 pm Immediate family photos (pre-ceremony)
• 4:20 pm Hide + touch-ups
• 5:05 pm Ceremony begins
• 5:35 pm Ceremony ends
• 5:40 pm Any remaining family photos (10–15 minutes)
• 5:40–6:40 pm Cocktail hour
• 6:45 pm Grand entrance
• 6:50 pm First dance
• 7:00 pm Dinner begins
• 7:45 pm Toasts
• 8:10 pm Parent dances
• 8:20 pm Open dancing
• 8:35 pm Sunset portraits (15–20 minutes)
• 9:15 pm Cake cutting
• 10:45 pm Last dance
• 11:00 pm End

This is the “works almost everywhere” schedule.

Sample Timeline #3: Large wedding (150–250 guests), no first look, big family photos

Assumptions: You’ll do most portraits during cocktail hour and extend it.

• 8:30 am Hair/makeup begins (multiple artists)
• 12:30 pm Photo/video arrive
• 2:30 pm Getting dressed
• 3:15 pm Individual portraits (separate)
• 4:15 pm Wedding party photos (separate groups)
• 5:05 pm Ceremony begins
• 5:45 pm Ceremony ends
• 5:50–6:25 pm Family photos (organized list + helper required)
• 5:50–7:10 pm Cocktail hour (80 minutes)
• 7:15 pm Grand entrance
• 7:20 pm First dance
• 7:30 pm Dinner begins
• 8:20 pm Toasts
• 8:45 pm Parent dances
• 9:00 pm Open dancing
• 9:10 pm Sunset portraits (10–15 minutes if possible)
• 10:30 pm Late-night snack
• 11:00 pm Last dance
• 11:15 pm End

Large weddings need more time for guest movement, bar lines, and family wrangling. Pretending they don’t is how you end up eating dinner at 9:45 pm.

Sample Timeline #4: Catholic ceremony + separate reception (two locations)

Assumptions: 1:30 pm ceremony, 6:00 pm reception, travel in between.

• 8:00 am Hair/makeup begins
• 11:00 am Photo/video arrive
• 12:15 pm Travel to church (arrive early)
• 1:30 pm Ceremony begins
• 2:30 pm Ceremony ends
• 2:45 pm Family photos at church (30–40 minutes)
• 3:30 pm Travel to portrait location
• 3:50 pm Couple + wedding party portraits
• 5:00 pm Travel to reception venue
• 5:30 pm Touch-ups + reset
• 6:00 pm Cocktail hour begins
• 7:00 pm Reception entrance
• 7:10 pm Dinner begins
• 8:00 pm Toasts
• 8:30 pm Open dancing
• 10:45 pm Last dance
• 11:00 pm End

Two-location days live or die by travel buffers. Add more than you think you need.

Sample Timeline #5: Micro-wedding with sunset ceremony (10–25 guests)

Assumptions: You care about photos and vibes, not traditions.

• 1:00 pm Photo/video arrive
• 1:15 pm Details + getting ready
• 2:30 pm Couple portraits
• 3:30 pm Break / chill / snacks
• 5:00 pm Family photos (small group)
• 5:45 pm Ceremony begins (near golden hour)
• 6:05 pm Ceremony ends
• 6:10 pm Champagne + hugs
• 6:20 pm Golden hour portraits (10–15 minutes)
• 6:45 pm Dinner reservation / private chef dinner
• 8:30 pm Night portraits (optional)
• 9:00 pm Wrap

Tiny weddings can be luxurious and unhurried. Let them be.

Comparison Tables: Timeline Decisions That Change Everything

First look vs. no first look (timeline impact)

We’ve seen both work beautifully. But if your family photos are complicated or you’re doing multiple locations, a first look makes the whole day easier.

Cocktail hour length (guest experience vs. schedule flexibility)

What NOT to Do (Red Flags We See Over and Over)

Some timeline mistakes are small. These are the ones that blow up the day.

Red flag #1: “Hair and makeup starts at 11” with 8 people in the chair

Unless you’ve got multiple artists, that’s fantasy math. You’ll run late, and the entire day will feel like apologizing.

Red flag #2: Scheduling family photos “whenever”

Family photos need a time and a place. If you don’t choose, chaos will choose for you.

Red flag #3: No travel buffer between locations

We’ve watched couples miss their own cocktail hour because the limo got stuck behind a parade (true story, DC is special). Build the buffer.

Red flag #4: 30 minutes for all portraits + wedding party + family

That’s not a timeline. That’s a wish.

If photos matter to you, give them time. If photos don’t matter, be honest and tell your photographer so expectations match reality.

Red flag #5: Toasts scheduled before dinner “to get them out of the way”

Guests sitting, hungry, listening to Uncle Mike “wing it” for 12 minutes is not the vibe you want at 7:05 pm.

Red flag #6: Sunset portraits scheduled during dinner service with no plan

If you want sunset photos, tell catering and plan a 10–15 minute window. Otherwise your plates arrive while you’re outside and nobody’s happy.

How to Build Your Wedding Itinerary Step-by-Step (a framework that works)

Here’s the exact method we use with couples.

Step 1: List your non-negotiables (3–6 items)

Examples:

• private vows
• golden hour portraits
• attending cocktail hour
• choreographed first dance
• sunset ceremony
• cultural traditions (tea ceremony, baraat, etc.)

Write them down. If everything is a priority, nothing is.

Step 2: Lock ceremony time + venue end time

Those are your bookends.

Step 3: Decide: first look or no first look

This decision changes your entire afternoon. Use the comparison table above, then commit.

Step 4: Build photo blocks around light + logistics

Add:

• details
• getting ready
• portraits
• wedding party
• family

Then add travel and buffers.

Step 5: Build reception around dinner reality

Talk to catering about:

• when they can serve
• how long they need
• any hard deadlines

Then place toasts and dances in a way that doesn’t trap guests in their seats for two hours.

Step 6: Create two timelines

You need:

1. Couple + wedding party timeline (simple, readable)
2. Vendor timeline (arrival/load-in/cue-based)

Start with Vendor Timeline Template and tailor it to your venue.

Step 7: Share it early (and revise once)

Send the timeline to:

• planner/coordinator
• photo/video
• HMUA
• DJ/band
• catering lead
• venue manager

Then revise once after feedback. Constant timeline changes create confusion.

Real-World Timing Notes We’ve Learned the Hard Way

DC-area traffic is not polite

If you’re moving between DC and Northern Virginia at rush hour, assume 45–75 minutes, not 25.

Elevators can add 10–15 minutes per move

Hotel getting ready on a high floor? Add elevator time. Every trip down to the lobby becomes a mini field trip.

Bustles are unpredictable

Some bustles take 60 seconds. Some take 12 minutes and a prayer. Schedule a bustle lesson with your seamstress and assign two helpers.

The marriage license needs a plan

If your officiant is responsible, confirm it. If you’re responsible, assign someone to put it in a labeled envelope and keep it with personal items.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a wedding day schedule that doesn’t feel rushed?

Start with anchor times (ceremony, sunset, venue end), then add photo blocks and hair/makeup using realistic durations. Build 45–60 minutes of buffer across the day, especially before the ceremony and before entrances. And keep reception formalities tight—guests would rather dance than listen to seven toasts.

What’s the best wedding day timeline template for a 5 pm ceremony?

A common structure is: morning prep, photo arrival 2–3 hours before ceremony, ceremony at 5:05, cocktail hour 5:40–6:40, entrances around 6:45, dinner at 7:00, toasts around 7:45, dancing by 8:20. If sunset is around 8:30, pull for 15 minutes of golden hour portraits.

How long should hair and makeup take on the wedding day?

Plan 60–90 minutes each for the bride/Partner A’s hair and makeup, and 45–75 minutes per attendant for both services. If you have 8+ services, you almost always need two artists (or you’ll be starting at sunrise). Always add a 15–20 minute touch-up buffer at the end.

How much time should we schedule for wedding photos?

Most couples need 30–45 minutes for details, 60–90 minutes for couple portraits (especially with a first look), 30–45 minutes for wedding party, and 20–40 minutes for family photos. If you’re doing multiple locations, add travel time and at least one extra buffer block.

Should we do a first look to make the timeline easier?

If you want to attend cocktail hour, have complicated family photos, or you’re doing multiple locations, yes—first looks usually make the day calmer. If the aisle reveal is a huge emotional priority and you’re okay missing most of cocktail hour, skipping the first look can still work. The key is committing to the choice and building the rest of the schedule around it.

What time should vendors arrive on the wedding day?

Photo/video often arrive 2–3 hours before the ceremony for getting ready and details. Florists commonly arrive 2–4 hours before the ceremony for installations. DJs/bands often arrive 2–4 hours before reception start. Use a vendor-only schedule (like our Vendor Timeline Template) with load-in notes and contact info.

How long should cocktail hour be?

60 minutes is standard and works for most weddings. If you’re doing lots of family photos after the ceremony or the venue needs a room flip, 75–90 minutes can be a lifesaver. Anything shorter than 50 minutes tends to feel tight once you factor in guest movement and couple breathing room.

Final Thoughts: Your Timeline Should Protect Your Peace

A wedding day schedule isn’t about controlling every second. It’s about giving yourself enough structure that you can actually enjoy the day you’re paying for.

If you take nothing else from this: build buffers on purpose, don’t underestimate hair and makeup, and give photos real time—because your timeline is the foundation for how the whole day feels.

If you want more timeline examples and photo-specific planning help, check out Wedding Day Timeline, Wedding Day Photography Timeline, and our Getting Ready Photography Guide. You might also like a dedicated page on Ceremony Exit Ideas or Golden Hour Wedding Photos (both great internal additions if you’re building out the wiki).

And if you’re getting married in the DC metro area (or anywhere along the East Coast) and want a photo/video team that’ll help you build a timeline that actually works in real life, reach out to Precious Pics Pro through preciouspicspro.com. We’ll keep it calm, keep it honest, and make sure your day looks as good as it feels.