Free Wedding Day Timeline Template
A good wedding day timeline works backwards from the ceremony time: hair and makeup about six hours before, portraits two hours before, guests arriving 30 minutes before. This free template includes complete sample schedules for a 3 PM and a 4 PM ceremony and a blank page with columns for time, event, location and who is responsible.
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Sample: 4 PM ceremony
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 10:00 AM | Hair and makeup begins |
| 12:30 PM | Photographer arrives — detail shots |
| 1:30 PM | Couple gets dressed |
| 2:00 PM | First look and portraits (optional) |
| 2:45 PM | Wedding party and family photos |
| 3:30 PM | Guests arrive |
| 4:00 PM | Ceremony |
| 4:40 PM | Cocktail hour |
| 5:45 PM | Grand entrance |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:00 PM | Toasts |
| 7:30 PM | First dance |
| 8:30 PM | Cake cutting |
| 10:30 PM | Send-off |
Timeline rules of thumb
- Allow 45–60 minutes of hair and makeup per person, and add 30 minutes of buffer.
- Check sunset time for your date if you want golden-hour portraits, and move the ceremony to suit.
- Most ceremonies last 20–40 minutes; religious ceremonies can be longer.
- Keep toasts to three or four speakers, about five minutes each.
- Share the final timeline with every vendor and the wedding party a week before.
Frequently asked questions
What time should hair and makeup start for a 4 PM ceremony?
Usually around 10 AM for a bride and several attendants — roughly six hours before the ceremony, including buffer time.
How long should a wedding reception be?
Typically four to five hours from cocktail hour to send-off.
Who needs a copy of the wedding day timeline?
Every vendor, the wedding party, both families' key contacts and whoever is coordinating on the day.