Your Ultimate Guide to Wedding Planning and Timings Throughout the Day

From picking the perfect dress to making sure your guests have a blast, there’s a lot to juggle when it comes to planning a wedding. Don’t panic, there is a secret to pulling it all off without a hitch: timing. A well-organised wedding day timeline keeps things flowing smoothly and helps you soak in every moment. In this blog, we’ll break down what your big day could look like and give you a sneak peek at all the key events—so you know exactly what to expect (and when).

Why Timing Is Everything in Wedding Planning

If you’ve ever been to a wedding where things felt a little rushed or behind schedule, you know the importance of a solid timeline. Without good timing, everything can feel chaotic. But, with a well thought out timeline, you’ll have plenty of wriggle room for all the fun stuff—like soaking up those "just married" vibes and dancing the night away!

A clear schedule also means your vendors, bridal party, and guests will be on the same page. Trust me, it makes a huge difference when everyone knows what’s coming next.

Your Wedding Day Timeline - Let’s Break It Down!

Here’s an easy-to-follow timeline that’ll give you an idea of how your wedding day might unfold. (But feel free to tweak it to suit you!)

7:00am – 9:00am: Morning Prep

Your day starts bright and early, especially if you’re doing hair, makeup, and other preparations. Whether you’re getting pampered with your bridesmaids or hanging out with your groomsmen, this time is for getting ready in peace (and maybe sneaking in a bite to eat to keep the energy up!).

Hair and makeup: The bride and bridal party typically start getting glammed up during this time. Think of it as your “me time” before the whirlwind begins!

Groom and groomsmen: The groom and his crew will be getting suited up, taking some time to relax and share a few laughs (and maybe some Dutch courage) before the ceremony kicks off.

It’s key to have enough time here—no one wants to feel rushed when you’re getting ready to say “I do”!

Bride First Look: If you’re considering a ‘first look’, now might be the time. This is where the father of the bride gets a first glimpse. Not everyone wants this moment capturing on camera, so have a think if this is something you’d like a memory of in print or not.

Note: consider the time you will need to leave your prep venue to get to your wedding venue, check the route on google maps and give yourself some ‘wiggle room’ to account for potential traffic or roadworks etc.

12:00pm – 12.30pm: Guests Arrive & Seating Time

Now’s when your guests start rolling in. Your registrar and ushers will be on hand to greet and seat everyone. It’s important to have everything set up so the ceremony can start on time. Remember your registrar will not start late, they sometimes have other weddings to get to, so timeliness is key.

1:00pm – 2:00pm: The Ceremony

This is the big moment! Whether your ceremony lasts 20 minutes or a bit longer, it’s the main event of the day. Remember, usually the registrar or Priest/Vicar will want a few moments with you prior to the ceremony beginning, so factor this in too!

Processional: The bridal party makes their grand entrance, and the bride walks down the aisle.

Vows and Rings: The couple exchanges vows and rings, marking the official union.

Recessional: And just like that—you’re married! The happy couple exits the ceremony as guests cheer ready for the next bit, the celebration!!

This is the part where you really want to be on time, so everyone can enjoy the moment without feeling rushed. If you’re thinking about a confetti walk photo this is usually done at the end of the ceremony.

2:00pm – 2.30pm: Post-Ceremony Photos

2.30pm – 3:00pm: Bride & Groom Couple Photos

After the “I dos,” it’s time for photos. While your guests head to cocktail hour, you and your wedding party can get a few key shots, whether it’s family photos or more intimate couple portraits. Don’t forget to take a moment to just be with each other—you’ll want to remember this special time!

Remember: On average it takes approximately 3 mins per photo, so have a think how much of your day you want to be taken for the group shots and which shots you would like. Also bear in mind it takes another 30 mins for couple photos, so work this into the day.

It’s super handy if you can organise a groomsman or a bridesmaid to help gather the troops for the photos you need, it saves a lot of time rounding people up for the shots!! I would highly recommend this!

2pm – 2.30pm: Cocktail Hour

While you’re off taking photos, your guests are mingling and enjoying drinks and appetisers at cocktail hour. It’s the perfect time for everyone to catch up and mingle!

3pm: Wedding Breakfast

Your grand entrance as a newlywed couple will kick off the wedding breakfast. Get ready to hear everyone cheer as you walk in—this is your moment! Then, it’s straight into tucking into some good grub! Whether you’re having a plated meal or a buffet, this is when you and your guests get to sit back, relax, and enjoy some delicious food.

Toasts: The best man, maid of honor, and parents will give their speeches. This can be done before or after your breakfast so have a think if people would feel more comfortable getting them out of the way before they have their meal!

4:30pm – 5:30pm: Cake Cutting & Bouquet Toss

Time for the classic tradition! This is when you’ll cut the cake and serve it to your guests. If you’re into the bouquet toss, now’s when that happens too. It’s all about fun, laughter, and keeping the good vibes rolling.

7:00pm: Let’s Dance!

First Dance: The bride and groom share their first dance, which is often followed by dances with parents.

And now, the fun really begins! The DJ or live band will fire up the music, and the dance floor will be calling your name. This is when you’ll get the most energy from your guests—so let loose and dance the night away!

As the night winds down, don’t forget to thank your guests. If you’re thinking of having a firework display or walking through a sparkler tunnel bear in mind the time of year you’re getting married and have a chat with me. Lighting is key for these shots so we will have to have a think about what time is best to incorporate these into the evening.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Wedding Day

Allow Buffer Time: Things may not always go according to plan (hello, wedding-day jitters!), so it’s always a good idea to build in a little extra time here and there.

Communicate with Your Vendors: Make sure your photographer, venue, and entertainment have a copy of your timeline so everyone knows what’s up.

Delegate: If you’ve got a wedding planner (or a friend who’s a bit of a control freak), let them take care of the details so you can enjoy the day.

Be Flexible: Even with the best-laid plans, stuff happens. Stay chill and go with the flow—after all, it’s your wedding day!

Wrapping It Up

Your wedding day is one of the most memorable moments of your life, and having a well-thought-out timeline makes sure everything goes smoothly. By planning ahead, you’ll have time for all the important moments and none of the stress. So take a deep breath, trust your plan, and enjoy every second of your big day—you’ve earned it!

For help working through your timeline of your big day have a look at my easy Wedding Day Timing Planner to take the stress out of your planning! Download this HERE!

I hope this helps! If you fancy having a chat over your ideas drop me a message, I’m always happy to help!!

All the best,
Martyn