Day of timeline

We did our first dance right after our reception entrance (and toasts right after that) and parent dances right after dinner. Cake cutting was about an hour before the end of our reception (it's usually the last "event" of the evening). We didn't do any other traditions like bouquet and garter tosses.

I agree with Hannah - all of the vendors she mentioned helped us plan our timeline.

9:00am

• Hair/makeup appointments begin at nearby salon

10:00am

• Flowers arrive at reception

11:00am

• Bride and bridesmaids go to the reception space to decorate, if not done during rehearsal the night before

• Brunch

1:00pm

• Bride and bridesmaids are hair/makeup ready

• Go to the nearby church

• Photographer arrives

1:10pm

• Decorate pews, if not done at the rehearsal the night before

1:30pm

• Photos of bride and bridesmaids’ champagne toast

• Photos of groom getting ready

• Bridesmaids get dressed

2:00pm

• Photos of accessories and bride getting ready

• Bride gets into dress

• Photos of bride inside the church

2:15pm

• Photos of bride and father (in lieu of first look)

• Photos of bride and bridesmaids and/or her family outside the church

2:40pm

• Bride tucked away to freshen up before guests arrive

2:45pm

• Photos of groom and groomsmen outside church

3:05pm

• Groom tucked away to freshen up while guests arrive

• Photographer captures ceremony details and/or guests arriving

3:30pm

• Ceremony starts

3:50pm

• Ceremony ends, photographer captures ribbon sendoff

• Bride, groom, wedding party, and immediate family wait, all other guests leave for cocktail hour

• Photos of bride and groom and/or wedding party in/outside the church

4:00pm

• Cocktail hour begins at nearby reception

• Photos of families with bride and groom at nearby gazebo/park

4:15pm

• Families leave for cocktail hour

• Photos of wedding party with bride and groom at nearby gazebo/park

4:30pm

• Wedding party leaves for cocktail hour

• Photos of bride and groom at nearby gazebo/park, clock tower, and/or area overlooking the Missouri River

5:00pm

• Bride, groom and photographer head to reception venue

• Bustle dress

5:10pm

• Bride and groom make grand entrance at reception

5:15pm

• First dance

• Father/daughter dance

• Mother/son dance

5:25pm

• Welcome toast

5:30pm

• First course, if available

• Toasts/speeches

• Main entrée

6:30pm

• Cake cutting

7:00pm

• Anniversary dance (in lieu of bouquet toss)

7:15

• Golden hour/sunset photos of bride and groom on the golf course

8:00pm

• Dancing

10:00pm

• Reception ends

Hi Samantha! These articles have great scheduling tips and a sample timelines you can use as a starting point:

9 Wedding Day Timeline Rules Every Couple Should Follow

Your Wedding Reception Order of Events: A Simple Step-by-Step Timeline