Wedding Day Outline Help!

Hey Laura!

Your timeline is based on what you are trying to do for the day so everyone's will be a little different. I did find this template online that's almost close to your start/end time. Luckily time lines can be changed so you can tweak where you need to. I hope you find this helpful.

10:00 a.m.—Hair and makeup / Getting ready
12:00–2:00 p.m.—Most vendors arrive for setup
2:00 p.m.—Wedding party and family photos start
3:30 p.m.—Doors open / Room ready for guests / Pre-ceremony music starts
4:00 p.m.—Invite time
4:15 p.m.—Ceremony starts
4:35 p.m.—Ceremony ends
4:40 p.m.—Cocktail hour starts
5:45 p.m.—Move guests into dinner
6:00 p.m.—Buffet opens / Dinner served
6:20 p.m.—All guests have food
6:30 p.m.—Toasts
7:30 p.m.—First dance
7:35 p.m.—General dancing music starts
8:00 p.m.—Second set of pre-sunset portraits
8:26 p.m.—Sunset
8:30 p.m.—Dessert
9:45 p.m.—Last call
9:55 p.m.—Music off
10:00 p.m.—Guests depart
11:00 p.m.—Breakdown done / All staff departs

View Quoted Comment

Hello!

Thank you! So is it weird if during the cocktail hour, its only cocktails? Or would guests expect appetizers?

That is something to ask your day-of coordinator and photographer. They regularly make schedules based on a variety of circumstances

View Quoted Comment They expect both..just enough to tide over till dinner. Alcohol on an empty stomach will lead to many drunk people before dinner you are responsible for. Also venues and bartenders have legality clauses requiring there to be substantial food served with the drinks.

View Quoted Comment As Michelle said, guests would expect to have both but just know it doesn't have to be anything fancy at all, if you're strictly on a budget.