Hour by Hour

Two Sample Itineraries of Your Wedding Day

Photo: Budget Savvy Bride

In planning your big day, one of the things you’ll think about most is the itinerary, your order of events. Most weddings we work with have one of two standard itineraries, of course with slight changes for each unique event. The biggest difference in the order of your day typically depends on if you’ll be having a first look. Below, find our two sample itineraries and use them to help you map out your day!


Without a First Look

Photo: Wild Heart Visuals
  • 8am – Showers, Bridal Party Gathers
  • 9am – Hair and Makeup Begin
  • 11:30am – Lunch – do not skip eating!
  • 12pm – Photographer Arrives
  • 2:30pm – Guests Begin to Arrive
  • 3:00pm – Places for Ceremony
  • 3:30pm – Ceremony
  • 4:00pm – Cocktail Hour Begins
  • 4:00pm – Family Photos
  • 4:20pm – Bridal Party Photos
  • 4:40pm – Couples Portraits
  • 5:00pm – Reception Space Opens, Guests Seated
  • 5:15pm – Bridal Party Introductions
  • 5:30pm – Speeches, Toasts
  • 6:00pm – Dinner Served 
  • 6:45pm – First Dance, Parent Dances
  • 7:00pm – Cake Cutting, Dessert Served
  • 7:30pm – Dancing Begins
  • 9:00pm – Reception Ends, After Party Begins

With a First Look

Photo: Breanne Weston
  • 8am – Showers, Bridal Party Gathers
  • 9am – Hair and Makeup Begin
  • 10:30am – Breakfast – do not skip eating!
  • 11am – Photographer Arrives
  • 12:30pm – Florist Arrives
  • 1:30pm – First Look
  • 2:00pm – Bridal Party Photos
  • 2:30pm – Guests Begin to Arrive
  • 2:30pm – Family Photos
  • 3:00pm – Places for Ceremony
  • 3:30pm – Ceremony
  • 4:00pm – Cocktail Hour Begins
  • 5:00pm – Reception Space Opens, Guests Seated
  • 5:15pm – Bridal Party Introductions
  • 5:30pm – Speeches, Toasts
  • 6:00pm – Dinner Served 
  • 6:45pm – First Dance, Parent Dances
  • 7:00pm – Cake Cutting, Dessert Served
  • 7:30pm – Dancing Begins
  • 9:00pm – Reception Ends, After Party Begins

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