How Long Each Part Of The Wedding Day Should Really Take
How Long Each Part of the Wedding Day Should Really Take
(A Realistic Wedding Day Timeline From a Coordinator)
One of the biggest questions couples ask during wedding planning is:
“How long should everything actually take?”
Between Pinterest timelines and venue restrictions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. As a wedding coordinator, I’ve seen what really works—and what causes stress when time is underestimated. Below is a realistic breakdown of each part of the wedding day, so your day flows smoothly and you actually get to enjoy it.
💍 Getting Ready: 4–6 Hours
This is where the day officially begins, and it almost always takes longer than couples expect.
What this time includes:
Hair & makeup for the wedding party
Getting dressed
Detail photos (dress, shoes, rings, invitations)
Champagne toasts & candid moments
First look (if you’re doing one)
Coordinator tip:
Build in buffer time. Hair and makeup almost never run early, and a relaxed morning sets the tone for the entire day.
💍 First Look & Pre-Ceremony Photos: 45–90 Minutes
If you choose to do a first look, this is when most of your portraits happen.
This time includes:
First look moment
Couple portraits
Wedding party photos
Immediate family photos
Why it matters:
Doing photos early means more time with guests during cocktail hour—and fewer rushed moments later.
💍 Ceremony: 20–45 Minutes
Ceremonies don’t need to be long to be meaningful.
Typical ceremony lengths:
Simple ceremony: 20–25 minutes
Traditional or religious ceremony: 30–45 minutes
What affects ceremony length:
Readings
Music selections
Religious traditions
Unity ceremonies
💍 Post-Ceremony Photos: 30–60 Minutes
Even if you’ve done a first look, some photos still happen after the ceremony.
Usually includes:
Extended family photos
Just-married portraits
Any missed group shots
Coordinator tip:
A well-organized shot list saves so much time here.
💍 Cocktail Hour: 60 Minutes
This is the sweet spot for guests and vendors.
Why one hour works best:
Guests can mingle, eat, and relax
You can finish photos without feeling rushed
Vendors reset the ceremony space or prep the reception
Pro tip:
Anything longer than an hour can feel too long for guests.
💍 Reception Entrance & First Dances: 15–25 Minutes
Once the reception starts, things move quickly.
Includes:
Grand entrance
First dance
Parent dances
Keeping this portion tight keeps guest energy high.
💍 Dinner Service: 60–90 Minutes
Dinner length depends on service style.
Typical timing:
Buffet: 60 minutes
Plated dinner: 75–90 minutes
Coordinator tip:
Speeches during dinner help save time and keep the evening flowing.
💍 Toasts & Speeches: 10–20 Minutes
Short and sweet is best.
Ideal setup:
2–4 speakers
2–3 minutes each
Long speeches can stall the party—your guests will thank you for keeping it moving.
💍 Open Dancing: 1.5–3 Hours
This is the fun part!
What usually happens here:
Open dance floor
Cake cutting
Bouquet/garter (if doing them)
Late-night snacks
Most receptions wrap up around the 3-hour mark after dinner.
💍 Grand Exit: 10–15 Minutes
Your send-off is the final moment of the night.
Examples include:
Sparklers
Glow sticks
Bubbles
Confetti poppers
This moment goes fast but makes for incredible photos.
💍 Final Thoughts: Build a Timeline That Works For You
Every wedding is different—but realistic timing is what makes a wedding day feel calm instead of chaotic. A well-planned timeline allows room for emotions, photos, and unexpected moments without stress.
That’s where a coordinator makes all the difference.
Need Help Creating Your Wedding Day Timeline?
At Blissful Weds, I specialize in creating stress-free, realistic wedding day timelines and handling the logistics so you don’t have to.
