Last updated: January 2026
Do you need a wedding timeline for a 4pm ceremony? 5pm? 6pm? We’ve created a fully editable sample you can use, along with a FAQ about wedding day timelines. Read on and subscribe now for the latest wedding tips straight to your inbox!
A wedding day timeline is essential to ensure your day flows smoothly. A timeline gives a clear guide to the timing of key events—from when to start getting ready to when flowers should arrive. Think of it as a wedding planning checklist: add or remove items to match your unique plans.
In this post, we’ll show you how to create a wedding timeline specifically for a 4pm ceremony, which you can adjust to your own schedule. You’ll also learn tips for what to write down before making your timeline, how to display it at your reception, and the types of print-outs available for your wedding party.
Why trust this timeline? This sample is based on real wedding-day schedules used by planners and photographers to keep 4pm ceremonies running on time.
Wedding Timeline Tips
Ready to make your timeline? Keep these points in mind so your day goes off without a hitch:
1. Estimate the length of your ceremony
Religious ceremonies typically last around 1 hour; non-religious ceremonies usually take 15–20 minutes. Shorter vows, fewer readings or songs, or a very brief ceremony may bring it down to 15–20 minutes.
2. Plan the reception duration
Most receptions run 5–6 hours, but yours may vary. Check how long you’ve booked the venue.
3. Account for guest travel time
Use Google Maps to estimate travel time from ceremony to reception, and add extra time for traffic or other delays.
4. Schedule photo sessions
Decide if you want a First Look or post-ceremony photos. Work out the length of your photo session with your photographer. Tip: First Look photos usually take just 15 minutes!
by Leah Bisch
5. Destination weddings
If your wedding spans multiple days, create a multi-day timeline including welcome dinners, ceremonies, receptions, and farewell brunches. Use multi-event RSVP cards to get accurate headcounts.
Wedding Timeline for a 4pm Ceremony
This sample timeline is fully editable for your own schedule. Adjust as needed!
| Time | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00am | Brides & Bridesmaids Meet | VIPs arrive at suite or home, enjoy breakfast, sip drinks, exchange gifts if not done at rehearsal. |
| 11:00am | Hair & Makeup | Bride, bridesmaids, moms, flower girls; dresses steamed; small lunch recommended. Groomsmen start getting ready around this time. |
| 1:00pm | Vendors Arrive | Florist delivers bouquets, corsages, and boutonnieres. |
| 1:30pm | Photographer Arrives | Captures details like shoes, rings, invitations, bridal suite, and getting ready moments. |
| 3:30pm | Guests Arrive | Prelude music starts; allows time for guests to settle. |
| 3:45pm | Ceremony Line-Up | Wedding party lines up for procession. |
| 4:00pm | Ceremony Begins | Most ceremonies start 5–10 minutes after scheduled time. Wait for majority of guests. |
| 4:45pm | Cocktail Hour | Guests enjoy drinks and appetizers; couple takes photos with wedding party, family, and each other. |
| 5:45pm | Reception Entrance & Cake Cutting | DJ announces entrance; cake cutting photos taken immediately. |
| 6:00pm | Welcome Toast | Parents give short toasts; bridal party toasts happen after dinner. |
| 6:10pm | Dinner Begins | Served while Best Man and Maid of Honor give toasts (max 5 minutes each). |
| 7:25pm | First Dance & Parent Dances | Couple dances first, followed by parent dances. |
| 7:40pm | Anniversary Dance | Couples invited to dance based on years married, leaving in increments until longest-married couples remain. |
| 7:50pm | Bouquet & Garter Toss (Optional) | Time for traditional tosses, if desired. |
| 8:00pm | Dancing Opens | Dance floor open to all guests. |
| 10:45pm | Last Song | Signal final dance. |
| 10:50pm | Sparkler Exit | Plan your grand exit with sparklers. |
| 11:00pm | Reception Ends | Say goodbye to guests and exit venue. |
How Long Does a 4pm Wedding Ceremony & Reception Last?
Most weddings with a 4pm ceremony end between 10:30pm and 11pm, depending on reception length, last call, and exit timing. This timeline assumes a 6–7 hour reception.
Download Your Editable Timeline
Adjusting for Different Ceremony Times
If your ceremony starts at 5pm instead of 4pm, simply shift all times by 1 hour. For 6pm, shift 2 hours. Here’s a quick reference:
- 4pm ceremony: Bridal party ready at 9am, Hair & Makeup 11am, Ceremony 4pm
- 5pm ceremony: Bridal party ready at 10am, Hair & Makeup 12pm, Ceremony 5pm
- 6pm ceremony: Bridal party ready at 11am, Hair & Makeup 1pm, Ceremony 6pm
Frequently Asked Questions About the Wedding Day Timeline
Common Wedding Timeline Mistakes
- Not leaving extra time for hair/makeup or dress prep.
- Underestimating travel or traffic between locations.
- Scheduling photos too close to ceremony start time.
- Forgetting to coordinate with vendors for setup times.
Wedding Timeline Sign
Print your timeline on a wedding day sign like this or hand out editable templates to your bridal party: this template.
You can also display your timeline on your wedding website.
Share This Timeline with Vendors & Your Wedding Party
- Send to photographer and videographer so they know key photo moments.
- Share with florists and caterers for on-time delivery.
- Give a copy to the bridal party and family members for smooth transitions.
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
P.S. Get a FREE wedding checklist printable here!
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About the author: Emma is the founder of Emmaline Bride and has helped hundreds of couples plan stress-free weddings through expert guides, timelines, and planning resources.
