Wedding day itinerary
At the bride's home
- __:__ Breakfast
- __:__ Hair appointment
- __:__ Makeup appointment
- __:__ Arrival of maid of honor and female attendants
- __:__ Arrival of bouquets, boutonnieres and corsages
- __:__ Wedding party gets dressed
- __:__ Arrival of photographer and videographer
- __:__ Preparations photo session begins
- __:__ Arrival of limousine
- __:__ Leave for ceremony
At ceremony site
- __:__ Arrival of someone who will decorate
- __:__ Arrival of ushers
- __:__ Arrival of musicians
- __:__ Arrival of groom and best man
- __:__ Arrival of bride's mother, maid of honor and female attendants
- __:__ Arrival of bride and father
- __:__ Parents of groom seated
- __:__ Prelude begins
- __:__ Mother of bride seated
- __:__ Processional begins
- __:__ Photo session begins after ceremony
At reception site
- __:__ Photo session begins
- __:__ Guests arrive at reception
- __:__ Cocktails/punch served
- __:__ Receiving line forms
- __:__ First dance of bride and groom
- __:__ Dancing begins
- __:__ Dinner begins
- __:__ Champagne and wine served
- __:__ Toasts
- __:__ Cutting of cake
- __:__ Toss of bouquet and garter
- __:__ Change into going-away outfits
- __:__ Depart reception
Tips for time planning
First half-hour, reception
- Wedding photos are taken
- Guests start arriving and mingling
- Cocktail hour begins
- Music begins
Second half-hour to hour-and-a-half
- Form receiving line
- Guests sign guestbook and pick up table cards
- Finger foods are passed around
Second hour
- Buffet is announced or guests are seated for dinner
- Wedding party is seated and served, then food is served to guests
- Best man proposes the first toast
Third hour
- Speeches from bride, groom or family
- First course is cleared from tables
- Bride and groom have first dance
- Guests follow on the dance floor
Three-and-a-half hours
- Guests mingle and dance
- Musicians announce cake-cutting
Last half-hour:
- Bride throws bouquet
- Bride and groom change into going-away clothes
Return to the Planning Table of Contents.
