The Perfect Wedding Day Timeline
A realistic hour-by-hour wedding day timeline for a UK wedding, from getting ready to the last dance.
Wedding Planning
A good timeline is the secret ingredient of a relaxed wedding day. It gives everyone — from your makeup artist to your toastmaster — the same plan. Here's a sample timeline for a 2pm ceremony at a single venue.
Sample timeline
- 8:00 Hair and makeup begins (allow 45–60 minutes per bridesmaid for hair and makeup combined, and 90 minutes for the bride).
- 11:00 Photographer arrives for getting-ready shots and details.
- 12:30 Bride's makeup and hair finished; lunch break for everyone.
- 13:15 Into the dress. First look or family photos if planned.
- 13:30 Guests arrive.
- 14:00 Ceremony (20–40 minutes).
- 14:40 Confetti, then drinks reception and canapés.
- 15:00 Group and couple portraits (keep group shots to 30 minutes).
- 16:30 Guests called to the wedding breakfast.
- 18:00 Speeches (allow 40 minutes).
- 18:45 Cake cutting, room turnaround.
- 19:30 Evening guests arrive.
- 20:00 First dance, then the band or DJ.
- 21:00 Evening food.
- 23:30 Last song and send-off.
Tips for a smooth day
- Add a 15-minute buffer after the ceremony and before dinner.
- Give your timeline and a key-contacts list to your venue coordinator, best man and photographer.
- Check sunset time for golden-hour portraits and build in ten minutes to slip away.
How long should a wedding day be?
Most UK weddings run 10–12 hours from ceremony to last dance. Getting ready starts earlier, so plan rest and food for the morning.
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