The day, hour by hour
| Time | What happens | How long |
|---|---|---|
| 11:30 AM | Hair & makeup begins | 2 h |
| 1:30 PM | Photographer arrives | 1 h |
| 2:30 PM | Getting ready photos | 1 h |
| 4:00 PM | First look | 30 min |
| 4:30 PM | Wedding party photos | 1 h |
| 6:00 PM | Ceremony | 45 min |
| 7:00 PM | Cocktail hour | 1 h |
| 8:00 PM | Grand entrance | 15 min |
| 8:30 PM | Dinner served | 1 h 15 min |
| 9:45 PM | Toasts | 30 min |
| 10:15 PM | First dance | 15 min |
| 11:00 PM | Cake cutting | 15 min |
| 11:15 PM | Dancing & celebration | 2 h 45 min |
| 2:00 AM | Grand exit | 15 min |
Try other ceremony times in the free wedding day timeline: every event moves with it.
What a 6 PM ceremony is good for
- Summer weddings, when the evening is the coolest and most beautiful part of the day.
- Couples who want a dinner party feel: candles, a long table and a late night.
- Weekday or city weddings where guests come after work.
Make it work
- Do the portraits before the ceremony, while there is daylight — in autumn and winter it is dark by 6 PM in much of the world.
- Serve substantial food during the cocktail hour: dinner only starts after 8 PM.
- A grand exit at 2:15 AM needs a venue licence that late, and transport for guests: check both before you book.
- Shorten the dancing, or move the cake earlier, if your venue closes at midnight.