3 Popular Wedding Day Timelines: Choose Your Perfect Fit!
- Carolina Wedding Partners
- May 19
- 2 min read
Updated: May 28
Planning your big day? One of the most important details to lock in early is your wedding day timeline.
At Carolina Wedding Partners, we know every couple’s vision is unique, so we’ve put together three of the most popular timeline templates to help guide your day from "I do" to the last dance.
Whether you're having a traditional church ceremony, a laid-back beach celebration, or a romantic evening soirée, there's a timeline that fits your vibe. Let's dive in!
💍 Version 1: Classic Wedding Timeline (with First Look)
Perfect for: Couples who want intimate pre-ceremony moments and a relaxed photography schedule.
10:00 AM – Hair & Makeup Begins
1:00 PM – Photographer Arrives, Detail Shots Begin
2:00 PM – First Look & Couple Portraits
3:00 PM – Wedding Party & Family Photos
4:30 PM – Guests Begin Arriving
5:00 PM – Ceremony
5:30 PM – Cocktail Hour Begins
6:30 PM – Reception Begins
7:00 PM – Dinner Served
8:00 PM – Toasts & Cake Cutting
9:00 PM – First Dances
10:00 PM – Open Dance Floor
11:00 PM – Grand Exit
🔖 Pin Tip: This timeline works especially well for spring or fall weddings where natural light is ideal for portraits before the ceremony.
🌊 Version 2: Beachy Afternoon Ceremony (No First Look)
Perfect for: Couples embracing the natural vibe of the Crystal Coast or Outer Banks with a midday ceremony and plenty of sun.
8:00 AM – Hair & Makeup Begins
11:00 AM – Photographer Arrives
12:30 PM – Guests Arrive at Ceremony Site
1:00 PM – Ceremony
1:30 PM – Group Photos
2:00 PM – Cocktail Hour Begins
3:00 PM – Reception Starts
3:30 PM – Toasts, Cake, and First Dances
5:00 PM – Sunset Photos for the Couple
6:00 PM – Casual Farewell or Beach Bonfire
🔖 Pin Tip: Include beach bonfire inspiration, barefoot dance ideas, and sunset photo must-haves in your Pin descriptions!
🌙 Version 3: Elegant Evening Soirée
Perfect for: Glamorous events with a later ceremony followed by a chic, candlelit reception.
12:00 PM – Hair & Makeup Begins
3:00 PM – Photographer Arrives
4:30 PM – First Look & Couple Portraits
5:30 PM – Wedding Party Photos
6:00 PM – Ceremony
6:30 PM – Cocktail Hour
7:30 PM – Reception Begins
8:00 PM – Grand Entrance & Dinner
9:00 PM – Toasts & First Dance
9:30 PM – Cake Cutting & Open Dancing
11:30 PM – Late-Night Snack or Send-Off
12:00 AM – Grand Exit or After Party
🔖 Pin Tip: Showcase tablescapes, sparkler exits, and black-tie fashion for this evening aesthetic.
📌 Final Tips
Always coordinate with your venue, photographer, and planner to fine-tune your timeline.
Leave 15–30 minute buffers between major events to keep things stress-free.
Use these templates as a starting point and customize based on your vendors, location, and season.
Want help building your dream timeline? Connect with our Carolina Wedding Partners vendors to design a day that flows beautifully from start to finish.
✨ Save These to Your Pinterest Boards!
We’ve created pin-friendly graphics for each timeline—perfect for saving, sharing, or screenshotting. Head over to our Pinterest page to browse and pin your favorite version!
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