Building Your Wedding Timeline Like a Pro

Let’s be real: everyone—from your caterer to your cousin—is going to ask the same thing once you’re engaged:
“What time’s the ceremony?”

That’s why one of the very first things we do with our couples at Ribbon and Rogue is build out a solid, realistic timeline. Not a minute-by-minute stress bomb, but a flexible, functional plan that keeps your day flowing (and keeps you off cleanup duty in a ballgown at midnight).

Here’s how we break it down—starting with the big moment itself.

Start here. It's the anchor for the entire day.

STEP 1: Set Your Ceremony Time

Planning golden hour photos? Google your wedding day’s sunset time and schedule your ceremony for about 1.5 hours prior. That gives you time for portraits during cocktail hour in the best lighting of the day.
Planning a religious ceremony like a Catholic mass? Give yourself 2 hours instead.

Most ceremonies are around 30 minutes long, unless culturally or religiously specific.

Once the ceremony’s locked, the reception timeline builds itself pretty naturally. Here’s a sample layout based on hundreds of real weddings we’ve coordinated:

Step 2: Map Out Your Reception

5:00 pm – Ceremony
5:30 pm – Cocktail Hour + Family/Couple Portraits
6:30 pm – Guests Seated
6:45 pm – Grand Entrances + First Dance
7:00 pm – Dinner
8:00 pm – Toasts (seriously, keep them short)
8:15 pm – Parent Dances
8:30 pm – Dance Floor Opens
9:30 pm – Cake Cutting
10:30 pm – Last Call
11:00 pm – Event Ends

Pro Tips

Dinner: 1 hour for up to 100 guests. Add 15 minutes per additional 25 guests. Family-style service? Add another 30.

• Toasts: 3 max. Warn your people—nobody wants a 15-minute ramble after wine.
  
  

• Cake Cutting: Guests won’t get cake instantly. Plan for a 15-minute buffer (or pre-slice a sheet cake in back for instant dessert gratification).

Step 3: Work Backwards towards the start

Once you’ve nailed ceremony + reception, rewind to figure out your morning and prep schedule.

Think through:

First look: Yes or no?

Where you’re getting ready

Which photos you want pre-ceremony (details, bridal party, family, etc.)

How many people need hair and makeup, and how long that will take

Beauty Timing Guide:

Bridesmaids: 45 minutes each (30 for hair, 15 for makeup)

Bride: 1.5 hours total
📸 Photo Tip: Don’t bring in your photographer too early. “Getting ready” shots should be polished, not half-done eyeliner and a lukewarm bagel in hand.

Want a trick to avoid a glam time crunch? Ask your hair & makeup team to bring extra artists if you’ve got more than 4-5 people getting services.

6 hours max for the main event. After that, your guests are tired and your dance floor slows down. Want to keep the party alive? Plan an afterparty!

Don’t skip the cleanup plan. Some venues don’t include time for it—and someone has to pack up those 200 tealights.

Plan 5 minutes per formal dance. That includes intros, transitions, and actual dancing.

Your timeline is a guide—not gospel. Be flexible, breathe, and focus on the flow.

A well-built timeline doesn’t just keep your day organized—it keeps you calm. It lets your vendors shine, your guests relax, and you focus on what matters: celebrating.

Final Thought

And if you're not sure where to start? We’ve got you. We’ll walk you through every step and build a timeline that fits your day, your vibe, and your real-life logistics.

Got a question? Text us now at 321-209-2754