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Wedding Timeline Builder: Your Wedding Day Schedule
A classic wedding reception runs about 5 hours after a 30-minute ceremony: an hour of cocktails, about 90 minutes of dinner and speeches, then cake, the first dance and dancing. If your ceremony starts at 4:00 pm, plan your send-off around 9:30 pm.
How does the wedding timeline builder work?
Type your ceremony time and how long each part lasts. The builder adds them in order, with guests arriving 30 minutes ahead and the first dance right after the cake. Share the result with your planner, venue and photographer, and swap the order if your day runs differently.
Questions people ask
How long should a wedding reception last?
Most receptions last four to five hours. Check your venue contract, since overtime can be charged by the hour.
When do you cut the wedding cake?
Many couples cut the cake after dinner, before the dancing starts. Earlier is fine too, and it gives guests a clear signal that older relatives can leave whenever they like.
What time should a wedding ceremony start?
Afternoon ceremonies are common, and many photographers suggest timing the end of the day around golden hour, about an hour before sunset. Check the sunset time for your date.