Your 1PM Wedding Timeline

8:30 AM – Hair + Makeup + Getting Ready
This is your morning power hour.

Hair and makeup should start early enough to leave room for photos and any unexpected

“OMG my eyeliner smudged” moments.

Bridesmaids get ready here too, but don’t let them finish before you — they should be dressed after you, so that they're ready to help with zippers, bouquets, and calming nerves.

10:30 AM – Photographer Arrives + Detail Shots + Getting Ready Photos
Your photographer should be there before you’re dressed, capturing those intimate “putting on the earrings” moments, flat lays of shoes and rings, and all the pre-ceremony magic.

If your photographer shows up late, you’re losing valuable shots.

11:00 AM – Bride Gets Dressed + First Look + Wedding Party Photos
This is the chunk where the magic happens.

Getting dressed, first look (highly recommended), and portraits should flow together to maximize natural light and avoid rushing post-ceremony.

12:15 PM – Break / Quick Snack / Final Touch-Ups
After all that, you deserve a moment to breathe and maybe shove a granola bar in your mouth.

Lipstick touch-ups and veil fluffing happen here too.

1:00 PM – Ceremony Starts
This is it — the big moment.

Your ceremony should be tight and meaningful — think 25-30 minutes max — to keep guests engaged and on schedule.

1:30 PM – Ceremony Ends + Family Photos
No one wants to linger too long here. Limit family photos to essential groups only.

Assign a family member or coordinator to herd people efficiently.

2:00 PM – Cocktail Hour
Mimosas, passed apps, and good vibes.

Your guests will be hungry but not starving yet, which makes it the perfect time to socialize and unwind.

3:00 PM – Grand Entrance + First Dance + Parent Dances
This is your showtime.

Kick off the reception with a bang and move into the special dances while energy is still high.

3:30 PM – Dinner Service
Keep the food flowing but don’t let it drag.

Three-course or buffet — whatever suits your style — just make sure it fits the vibe and keeps guests happy.

5:00 PM – Toasts + Cake Cutting
Keep speeches short and sweet. Everyone wants to eat cake and dance — not listen to your cousin’s entire life story.

5:30 PM – Dance Floor Opens
The party officially begins.

Your DJ or band should build energy gradually.

No one expects an all-out dance frenzy at 5:30, but you want steady momentum.

7:00 PM – Late Night Snacks (Optional)
If your crowd is still going, a late-night snack station will keep the party fueled.

Think sliders, fries, or something easy to eat between dances.

8:00 PM – Grand Exit
No matter what time your wedding ends, this moment should be memorable — sparklers, bubbles, confetti, or just a classic “we’re out” wave.

1. Don’t underestimate the getting-ready time.
You might think starting hair at 10AM sounds chill, but if you want photos and first looks, you’re looking at 8:30AM start times.

Work backward from your ceremony.

2. First look = sanity saver.
Trust me.

Doing photos before the ceremony gives you time to enjoy cocktail hour and actually socialize with guests instead of hiding for portraits.

3. Make sure your vendors eat.
With the ceremony at 1PM and dinner at 3:30PM, your vendors will be hungry in between.

Pack meals or order vendor catering.

4. Use a detailed shot list for family photos.
Assign someone to keep the photo line moving and avoid 45 minutes of awkward

“wait, where’s Aunt Karen?”

5. Plan energy breaks for yourself.
It’s tempting to run from moment to moment, but those little pauses (even five minutes) help keep you fresh through dancing and late-night partying.

1PM weddings are the sweet spot for couples who want the best of both worlds — a morning start without the crack-of-dawn chaos, and an early evening finish that lets everyone get home at a decent hour.

The key is smart planning and respecting the flow — so your day feels effortless and fun.