Your 2 P.M. Wedding Timeline

-7:00 a.m. – Wake up + fuel up

Yes, you need to eat.

Even if you’re nervous.

Even if you’re not hungry.

Grab a bagel, toast, smoothie — something.

You’re not going to remember the taste but your body will thank you.

Pro tip: hydrate now.

You’ll be too busy later.

-8:00 a.m. – Hair & makeup starts

This is where the magic begins. Your beauty team rolls in, playlists go on, and it’s time to glam up.

Usually the bride goes second-to-last or last (but not too last) so you're fresh.

Bridesmaids and moms rotate through.

If you have a big group, you might need have two artists to speed it up.

-11:30 a.m. – Light lunch + final touch-ups

Hair’s done, makeup’s done, now let’s eat again.

Nothing heavy — just enough to soak up the nerves and keep the energy up.

Also: final touch-ups, double-check your emergency kit (deodorant, mints, fashion tape, blotting paper… you know the drill), and start putting on accessories.

-12:30 p.m. – Get dressed + bridal portraits

Into the dress we go! Build in some extra buffer time here — buttons take longer than you think.

If you’re doing a first look, it’ll happen right after you’re dressed.

If not, this is your moment for bridal portraits, flat lays, or any other details your photographer wants to capture before go-time.

-1:15 p.m. – Final photos + head to ceremony

Last group photos, bridal party, and some candids before heading over to the ceremony site

(if you’re not already there).

Give yourself enough time to breathe and reset before walking down the aisle.

-2:00 p.m. – Ceremony time!

Time to get married!

Most ceremonies last about 30 minutes, give or take.

After this, you're officially a married person.

Wild.

-2:30 p.m. – Family photos + cocktail hour

Family and group photos typically happen right after the ceremony.

Meanwhile, your guests head off to enjoy cocktail hour (yes, even if it's early — people love a daytime drink).

If you didn’t do a first look, this is also when you’ll take your couple portraits.

-4:00 p.m. – Reception kicks off

Let’s eat, toast, laugh, cry, and maybe hear a speech that includes slightly embarrassing stories from childhood.

Whether you’re doing a sit-down dinner or buffet, plan for about 60–90 minutes for dinner and formalities.

-5:30 p.m. – Dance floor opens

You made it through the “formal” stuff — now it’s time to party.

Whether you're doing a first dance, parent dances, or just want to jump straight into the fun, this is your time to let loose.

-8:00 p.m. – Cake cutting, late-night snacks, sparkler exit (optional)

Some couples wrap it here, some keep the dance floor going. Totally your call. Either way, this final part is flexible — you’ve already done all the big stuff.