How to schedule your Wedding Day | Sample Wedding Timeline

Planning a wedding day can be a whirlwind of excitement and detail. Any Auckland wedding photographer will tell you that to ensure everything flows smoothly and you get to savor every moment, having a structured timeline can be a lifesaver. Below is a sample wedding day timeline that balances tradition with a touch of fun, making sure you and your guests have an unforgettable experience.

We’ve left out the morning make up portion of the day as it’s a whole different cake in itself! We’ve popped together another blog however with a lot more details on how to plan around that as well with expert inputs from 2 of the most sought after Auckland Makeup Artist / Hair Stylist, Grayson Coutts & Jaime Randell.

Guide: How to organise the morning getting ready on your wedding day.

1:30 PM - Make-Up Final Touch-Up : The big day starts with some final beauty touches. This is your time to ensure that your make-up is flawless, so you’re looking and feeling your best before slipping into your gown.

2:00 PM - Put On Wedding Gown : Once your make-up is perfect, it’s time to put on your wedding gown. This moment is often filled with excitement and anticipation as you prepare to walk down the aisle.

2:30 PM - Leave for Venue : With your gown on and everything in place, it’s time to head to the venue. This is when the reality of the day sets in and the anticipation really begins to build!

2:30 PM - Guests Arrive : As you make your way to the venue, your guests will begin to arrive and get settled. They’ll be eagerly waiting for the ceremony to start, so make sure to have a warm welcome ready for them.

2:45 PM - Bride Arrives at Venue : The bride’s grand entrance is a highlight of the day. This moment marks the beginning of the ceremony and sets the tone for the rest of the celebration.

3:00 PM - Ceremony Starts : The ceremony is the heart of the wedding day. This is the moment when you’ll exchange vows and officially become a married couple. Be sure to take in every word and moment.

3:30 PM - Ceremony Finishes and Move on to Formal Group Photos : Once the ceremony concludes, it’s time for formal group photos. These are the memories you’ll cherish for years to come, so make sure everyone is ready and smiling.

4:00 PM - Mingle with Guests : After photos, it’s time for a well-deserved break. Use this time to mingle with your guests and enjoy the reception. If time is tight, this segment can be adjusted or even omitted to ensure a smooth transition to the next events.

4:30 PM - Leave for Wedding Party : As the mingling winds down, it’s time to head to the wedding party. This is when you can start enjoying the festivities with your closest friends and family.

5:15 PM - Wedding Party Rejoins Guests for Couples Photos : After a bit of time with the wedding party, you can rejoin your guests for some additional couples photos. This is a great chance to capture the special bond between you and your partner.

5:50 PM - Guests Seated for Reception : As the time approaches for the reception, your guests will be seated and ready for the evening’s festivities.

6:00 PM - Bridal Party Reception Entry, Cake Cutting, and First Round of Speeches : The reception kicks off with the bridal party’s grand entrance, followed by the cake cutting and the first round of speeches. If you’re planning any fun games like the shoe game or heads and tails, this is a great time to include them.

6:20 PM - Dinner is Served : Dinner is served, and it’s time to relax and enjoy a delicious meal with your loved ones.

7:30 PM - Second Round of Speeches : After dinner, the second round of speeches takes place. This is another opportunity for heartfelt words and toasts to celebrate the newlyweds.

8:15 PM - First Dance and Other Special Dances : The evening’s entertainment continues with your first dance as a married couple, followed by special dances like the father-daughter and mother-son dances. These moments are sure to be cherished.

Sunset - Golden Hour Photos

If you want those stunning golden hour photos, make sure to plan for a 20-30 minute window around sunset. Check the sunset time for your big day and coordinate with your photographer to capture this magical moment.

First Look Option

If you prefer to maximize your mingling time, consider having a “first look” session before the ceremony. This allows you to take most of the bridal party and couples photos earlier, giving you more freedom to enjoy the rest of your day with your guests.