Can you give me a sample wedding day timeline for a 3pm ceremony?

Short answer

For a 3pm ceremony, start getting ready by 9am, have photos at 11:30am, arrive at the venue by 2:30pm, ceremony at 3pm, drinks and canapés from 3:45pm, dinner at 5:30pm, speeches at 6:30pm, and dancing from 8pm.

A 3pm ceremony gives you a relaxed morning. Aim to start hair and makeup by 9am, with everyone ready by 12:30pm. If you want couple photos before the ceremony, schedule them for 11:30am, or plan to do them straight after the ceremony instead. Arrive at the venue by 2:30pm so guests are seated and you have a few quiet minutes.

At 3pm, the ceremony begins and usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes. From 3:45pm, serve drinks and canapés while you take group photos. Sit down for your wedding breakfast around 5:30pm, with speeches after the main course or just before dessert. Finish dinner by 7:30pm, then cut the cake and open the dance floor at 8pm. This timeline works well if you want an evening party without rushing.

If you have a humanist or religious ceremony, check with your celebrant or place of worship about timings and any legal requirements. For a civil ceremony, your registrar will confirm how long the legal part takes. Keep a buffer of 15 minutes between each step, and ask your photographer or wedding coordinator to keep you on track.