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Wedding day schedule example
Quick answer: Work backwards from the ceremony time: allow generous time for getting ready, travel, photos and the meal, build in buffer, and share the schedule with your suppliers and a trusted helper.
Every wedding is different, so use this as a model and adjust. The most useful rule is to add buffer, because everything takes longer than you think.
| Time | What |
|---|---|
| 9:00 | Getting ready: hair and make-up, breakfast, first photos |
| 12:00 | Travel to the ceremony, guests arrive |
| 13:00 | Ceremony |
| 13:45 | Drinks, group photos, couple photos |
| 15:00 | Wedding meal and speeches |
| 17:30 | Cake cutting, first dance |
| 18:00 | Evening guests arrive, music and buffet |
| 22:30 | Last dance and finish |
Tips
- Check how long each step takes with your venue and photographer.
- Leave 15 to 30 minutes buffer before the ceremony.
- List the group photos you want, so you can do them quickly.
- Give a copy to every supplier and to a trusted friend who can chase if something slips.
- Eat, drink water and take a few minutes together.
For a dated plan before the day, use the countdown checklist.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a wedding ceremony take?
A civil ceremony is often short, around 20 to 30 minutes, and religious ceremonies vary. Ask your officiant or registrar.
How long do wedding photos take?
Allow around 45 to 60 minutes for group and couple photos after the ceremony, and longer for a long list.
Keep reading
- Wedding planning checklist UK
- How to plan a wedding in 6 months
- Wedding planning timeline: 12 months to go
- How many guests should you invite to a wedding?
- Wedding venue questions to ask
Information checked November 2026 against the sources linked above. Rules and prices change, so check GOV.UK and your suppliers before you commit.