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Whether you are drawn to the idea of saying your vows in the warm sunlight or seeking a unique twist on traditional wedding schedules, a 3pm wedding offers endless possibilities!
This 3pm wedding day itinerary will guide you through developing your own wedding day timeline that will ensure your special day plays out smoothly.
So grab a piece of paper, your wedding binder, or your phone and get ready to create a 3pm wedding timeline that will bring your dream wedding to life!
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3pm Wedding Day Itinerary
Getting Ready Timeline
9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
~ You and your bridal party get your hair and makeup done.
~ The groom and groomsmen get dressed and prepare at a designated location.
~ You and your bridesmaids get dressed and ready.
~ The photographers and videographers capture getting ready photos.
Lunch and Relaxation
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM:
~ Provide a light lunch or snacks for the wedding party.
~ Take a moment to relax and have some downtime.
Final Preparations
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM:
~ The photographer and videographer capture the final moments of preparation.
~ Any final touch-ups for you and the groom.
~ The wedding party helps with any last-minute preparations.
~ Wedding guests start to arrive at your wedding ceremony venue.
~ The ushers start to distribute your wedding programs or ceremony booklets.
First Look and Couple Portraits
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM:
~ The bride and groom have a private first look, if applicable.
~ Capture intimate couple portraits at a predetermined location or venue.
Pre-Ceremony Timeline
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM:
~ Your family and wedding party join for pre-ceremony photos.
~ Prelude music plays as guests start to take their seats.
~ All of the wedding guests are completely seated.
Wedding Ceremony Timeline
3:00 PM – 3:45 PM:
~ The processional starts with your parents, the groom’s parents, the groom, and your wedding party.
~ You make your wedding entrance.
~ The exchange of vows and rings between you and the groom.
~ The pronouncement of marriage.
~ Recessional as the newlyweds exit the ceremony.
Cocktail Hour Timeline
3:45 PM – 5:00 PM:
~ After the wedding ceremony, your wedding guests move to the cocktail hour area or the wedding reception area.
~ Have a cocktail hour with drinks and appetizers while you and your husband take photos with your immediate family and your wedding party.
~ Have some background music or live entertainment during the cocktail hour.
~ You can take additional photos or if you didn’t want to do a first look, then this would be the time you would take the photos listed above.
Wedding Reception Timeline
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM:
~ The grand entrance of the couple and the wedding party.
~ Special dances (first dance, father-daughter dance, mother-son dance, etc.).
~ A welcome speech or toast by the couple or the host.
~ The dinner service begins (buffet, plated, or stations).
~ Cake cutting ceremony.
~ Additional speeches or performances.
~ Open dance floor and celebration.
Special Activities
7:00 PM – 7:30 PM:
~ Bouquet toss, garter toss, or other planned activities (if desired).
~ Any additional entertainment or surprises for your wedding guests.
Sunset Photos
7:30 PM – 8:00 PM:
~ Take advantage of the beautiful lighting for sunset wedding photos.
Continued Wedding Reception
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM:
~ DJ or live band keeps the dance floor lively.
~ Additional food and refreshments as desired (late-night snacks, dessert bar, etc.).
~ Photo booth or other interactive entertainment.
Farewell and Send-Off
(1st Option)- 9:00 PM – 9:30 PM:
~ Gather guests for a farewell and thank you from you and the groom.
~ To conclude your wedding night have a sparkler or confetti send-off (if desired)!
~ Then you and your husband depart and head to your hotel or honeymoon.
(Or 2nd Option)- 10:00 PM – 10:30 PM:
~ Have the last dance of the evening.
~ Say a farewell and thank you to your wedding guests.
~ Sparkler send-off or other exit arrangements.
~ Departure of the newlyweds.
Best Wedding Itinerary Timelines
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