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From the exchange of vows under the sun to the first dance beneath the stars, a 4pm wedding is the epitome of romance and the ideal balance between daylight and evening!
This 4pm 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 4pm wedding timeline that will bring your dream wedding to life!
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4pm Wedding Day Itinerary Timeline
Getting Ready Timeline
12:00pm – 2:00pm:
~ You and your bridal party get your hair and makeup done.
~ The groom and the groomsmen get dressed and ready.
~ You and your bridesmaids get dressed and ready.
~ The photographers and videographers capture getting ready photos.
Photography and Videography
2:00pm – 3:00pm:
~ The photographer and videographer capture any other pre-wedding moments.
~ You and your bridesmaids have your individual and group photos taken.
~ The groom and groomsmen have their individual and group photos taken.
Final Touches
3:00pm – 3:30pm:
~ Final touch-ups occur for you and the groom.
~ Your 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 Pre-Ceremony Timeline
3:30pm – 4:00pm:
~ The bride and groom have a private first look and exchange gifts, if applicable.
~ 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
4:00pm – 4:30pm:
~ The processional starts with your parents, the groom’s parents, the groom, and your wedding party.
~ You make your entrance.
~ The exchange of vows and rings between you and the groom.
~ Any special readings or performances you want to have done.
~ The pronouncement of marriage.
~ The recessional as the newlyweds exit the ceremony.
Cocktail Hour Timeline
4:30pm – 5:00pm:
~ After the wedding ceremony, your wedding guests move to the cocktail hour area or the wedding reception area.
~ Your wedding guests start to have a cocktail hour with drinks and appetizers while you, your now husband, and your close friends and families start to take wedding photos!
~ 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 Starts
5:00pm – 5:30pm:
~ Guests are invited into the wedding reception area.
~ The grand entrance of the newlyweds and the wedding party.
~ Special dances (first dance, father-daughter dance, mother-son dance, etc.).
~ Then a welcome speech or toast by the couple or the host.
Wedding Reception Timeline
5:30pm – 7:30pm:
~ The dinner service begins (buffet, plated, or stations).
~ The speeches and toasts are done by the wedding party and any close family.
~ The wedding cake gets cut.
~ Bouquet and garter toss (if desired).
~ Any additional activities or entertainment.
Evening Activities Timeline
7:30pm – 8:00pm:
~ Transition to evening festivities.
~ Open dance floor for all guests.
~ DJ or band plays a mix of music.
~ Then you can have candid and group photos with your wedding guests.
Dancing and Celebration Timeline
8:00pm – 10:00pm:
~ The dance party continues with a DJ or live band.
~ Late night snacks or dessert stations.
~ Photo booth or other interactive entertainment.
~ Special surprises or performances (if planned).
Farewell and Exit
10:00pm – 10:30pm:
~ Have the last dance of the evening.
~ Say a farewell and thank you to your wedding guests.
~ Then to conclude your wedding night have a sparkler or confetti send-off (if desired)!
Best Wedding Itinerary Timelines
Similar wedding itinerary checklists that are already made for you, can be printed or used digitally, have great customer reviews from other brides, and would be perfect for a bride who needs help with the wedding planning process!!
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