Your wedding day should be a joyful, stress-free celebration, not a day filled with chaos and confusion. A well-structured timeline is the key to making sure every moment flows seamlessly—from getting ready to the last dance.
At Magnolia Springs Wedding & Event Center, we’ve hosted countless weddings in St. Martinville, Louisiana, and we know what works best when it comes to staying on schedule. Here’s a wedding day timeline guide to help you plan the perfect day.
Wedding Day Timeline Example
Here’s a sample timeline for a 5:00 PM ceremony to help you visualize how your day can unfold smoothly:
9:00 AM – Bride & Bridal Party Arrive
🕘 Hair and makeup begin. Make sure to have breakfast and stay hydrated!
11:00 AM – Groom & Groomsmen Arrive
🕚 The groom and groomsmen start getting ready.
12:00 PM – Photography Begins
📸 Capturing getting-ready moments, detail shots, and candid behind-the-scenes memories.
1:30 PM – First Look (Optional)
💍 A private moment between the couple before the ceremony. This also allows for more time for portraits.
2:00 PM – Wedding Party & Family Photos
📸 Knock out as many photos as possible before the ceremony so you can enjoy cocktail hour!
4:30 PM – Guests Begin Arriving
🚗 Make sure your venue is ready, with ushers or signage to direct guests.
5:00 PM – Ceremony Begins
🎶 The moment you’ve been waiting for! Time to say “I do.”
5:30 PM – Cocktail Hour
🍸 Guests mingle while the newlyweds take sunset photos and enjoy a private moment together.
6:30 PM – Reception Begins
🥂 Grand entrance, first dance, and dinner service begins.
8:00 PM – Cake Cutting & Toasts
🍰 Let the sweet moments begin!
8:30 PM – Dance Floor Opens
💃 Let’s get the party started!
10:30 PM – Grand Exit
✨ End the night with a magical sparkler send-off or private last dance.
Tips for a Smooth Wedding Day
💡 Plan with a Buffer: Things rarely go exactly on time, so schedule extra minutes between major events.
💡 Communicate with Vendors: Share your timeline with your venue coordinator, caterer, and photographer.
💡 Have an Emergency Kit: Pack bobby pins, extra lipstick, deodorant, and snacks for touch-ups throughout the day.
💡 Trust Your Team: If you have a wedding planner or day-of coordinator, let them handle the timeline so you can relax!
💡 Enjoy Every Moment! Your wedding day will fly by—take a moment to soak it all in.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I start getting ready on my wedding day?
Most brides start getting ready at least 6 hours before the ceremony to allow time for hair, makeup, and photos.
Should I do a first look?
A first look saves time and allows for more portraits before the ceremony, but it’s totally up to your preference!
What happens if we run behind schedule?
It’s okay! A good planner or venue coordinator will help adjust the timeline to keep things flowing smoothly.
How long should the reception last?
Most receptions are 4-5 hours, including dinner, toasts, and dancing.
Plan Your Perfect Wedding at Magnolia Springs
At Magnolia Springs Wedding & Event Center, we’re here to make sure your big day runs seamlessly. Our team/your wedding planner will help you create the perfect wedding day timeline, ensuring you enjoy every moment stress-free.
📅 Ready to start planning? Schedule a tour to see how our venue can bring your dream wedding to life!
