The Ultimate Wedding Day Timeline Guide: 3 Perfect Schedules for Every Type of Wedding
The NI Wedding Directory
April 23, 2025
Guide
Planning
Timeline
Riverdale Barn
Planning a wedding is all about the details, and one of the most important (but often overlooked) parts is your wedding day timeline. Whether you're saying "I do" in a grand estate or keeping things intimate with a micro ceremony, a smooth schedule will keep everyone relaxed, on time, and enjoying the day.
To help you plan with ease, we've created 3 custom wedding day timeline templates to suit different styles and ceremony times, all tailored with insights from real weddings in Northern Ireland and beyond.
🏞️ Classic Wedding Timeline (2:00 PM Ceremony)
This timeline is ideal for traditional weddings with a midday or early afternoon ceremony. It allows plenty of time for hair and makeup, a first look, and a relaxed photo session before guests arrive.
Classic Wedding Day Schedule
Time | Activity |
|---|---|
7:00 AM | Hair & makeup begins (bride + bridal party) |
8:00 AM | Groom + groomsmen prep (shaving, suits, snacks!) |
9:30 AM | Photographer arrives (detail shots, getting ready) |
10:30 AM | Final touches on hair/makeup |
11:00 AM | Bride gets into dress |
11:30 AM | First look / couple portraits (optional) |
12:00 PM | Bridal party + family photos |
1:00 PM | Light lunch/snacks + touch-ups |
1:30 PM | Guests begin arriving |
1:45 PM | Couple + wedding party line up |
2:00 PM | Ceremony begins |
2:30 PM | Ceremony ends / recessional |
2:45 PM | Confetti toss / group photo |
3:00 PM | Cocktail hour |
3:15 PM | Couple + family photos (if not done earlier) |
4:00 PM | Reception opens / guests seated |
4:15 PM | Couple entrance + first dance |
4:30 PM | Speeches |
5:00 PM | Dinner is served |
6:30 PM | Cake cutting |
7:00 PM | Evening guests arrive |
7:30 PM | Dance floor opens |
9:00 PM | Late-night snacks (optional) |
11:30 PM | Last dance |
12:00 AM | Send-off |
Top Tip: Booking a venue like Hillmount House or Riverdale Barn NI? Ask your coordinator what time guests typically arrive and adjust this timeline accordingly.
🌅 Evening Wedding Timeline (2:00 PM Ceremony)
Planning an elegant evening wedding? This schedule builds a relaxed prep window into your morning and paces your celebration into the night. Perfect for autumn or winter weddings with romantic lighting.
Evening Wedding Day Schedule
Time | Activity |
|---|---|
9:00 AM | Hair & makeup begins |
10:00 AM | Groom + groomsmen prep |
11:30 AM | Photographer arrives |
1:00 PM | First look / couple portraits |
2:00 PM | Lunch + touch-ups |
3:00 PM | Guests begin arriving |
3:30 PM | Line up for ceremony |
4:00 PM | Ceremony begins |
4:30 PM | Ceremony ends / group photo |
5:00 PM | Cocktail hour |
6:00 PM | Reception opens / guests seated |
6:30 PM | Couple entrance + speeches |
7:00 PM | Dinner is served |
8:30 PM | Cake cutting |
9:00 PM | First dance + open dance floor |
10:30 PM | Late-night bites |
1:00 AM | Last dance |
1:30 AM | Send-off |
Venues that shine at sunset: Think Ballyscullion Park or Brownlow Castle, ideal for golden hour ceremonies and twinkling receptions.
🌿 Micro Wedding Timeline (Morning Ceremony)
Hosting a smaller, more intimate celebration? This micro wedding timeline fits everything you need into a meaningful morning or early afternoon. Simple, elegant, and stress-free.
Micro Wedding Day Schedule
Time | Activity |
|---|---|
8:00 AM | Light breakfast + prep |
9:00 AM | Hair & makeup |
10:00 AM | Photographer arrives |
10:30 AM | Ceremony begins |
11:00 AM | Drinks & light bites |
12:00 PM | Photos + couple portraits |
1:00 PM | Lunch reception |
2:30 PM | Speeches + cake cutting |
3:00 PM | First dance / music |
4:30 PM | Send-off |
Great for venues like: The Old Rectory Killyman or Lissanoure Castle, where a scenic backdrop meets a serene setting for smaller weddings.
🗂️ Pro Planning Tip: Save or Customise Your Timeline
Want to download or print these timelines for your wedding binder? Or maybe you'd like a custom version with your venue and vendor times included? Just let us know, we’re happy to help couples across Northern Ireland and beyond plan their perfect day.
📌 Bonus Idea: Include these timelines in your wedding welcome packs or email to vendors to keep everyone on the same page!
Final Thoughts
Having a clear wedding day timeline isn’t just about staying on schedule, it’s about creating a stress-free, joyful experience for you, your guests, and your suppliers. Whether you're getting married at a grand estate or planning an intimate gathering in Northern Ireland, one of these templates will fit beautifully into your plans.
Need help finalising your wedding timeline? Reach out or browse our full collection of wedding planning resources for couples getting married in Northern Ireland.