Wedding Timeline Planner

A typical luxury wedding day runs 10–14 hours from getting-ready start to reception end. Getting ready takes 3–4 hours. Ceremony runs 20–45 minutes. Cocktail hour is 60–75 minutes. Reception is 4–5 hours. Always build in 30–45 minute buffers between major events.

Wedding photographers typically need 90 minutes to 2 hours for getting-ready coverage. Hair and makeup for the bride alone takes 2.5–3 hours; the full bridal party adds 45–60 minutes per person. Start hair at 7–8 AM to ensure everyone is ready by 12–1 PM for a 3 PM ceremony.

Build at least 15–20 minutes of buffer between each major segment. Key buffer points: before ceremony (15 min), after ceremony before cocktail hour (15 min), during grand entrance (10 min), and between dinner courses (5–10 min). Add a 30-minute emergency buffer in the getting-ready portion.

Most wedding vendors quote packages of 6–10 hours with overtime rates of $150–$500/hour. Photographers charge $200–$400/hour overtime. Videographers charge $150–$350/hour. DJs charge $200–$350/hour. Overtime can add $600–$2,000+ to your total if the event runs long.

The golden hour (1–2 hours before sunset) provides the best natural light for portraits. For evening receptions, a 4–5 PM ceremony allows golden hour portraits at 6–7 PM before dinner. For summer weddings, a 5–6 PM ceremony captures the best light. Indoor ceremonies have more flexibility.