Wedding Day Timeline 5PM Ceremony Guide

Last Updated on August 3, 2022

A timeline is very important on your wedding day. This is because it will ensure that everything runs smoothly and that you do not miss out on anything important. A 5pm ceremony means that you will need to start getting ready at 1pm.

While there is some flexibility with the timeline, it is important to keep in mind that you will need to factor in time for hair and makeup, getting into your dress, and taking photos.

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Contents

Wedding Day Timeline 5PM Ceremony

Here is a suggested timeline for a 5pm ceremony:

1:00pm – Start getting ready. This includes hair, makeup, and putting on your dress.

2:30pm – Take wedding party photos.

3:00pm – Take family photos.

4:00pm – It’s time to head to the ceremony site!

4:30pm – Ceremony begins.

5:00pm – Ceremony ends and you are officially married!

5:15pm – Take photos with your spouse.

5:30pm – Reception begins.

6:00pm – Cocktail hour begins.

7:00pm – Dinner is served.

8:00pm – Cake cutting and first dance.

9:00pm – Dance floor opens up for everyone to enjoy!

10:00pm – Last call for drinks.

11:00pm – Reception ends.

Who Is 5PM Ceremony Good For?

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A 5pm ceremony is a great option for couples who want to take advantage of the natural light for photos. This timeline also allows you to have your reception in the evening, which can be a nice change of pace from the typical wedding day timeline.

If you are having a destination wedding, a 5pm ceremony may also be a good option so that you can take advantage of the cooler temperatures in the evening.

Finally, a 5pm ceremony is also a great option if you are having a smaller wedding. This is because it allows you to save money by not having to rent out a space for an entire day.

Things to Keep in Mind

When planning your wedding day timeline, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, be sure to give yourself enough time to get ready. It is better to have too much time than not enough.

Second, be sure to communicate your timeline with your photographer. This will ensure that they are able to capture all of the important moments.

Finally, be sure to enjoy your day! It will go by quickly, so soak up every moment.

What Time Do Most Weddings Start and End?

Most weddings start anywhere from 4pm-7pm. The average length of a wedding reception is about 4 hours long, which means most weddings end around 11pm.

If you are planning on having an afternoon ceremony, it is important to keep this timeline in mind so that you can plan accordingly.

What Are the Stages of a Wedding Ceremony?

There are typically three stages of a wedding ceremony: the prelude, the ceremony, and the recessional.

The prelude is the music that is played before the ceremony starts. This is usually about 15-20 minutes long and is meant to set the tone for the ceremony.

The ceremony is when you exchange your vows, have your first kiss as a married couple, and are officially announced as husband and wife. This usually lasts about 30-45 minutes.

The recessional is the music that is played after the ceremony as you are exiting. This is usually a happy and upbeat song!

What Happens During the Cocktail Hour?

The cocktail hour is the time for your guests to mingle and enjoy some cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. This is usually about an hour long, and it is a good idea to have someone make sure that everyone has a drink in hand.

You can also use this time to take some more photos with your spouse or wedding party.

When Should You Cut the Cake?

The cake cutting usually happens after the first dance and before the dance floor opens up. This is a good way to get everyone’s attention so that they can watch you cut the cake and then head to the dance floor!

Cutting the cake is also a good time to take some more photos with your spouse.

What Happens at the End of the Night?

At the end of the night, most couples like to do a sparkler send-off. This is when your guests line up and you walk through a tunnel of sparklers as you leave the reception. It’s a fun way to end the night!

You can also choose to do a confetti send-off or have your guests wave ribbons as you leave.

Jackie Palmer is a Houston-based coin journalist and fashion enthusiast. She joined Jewels Advisor’s content team after years of experience as a content strategist, managing blogs and social channels for local stores. Jackie mostly collects and studies US coins produced during the 20th century and over the years, published hundreds of articles for multiple coin publications.