Day-of guide
Wedding timeline for a 4pm ceremony
A 4:00pm ceremony is one of the most popular start times. Below is a realistic sample with first look — adjust every block in our free editor.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Hair & makeup begins |
| 12:00 PM | Photographer arrives |
| 2:30 PM | First look & couple portraits |
| 4:00 PM | Ceremony begins |
| 4:35 PM | Cocktail hour |
| 5:35 PM | Grand entrance & reception |
Common questions
- What time should hair and makeup start for a 4pm ceremony?
- With a first look, plan hair & makeup around 9–10am. Without a first look, you may still start by 10am depending on wedding party size.
- When should guests arrive for a 4pm ceremony?
- Ask guests to arrive 15–30 minutes early — typically 3:30–3:45pm for a 4:00pm start.