To pull off a 4 PM ceremony, you really have to master the art of the “slow morning” followed by the “organized sprint.” It’s a classic timeframe for a reason- it’s late enough that you aren’t waking up at 4 AM for hair and makeup, but early enough that you actually get to spend time with your guests before the sun goes down.
Here’s a breakdown of how we’re going to structure the day so you can actually enjoy your champagne instead of checking your watch every five minutes.
Morning Vibes: Coffee, Chill, and Concealer
The goal for the morning is “organized calm.” We want to avoid that frantic, movie-style running around with a curling iron in one hand and a bagel in the other.
- 09:00 AM – The Slow Wake Up: Drink water, have a real breakfast (not just coffee!), and put on your favorite playlist.
- 10:00 AM – Glam Squad Arrives: Hair and makeup start now. If you have a large wedding party, this might start earlier, but for a 4 PM start, this is the sweet spot.
- 12:30 PM – The “Get Dressed” Moment: This always takes longer than you think. Give yourself a solid 45 minutes to get into your attire without breaking a sweat.
The First Look & Photos (The “Get It Out of the Way” Strategy)
I’m a huge fan of the First Look. Why? Because it means you get to do your photos before the ceremony, so you can actually go to your own cocktail hour.
- 01:30 PM – First Look: Just you and your person. It’s the only quiet moment you’ll get all day. Soak it up.
- 02:00 PM – Wedding Party & Family Photos: Knock these out while everyone’s hair is still perfect and the energy is high.
- 03:00 PM – The “Hide Away” Hour: You should be tucked away by now. Guests start arriving around 3:30 PM, and you don’t want them catching a glimpse of you in the hallway. Use this time to touch up your lipstick and take a few deep breaths.
The Main Event: 4:00 PM Ceremony
This is why we’re all here!
- 04:00 PM – Processional Begins: Most ceremonies last about 20–30 minutes.
- 04:30 PM – I Do & The Exit: You’re married! Cue the cheers, the high-fives, and the immediate need for a drink.
The Party Transition: Sips & Bites
- 04:45 PM – Cocktail Hour: While you’re taking a few “just married” sunset shots or bustling your dress, your guests are hitting the bar and the appetizers.
- 05:45 PM – Transition to Reception: Move everyone toward the tables. Pro tip: Make sure your DJ or band is ready to hype the crowd up for your grand entrance.
Dinner, Toasts, and the Dance Floor
- 06:15 PM – Grand Entrance & Dinner: Eat. Seriously, make sure you actually eat the food you spent months picking out.
- 07:30 PM – Toasts & Cake: Keep the speeches short and sweet (5 minutes max, please!).
- 08:00 PM – Dance Floor Opens: This is where the formal part ends and the core memories begin.
The “Golden Hour” Strategy: Why 4 PM is the Sweet Spot
Choosing a 4 PM start isn’t just about the clock; it’s about the light. If you’re getting married outdoors or near windows, this timing puts your ceremony right before the “golden hour.”
You get that soft, flattering glow for your “I dos” without the harsh midday sun squint. Plus, it naturally transitions your guests from “refined ceremony vibes” to “let’s grab a martini” energy as the sun starts to dip.
Pre-Ceremony: The “Guest Experience”
Let’s talk about your friends and family for a second. They’re going to start showing up around 3:30 PM. To keep them from awkward standing-around-in-silence, consider these “pro-host” moves:
- The Pre-Cermony Hydration: If it’s warm out, have a station with infused water or lemonade. It keeps people happy while they wait for the processional.
- The Music Buffer: Don’t let them sit in silence! Have your ceremony music (or a chill playlist) starting at least 30 minutes before the walk. It sets the mood the second they step onto the property.
Managing the “Gap” (Or Avoiding It Entirely)
The biggest wedding pet peeve? The “dead hour” between the ceremony and the party. With a 4 PM start, you’ve basically eliminated this problem.
Because the ceremony ends around 4:30 or 4:45 PM, guests can walk straight into the cocktail hour. There’s no awkward drive to a hotel or sitting in a parking lot. It keeps the momentum high. If you stay on schedule, the energy will build perfectly from the first kiss to the first dance.
The Reality Check: When Things Go “Off-Script”
Here is the truth: something will run five minutes late. A groomsman will lose a cufflink, or the limo will hit a red light.
Here is how you handle it: You smile, take a sip of whatever is nearby, and keep going.
Your guests don’t have a copy of this timeline. They don’t know that dinner was supposed to be served at 6:15 instead of 6:30. If you are stressed, they will feel it. If you’re laughing and having the time of your life, they’ll think everything is going exactly to plan.
FAQs: The 4 PM Wedding Timeline
1. Is a 4 PM ceremony too late for a “First Look”?
Not at all! In fact, it’s the perfect time for one. Doing a First Look around 1:30 PM allows you to knock out all your wedding party and family photos while the light is still bright and everyone’s energy is high. Plus, it means you actually get to attend your own cocktail hour!
2. How long should a 4 PM ceremony actually last?
The sweet spot is usually 20 to 30 minutes. This gives you enough time for meaningful vows and a couple of readings without your guests getting restless (or too thirsty). If you finish by 4:30 PM, you transition perfectly into a sunset cocktail hour.
3. What time should I tell my guests to arrive?
Your invitation should say 4:00 PM. Guests naturally start trickling in about 15–30 minutes early. If you put “3:30 PM” on the invite, you’ll have early birds showing up at 3:00 PM while you’re still trying to take your final pre-wedding photos!
4. Do we need a “gap” between the ceremony and reception?
With a 4 PM start, you don’t need one. One of the best perks of this schedule is the seamless flow. Guests can move directly from your “I dos” to the bar. It keeps the party mood going and prevents that awkward “middle of the afternoon” slump where people don’t know what to do with themselves.
5. What if we’re running behind schedule?
Don’t panic! Most wedding timelines have about 10–15 minutes of “buffer time” built in. If the ceremony starts at 4:10 PM instead of 4:00 PM, nobody will mind. Just make sure your DJ or coordinator knows so they can adjust the dinner announcement accordingly.
Conclusion: Trust the Process (and Your Vendors)
You’ve done the heavy lifting. You’ve mapped out the minutes and created a solid wedding planning timeline. Now? It’s time to actually be the guest of honor at your own party.
At 4 PM, when those doors open, let the schedule become your coordinator’s job. Your only job is to look at your partner, try not to cry too hard, and eventually make it to the dance floor for the best night of your life.