Free Template
Free wedding day timeline template
A sample schedule you can copy, a blank page for your own, and six notes from Tyler Raynham, who has run more than 300 weddings from the venue side.
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The Wedding Day Timeline Template
The sample timeline, a blank page to fill in your own, and six notes from 20 years on the venue side.
A sample wedding day timeline
Here is a common shape for a day with a 3:00 PM ceremony and the reception at the same venue. Move the times to suit your ceremony, your photographer and your venue's rules.
| 9:00 AM | Hair and makeup beginStart with whoever is least fussy; the couple goes last so it stays fresh. |
|---|---|
| 9:30 AM | Vendor deliveries and decor drop-offPersonal decor, stationery and the memory table go to the venue. |
| 11:30 AM | Photographer arrivesDetail shots: rings, invitations, shoes, flowers. |
| 12:30 PM | Get dressedLeave a full 30 minutes. Buttons and bustles take longer than anyone thinks. |
| 1:00 PM | First look and wedding party photosOptional, but it frees up cocktail hour. |
| 1:30 PM | Back to the venue, boutonnieres onA quiet half hour before guests arrive. |
| 2:30 PM | Guests arrive, prelude musicUshers in place, programs out, ceremony sound checked. |
| 2:45 PM | Wedding party lines upFinal cue check with the officiant and musicians. |
| 3:00 PM | CeremonyAbout 20 to 30 minutes. |
| 3:30 PM | Family photosStraight after the ceremony, while everyone is still there. |
| 4:00 PM | Cocktail hourThe venue turns or finishes the room. |
| 4:15 PM | Couple portraitsSlip away for 30 to 45 minutes while guests enjoy cocktails. |
| 5:30 PM | Guests take their seats, grand entranceMC briefed on names and pronunciations. |
| 5:45 PM | Dinner serviceThe kitchen works to this time, so let them know if anything moves. |
| 7:15 PM | SpeechesAim for 20 to 30 minutes in total. |
| 7:45 PM | First dance and parent dances |
| 8:00 PM | Dance floor opens |
| 9:00 PM | Cake cutting |
| 10:00 PM | Late-night food |
| 10:45 PM | Last song and send-off |
| 11:00 PM | PackdownCards, gifts, guest book and personal decor packed into your chosen vehicle. |
Six notes from the venue side
- Tell the kitchen about the speeches. Give your venue the speech order and roughly how long each one runs. If they run long, dinner can be held instead of sitting under heat lamps.
- Build in buffers. Leave 15 minutes of slack before the ceremony and after family photos. Those are the two places days usually slip.
- Write the family photo list with names. A short list with names ("Mom, Dad, Grandma Rose") moves quickly. Ask one relative who knows everyone to help gather people.
- Everyone gets the same final timeline. Send every vendor the same version with their arrival time and one day-of contact who isn't you or your parents.
- Decide who packs up at the end of the night. Cards, gifts, the guest book and your decor need a named person and a named vehicle, or they end up in a venue storage room.
- Confirm your venue's end time. Ask when the music has to stop and how long vendors have to clear out afterwards, then work backwards from there.
Want someone to build and run it for you?
Timeline creation and review is part of every package. Day-of coordination with Tyler starts at $2,299, and he runs the day in person.
Questions couples ask
When should we finalize our wedding day timeline?
Have a working draft about two months out and a final version a couple of weeks before, once vendor arrival times are confirmed. Then send the same version to every vendor.
How long should cocktail hour be?
Usually 60 to 90 minutes. It gives the venue time to turn or finish the room, and it is a good window for couple portraits.
How fast does Tyler reply?
Usually within 24 hours. Send your date and venue through the form, or call or text 289-260-2663.
Check your wedding date
Tyler takes one wedding per weekend and usually replies within 24 hours.