WedPlanner

Wedding day timeline builder

Set the ceremony time and the whole day lines up around it. Change any block’s length and every other time moves with it. Print it for vendors or save it as a PDF.

  1. Partner + wedding party
  2. Photographer
  3. Couple
  4. Couple, photographer
  5. Wedding party
  6. Couple
  7. Ushers
  8. Officiant, couple
  9. Family, photographer
  10. Guests, bar
  11. DJ / MC
  12. Couple
  13. Caterer
  14. Best man, maid of honor, parents
  15. Couple, parents
  16. Couple, caterer
  17. DJ / band
  18. Everyone
  19. Reception ends

Wedding ceremony order

Traditions differ across faiths and cultures; this is a common order for a Western ceremony that your officiant can adapt.

  1. Prelude. Music while guests take their seats.
  2. Processional. Often officiant, then grandparents and parents, attendants, flower girl and ring bearer, then the couple or the bride with her escort.
  3. Welcome. The officiant greets guests and says a few words about the couple.
  4. Readings. One or two readings by friends or family.
  5. Vows. Traditional or personal vows, spoken to each other.
  6. Ring exchange. Short promises as the rings are given.
  7. Declaration and kiss. The officiant pronounces you married.
  8. Recessional. The couple leads the way out, followed by the wedding party and family.

Building a reception timeline that flows

  • Do the formalities early. Entrance, first dance, toasts and cake in the first two hours keep older guests and the photographer’s hours in check.
  • Feed people before speeches. Toasts land better once guests have eaten.
  • Pad the transitions. Moving 100 people from one room to another takes 10–15 minutes.
  • Plan golden-hour portraits. Ten minutes outside around sunset gives photographers their favourite light.
  • Mind vendor overtime. Photographers, bands and venues bill extra hours, so check your end time against each contract.

Questions couples ask

How long is a typical wedding day timeline?

From the start of hair and makeup to the send-off is often 10–12 hours. The reception itself commonly runs four to five hours, which many venues set as their standard hire.

How long does a wedding ceremony last?

A civil or non-religious ceremony often takes 20–30 minutes. Religious ceremonies with a service or mass can run 45–60 minutes or more.

Should we do a first look?

A first look lets you do couple and wedding party photos before the ceremony, so you can join most of cocktail hour. Without one, plan on 60–90 minutes of photos after the ceremony.

When should toasts happen?

Many couples schedule toasts just after guests sit down for dinner or between courses, while everyone is seated and attentive. Keep each toast to about three minutes.

Who needs a copy of the timeline?

Every vendor, the wedding party, your MC and a point person such as a planner or trusted friend. Send it about a week before and bring printed copies on the day.

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