Wedding day timeline template

A wedding day timeline is the hour-by-hour plan for the day itself, from getting ready to the send-off. This one includes photos, dinner, speeches and the first dance, with who looks after each part. Set your date and ceremony time, change anything, and share one page with your suppliers and wedding party.

Edit this templateSee typical timings

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Updated

Alex & Sam's wedding day

Saturday 17 July 2027

Getting ready

9am
Hair and makeupBridal suite · Studio Glow · 3 h 30 min
12:30pm
Getting-ready photosBridal suite · Photographer · 30 min
1:30pm
Guests arriveGarden · Ushers · 30 min

Ceremony

2pm
CeremonyGarden · Officiant · 30 min
2:30pm
Confetti and group photosLawn · Photographer · 30 min
3pm
Drinks and canapésTerrace · Caterer · 1 h 30 min

Reception

4:30pm
Couple's photosOrchard · Photographer · 30 min
5pm
DinnerBarn · Caterer · 2 h
7pm
SpeechesBarn · Best man (MC) · 45 min
8pm
Cake and first danceBarn · DJ · 15 min
8:15pm
DancingBarn · DJ · 3 h 15 min
11:30pm
Send-offCourtyard · Ushers · 30 min

Getting ready

9am
Hair and makeupBridal suite · Studio Glow · 3 h 30 min
12:30pm
Getting-ready photosBridal suite · Photographer · 30 min
1:30pm
Guests arriveGarden · Ushers · 30 min

Ceremony

2pm
CeremonyGarden · Officiant · 30 min
2:30pm
Confetti and group photosLawn · Photographer · 30 min
3pm
Drinks and canapésTerrace · Caterer · 1 h 30 min

Reception

4:30pm
Couple's photosOrchard · Photographer · 30 min
5pm
DinnerBarn · Caterer · 2 h
7pm
SpeechesBarn · Best man (MC) · 45 min
8pm
Cake and first danceBarn · DJ · 15 min
8:15pm
DancingBarn · DJ · 3 h 15 min
11:30pm
Send-offCourtyard · Ushers · 30 min
12 sessionsMade with Schedule Gizmo

At a glance

Getting ready
3 to 4 hours
Ceremony
20 to 45 minutes
Drinks and photos
About 1½ to 2 hours
Dinner
About 2 hours
Speeches
30 to 45 minutes
Guests arrive
30 minutes before

How long each part takes

Typical lengths to plan around. Add 10 to 15 minutes of slack before the ceremony and before dinner: something always runs late.

Typical wedding day timings
Part of the dayTypical lengthGood to know
Hair and makeup3 to 4 hoursAsk the stylist; it depends on how many people they're getting ready.
Guests arrive30 minutes beforePut the arrival time on the invitation, not the ceremony time alone.
Ceremony20 to 45 minutesCivil ceremonies are often 20 to 30 minutes; religious ones can run to an hour.
Group photos20 to 30 minutesGive the photographer a list of groups and someone who knows the families.
Drinks and canapés1½ to 2 hoursCovers the couple's photos and the room turnaround.
DinnerAbout 2 hoursThree courses with service; less for a buffet.
Speeches30 to 45 minutesBefore dinner keeps nerves short; after dinner keeps the meal on time.
Dancing3 to 4 hoursCheck the venue's music curfew.

Tips for a smooth day

Make it yours

  • One line per part of the day: the time, what happens, then where and who.
  • "# Getting ready" starts a new section.
  • Set the date at the top, or pick it above.
  • Print one page for each supplier, or send one link.
date: 2027-07-17
# Getting ready
9:00am-12:30pm | Hair and makeup | | Bridal suite · Studio Glow
12:30pm-1:00pm | Getting-ready photos | | Bridal suite · Photographer
1:30pm-2:00pm | Guests arrive | | Garden · Ushers
# Ceremony
2:00pm-2:30pm | Ceremony | | Garden · Officiant
2:30pm-3:00pm | Confetti and group photos | | Lawn · Photographer
…

Questions

How long is a wedding ceremony?

Usually 20 to 45 minutes. Civil ceremonies are often 20 to 30 minutes; religious ceremonies can last an hour.

When should guests arrive?

About 30 minutes before the ceremony. Put that arrival time on the invitation.

When should the speeches be?

Either before dinner, so speakers can relax and eat, or between the main course and dessert. Allow 30 to 45 minutes for three or four speeches.

When should we send the timeline to suppliers?

About two weeks before, once final numbers are in. Send it as one link so a late change reaches everyone.

Is it free?

Yes. Making, printing and sharing are free with no account.

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