Timeline template — Couples (Y2)

A practical, Canada-focused wedding day timeline template you can adapt for city or destination weddings. Includes sample timelines for Toronto and Vancouver, vendor cues, and printable blocks to share with your planner.

Duration: Full-day timeline (8–12 hours)
Best for: Couples planning a smooth ceremony-to-reception flow
Region tips: Consider transit times between venues in Toronto and Vancouver.

Request Customization Open Budget Planner

Sample couple portrait — use for client-facing timelines.

How to use this template

Copy blocks to create a day-of timeline: vendor call-times, photos schedule, meal timing, and ceremony order. Keep buffer windows for travel and vendor setup.

Assign a point person for vendor coordination.
Mark absolute times vs. flexible windows.
Share a one-page summary with vendors and wedding party.

Visual timeline for quick reference.

Sample timeline (Toronto wedding — 10-hour day)

Hair & makeup finished, photographer arrives 30 minutes before the first look. Vendor: Hair team, Makeup, Photographer.

Private first look, 45–60 minute portraits at venue or nearby park. Transport buffer included.

Seating, processional, vows, recessional. Coordinator cue: ensure musicians and officiant mic checks completed 15 min prior.

Group photos during cocktail; vendors confirm reception room turnover.

Entrances, speeches, dinner service, first dance, cake cutting, party. Break into blocks: meal, formalities, open dance.

Pre-built timeline packages

Compact

Ideal for elopements or small ceremonies—tight schedule with minimal buffer times.

Getting ready: 60–90 min
Ceremony: 20–30 min
Photos: 45 min
Reception: 3–4 hr

Ask about compact package

Standard

Balanced timeline for typical weddings with full photography and formalities.

Getting ready: 2 hrs
Ceremony: 30–45 min
Photos: 60–90 min
Reception: 4–5 hr

Request standard template

Deluxe

Extended timeline for evening receptions, multiple locations, detailed vendor coordination.

Vendor arrival windows with detailed cues
Extended photography and sunset portraits
After-party scheduling

Explore deluxe options

Day-of checklist (quick)

Share timeline PDF with vendors 7–14 days prior.
Confirm ceremony music cues & mic checks.
Assign someone for gift/items collection.
Pack an emergency kit (safety pins, stain remover, pain reliever).

Item	Time
Vendor Arrival	2–3 hr before
First Look	1.5–2 hr before
Ceremony	Set time
Reception Doors	After cocktail

Vendor cues & contact sheet

Use this sheet to list vendor arrival, contact, and responsibilities. Make one copy for the day-of coordinator.

Photographer

Arrive: 08:30 • Lead: Alex Reed • Tasks: Getting ready, portraits, reception candids

Caterer

Arrive: 10:00 • Contact: Maple Events • Tasks: Cocktail service, dinner timing (plated or buffet)

Coordinator

Arrive: 07:30 • Lead: Day-Of Coordinator • Tasks: Run sheet, vendor liaison, timeline enforcement

Gallery & sample moments

Crop images for one-page timelines and venue briefs.

Resources & printables

One-page timeline (printable)

Copy the sample timeline into a one-page layout for vendors and wedding party. Use clear headers and emergency contacts.

Get a printable template

Vendor checklist (download)

Editable vendor checklist to assign arrival times and responsibilities.

Explore vendors