Planning a wedding day can be exciting — but working out the schedule often causes stress. One of the most common questions I hear as a marriage celebrant in Australia is: “What should my wedding day timeline look like?” Creating a well-structured timeline is essential to ensure that everything flows smoothly on the big day. For couples planning wedding ceremonies in Gold Coast, it’s particularly important to consider factors like the local venue’s requirements, travel times, and any seasonal weather changes. Proper planning can help reduce stress and allow you to fully enjoy the moments leading up to your celebration.
Whether you’re having a relaxed backyard wedding or a formal ceremony and reception, having a clear, personalised timeline is one of the best ways to make sure everything flows smoothly. That’s why I’ve created this free wedding timeline generator — to help couples create a ceremony running sheet that fits their style, timing, and guest experience.
What does the Wedding Timeline Generator do?
This tool is designed for couples planning their own wedding — especially those having a celebrant-led ceremony — without the help of a full-time planner.
- Enter your ceremony start time
- Select the wedding format (Simple, Standard, or Full Day)
- Instantly receive a personalised timeline based on your input
It’s ideal for creating a DIY wedding schedule, making sure all your key events — from hair and makeup to your first dance — are spaced out properly, with time to breathe.
⏰ Wedding Day Timeline Generator
Choose your ceremony time and day type, and we’ll build a personalised running sheet for your big day.
Why a Wedding Day Schedule Matters
Even if your wedding is casual or low-key, a solid plan makes a big difference.
- Avoid delays and rushed moments
- Ensure your photographer and vendors are coordinated
- Set guest expectations (and reduce confusion)
- Keep the vibe relaxed and enjoyable
Your wedding timeline doesn’t need to be rigid — but having a flexible structure gives you and your vendors a clear path to follow, especially during a celebrant-led ceremony.
What’s Included in Your Wedding Schedule?
Your customised running sheet may include:
- Hair and makeup start times
- Photographer arrival and prep shots
- Ceremony time
- Family photos and mingling moments
- Reception start time
- Speeches, formalities, and first dance
- Farewell or grand exit (if you’re planning one)
Each version of the timeline is tailored to your selected wedding style — from a short and sweet elopement-style event to a full-day celebration with all the details.
Who Should Use This Tool?
This free wedding timeline tool is ideal for:
- Couples planning a non-traditional wedding or civil ceremony
- Anyone having a celebrant-led ceremony in Australia
- DIY weddings and backyard celebrations
- Small and medium-sized weddings without a full wedding planner
- Brides and grooms looking for a starting point that’s easy and realistic
You’ll get a suggested wedding day structure that reflects real-world experience, not cookie-cutter schedules.
Try the Timeline Generator Now
Scroll up, enter your wedding ceremony time, and choose your wedding format to generate your timeline. Use it as a base, customise it as needed, or share it with your photographer, venue, or family to get everyone on the same page.
As an experienced celebrant based on the Gold Coast, I love helping couples not just with ceremony scripts and legal paperwork — but also with the wedding day planning that helps everything run beautifully.