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?”
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.