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Sample Timeline

Sample Wedding Day Timelines.

Two samples: ceremony and reception at one venue, or reception only. Use them as a starting point.

Ceremony and ReceptionReception Only

At a Glance

These are sample timelines for a 5-hour Culinary Canvas wedding, from 5:00 to 10:00 PM.

Your times will change with your ceremony, package, and vendors. Corporate and social events follow the reception-only flow. Your venue manager reviews your timeline with you at your 1-month meeting.

Sample 1

Ceremony and Reception at One Venue

  1. MorningVendors Arrive and Set UpFlorist, DJ, photographer, and rentals arrive during your contracted access time. Our team sets the tables and the bar.
  2. 3:00 PMGetting ReadyThe wedding party gets dressed. Detail and getting-ready photos.
  3. 4:00 PMPhotosFirst look and wedding party photos, if you are doing them before the ceremony.
  4. 4:30 PMGuests ArriveYour day-of coordinator lines up the ceremony. Guests find their seats.
  5. 5:00 PMCeremonyAbout 20 to 30 minutes.
  6. 5:30 PMCocktail HourThe bar opens. Passed appetizers go around. Family photos happen now. Our team flips the room if the ceremony and dinner share a space.
  7. 6:30 PMGrand EntranceThe couple and wedding party are introduced. Welcome and blessing, if you want one.
  8. 6:45 PMDinnerBuffet, plated, or food stations, based on your package.
  9. 7:45 PMToastsTwo or three short toasts while guests finish dinner.
  10. 8:00 PMFirst DancesFirst dance, then parent dances.
  11. 8:15 PMCake Cutting and DancingCake cutting, then the dance floor opens.
  12. 9:30 PMLast CallThe 4-hour bar closes. Bar service ends 30 minutes before your event ends.
  13. 9:45 PMLast Dance and Send-offOne last song. Guests head out.
  14. 10:00 PMEvent EndsEverything, including vendor load-out, wraps up by your contracted end time.

Sample 2

Reception Only

  1. MorningVendors Arrive and Set UpFlorist, DJ, and rentals arrive during your contracted access time. Our team sets the tables and the bar.
  2. 4:00 PMCeremony at Another LocationYour ceremony happens off-site. Allow travel time to the venue.
  3. 5:00 PMGuests Arrive and Cocktail HourThe bar opens. Passed appetizers go around while the couple finishes photos.
  4. 6:00 PMGrand EntranceThe couple and wedding party are introduced. Welcome and blessing, if you want one.
  5. 6:15 PMDinnerBuffet, plated, or food stations, based on your package.
  6. 7:15 PMToastsTwo or three short toasts while guests finish dinner.
  7. 7:30 PMFirst DancesFirst dance, then parent dances.
  8. 7:45 PMCake Cutting and DancingCake cutting, then the dance floor opens.
  9. 9:00 PMLast CallThe 4-hour bar closes. Want it open until 9:30? Add an extra bar hour.
  10. 9:45 PMLast Dance and Send-offOne last song. Guests head out.
  11. 10:00 PMEvent EndsEverything, including vendor load-out, wraps up by your contracted end time.

Tips for Your Timeline

  • Packages are built for a 5-hour event with a 4-hour bar.
  • Give your timeline to every vendor so everyone works from the same plan.
  • Your day-of coordinator runs the timeline on the day, so you do not have to.
  • Check the house rules before you plan a send-off. Sparklers and confetti are not allowed.
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