A free ceremony gives you all the freedom — and all the planning. There is no fixed slot at a registry office or church, so the rhythm of the day is entirely up to you: when you get ready, when guests arrive, how long the champagne reception lasts and when the light is best for photos.
This template shows a tried-and-tested day with the ceremony at 2 p.m., from hair and make-up to the last dance. Every item has a realistic duration and a short tip. Open it in the free timeline tool, shift all times to your ceremony time and adapt it to your day.
Opens as a preview in the free tool. Click “Edit” there to make it your own copy — a plan already saved in your browser is only replaced after you confirm.
The times are a suggestion. In the tool you can shift all times at once and change, add or remove any item.
09:00
– 11:30
150 min
Start with the person who needs the most time and allow 15 minutes of buffer per person.
11:30
– 12:00
30 min
Lay out rings, shoes, invitation and bouquet so the detail shots go quickly.
12:00
– 12:30
30 min
Keep only a few close people in the room — it is one of the calmest moments of the day.
12:30
– 13:00
30 min
Seeing each other before the ceremony calms the nerves and frees up time for couple photos later.
13:00
– 13:30
30 min
Add 15 minutes for traffic and parking. If everything is at one venue, use the time for water and a snack.
13:30
– 14:00
30 min
Offer water and shade — guests at an outdoor ceremony often wait in the sun. Agree cues for music and rings with the celebrant now.
14:00
– 14:45
45 min
Plan 30 to 45 minutes with vows and rings. Decide on the rain option by noon the day before.
14:45
– 15:15
30 min
With more than 80 guests, congratulations take a good half hour — tell guests where to line up.
15:15
– 15:45
30 min
Give the photographer a list of groups and a helper who knows both families.
15:45
– 16:30
45 min
Keep it to 45 minutes so you don’t miss your own party; a second short session follows at golden hour.
16:30
– 17:30
60 min
Cut the cake while the light is still good; the caterer can then serve it.
17:30
– 18:30
60 min
A real break before dinner keeps everyone’s energy up. Tell guests when to be back.
18:30
– 18:45
15 min
Agree on the entrance song with the DJ or band and let the venue staff give the signal.
18:45
– 20:30
105 min
Speeches between courses keep the kitchen on schedule. Ask each speaker to keep it under five minutes.
20:30
– 21:00
30 min
Check the sunset time for your date and move this slot accordingly — 20 minutes of shooting are enough.
21:00
– 21:10
10 min
Ask the DJ to invite everyone onto the dance floor straight after your song.
21:10
– 23:30
140 min
Plan games and surprises from guests before 10 p.m., while everyone is still there.
23:30
– 00:00
30 min
Something hearty around midnight keeps the dance floor full.
00:00
– 00:15
15 min
Agree on a fixed last song and book taxis or shuttles for the end of the party.
Change times and items, add your own and share the finished plan with your photographer, DJ or witnesses — free and without sign-up.
Open in the toolOpens as a preview in the free tool. Click “Edit” there to make it your own copy — a plan already saved in your browser is only replaced after you confirm.
An outdoor ceremony needs a rain option: a tent, a covered terrace or a room at the venue. Decide by noon the day before and tell guests where to go.
Midday sun means squinting and harsh shadows. Ask your photographer where the light is good at your ceremony time and set up the arch and chairs accordingly.
Agree who starts the music, when the rings come and who signals the entrance. A five-minute run-through the day before is enough.
Outdoors, voices get lost after the third row. A small speaker with a microphone for the celebrant and your vows is worth it from about 40 guests.
Shade, water and sunscreen in summer, blankets in autumn. Mention in the invitation if the ceremony is on grass so guests choose suitable shoes.
The free tool
Create your perfect wedding, party, or event day schedule with customizable templates. Choose a template in Easy mode or fully customize every block in Advanced mode.
Try it now >Wedding timeline · 18 items
A full day around an 11 a.m. registry office appointment: ceremony, lunch, couple shoot, break and evening party.
View template >Photo shot list · 30 shots
Every important photo at the registry office: arrival, the "yes", rings, signatures, exit and group photos.
View template >Photo shot list · 45 shots
The complete list from details and getting ready to ceremony, family photos, couple portraits and party.
View template >Turn your event into an unforgettable experience with interactive photo sharing, live photo walls, and more.