Wedding Timeline — Google Sheets Template
One-Minute Summary
This Google Sheets wedding timeline template lays out your wedding day in a time-based grid. Ceremony start, family photos, first dance, cake cut — every key moment has a slot. Add vendor call times, buffer time, and notes. Make a free copy to your Drive. Share with your planner, coordinator, and key vendors. Essential for keeping a U.S. wedding day on track.
Preview & Access
Make a Copy (Google Sheets)How to Access
- Click the button above
- Sign in to Google (free)
- The template opens in your Drive
- Edit, share, or download as needed
What’s in this template
This Google Sheets wedding timeline uses a time-based grid. Rows for each block (30 minutes or 1 hour, depending on detail level). Columns for Time, Activity, Location, Who’s Involved, Vendor, Notes. Simple table — no Gantt chart, but clear and editable.
Tab structure
Main tab: Full day timeline from morning (hair/makeup) through send-off. Optional Vendor tab: Call times and setup/breakdown for each vendor. Separate so the main timeline stays focused on the couple and guests.
Flexibility
Times are suggestions. Adjust based on your venue, photographer, and preferences. Outdoor ceremonies sometimes start earlier to catch light. Indoor receptions can start later. Your timeline, your rules.
Key features and use cases
Coordinator handoff: Your day-of coordinator lives by this. Share it early. They’ll suggest adjustments (e.g., “Family photos usually take 45 min, not 30”). Finalize together. They’ll run the day from it.
Vendor alignment: Photographer knows when to be where. DJ knows when introductions start. Caterer knows when dinner is served. One source of truth. No conflicting verbal plans.
Guest experience: The timeline shapes guest flow. Ceremony → cocktail hour → reception. Clear transitions. No one wondering “what happens next?” Your coordinator or MC can reference it for announcements.
How to customize
Getting ready block: Add a morning section — Hair 9 AM, Makeup 10 AM, Photos 11 AM. Include who’s in each room (Bride room, Groom room). Helps photographers and HMUA plan.
Sunset photos: If you want golden hour portraits, block that time. Usually 30–60 minutes before sunset. Check sunset time for your date and location. Protect that slot — it’s often the best light.
After-party: Add a row for “After-party at [venue]” if you’re continuing elsewhere. Separate timing, separate location. Some couples keep it informal; others plan it. Your choice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this really free?
Yes. Make a copy and it's yours. No signup, no trial, no watermark. You need a free Google account.
How much buffer time should I add?
15–30 minutes between major segments. Ceremony rarely ends exactly on time. Photos take longer than expected. Buffers prevent domino delays. Better to have 10 minutes of downtime than run 10 minutes late all day.
Should I include setup and breakdown?
Yes, for vendors. Florist setup: 10 AM–1 PM. DJ setup: 2–4 PM. Caterer breakdown: 10 PM. Your coordinator needs this. You might have a separate 'Vendor Timeline' tab if the guest-facing schedule would get too long.
How do I share with vendors who don't use Google?
Export as PDF and email. Or export as Excel. Most vendors are fine with a PDF — they'll print it or keep it on their phone. Send a week before and again a few days before as a reminder.
What if things run late?
Have a plan for what can flex. Usually cocktail hour or dance time can compress. Dinner service timing is harder. Work with your coordinator — they're used to adjusting on the fly. The timeline is a guide, not a script.