Saying “I do” might be the easiest part of a wedding. But before saying those two words on the altar you need to plan the order of events for a wedding ceremony. From stunning venues, and first dances to delicious menus, the details can feel endless. That’s why you need a well-crafted timeline to account for everything. Fortunately, Unity Entertainment is here to help you plan your special day, we have various wedding agenda types made just for you.

Choose a Timeline For Your Wedding

Casual Destination Weddings

Destination weddings evoke a relaxed, intimate atmosphere where the focus is on celebrating your love. This type of wedding is perfect for couples who want a celebration that feels like a getaway. The timeline for this type of wedding might go like this:

Casual destination weddings have a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. It starts with a short and sweet ceremony. This is followed by an extended cocktail hour, while a single-course buffet, food station, or family-style dinner adds to the laid-back vibe. The MC keeps things light with brief toasts, followed by a cake cutting and lively open dance floor.

Ballroom Weddings

Ballroom weddings are ideal for couples who envision a classic, sophisticated affair where the focus is on timeless romance. A sample timeline might look like this:

Ballroom weddings are elegant and traditional. A beautiful ceremony sets the tone for the luxurious celebration that follows. Guests mingle over drinks and hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour. 

Your grand entrance marks the official start of the reception. Later on, a multi-course plated dinner provides a sophisticated experience, followed by formal toasts.  

Classic dances create cherished moments, while optional traditions like the bouquet/garter toss add a playful touch. Extended dance time with a mix of classic and modern hits guarantees a packed dance floor all night long.

Weekday Weddings

Weekday weddings are perfect for couples with tight schedules or who want a close-knit celebration. This style is also suitable for couples who want to focus on the party or who might have a smaller budget, as weekday venue rates are often lower. You can adjust your timeline like this:

For a weekday wedding, opt for a late afternoon ceremony so guests can wrap up their workdays. You can also combine cocktail hour and dinner or offer plentiful appetisers. 

Keep toasts brief to maintain a lively pace, then cut the cake to signal the start of the celebration. Share your special dances, and then pack the dance floor with a high-energy playlist to get your guests dancing.

Late-Start Weddings

Late-start weddings are all about a party-centred vibe. This approach suits couples who love to dance and want an out-of-the-box celebration with a nightclub feel. A late-start wedding timeline might look like this:

Your late-start ceremony is followed immediately by dinner. The MC kicks things off with a lively welcome and sets the tone for heartfelt toasts. Cut the cake for a touch of tradition before ramping up the energy with a non-stop dance party that lasts all night.

Additional Considerations For Your Wedding

Wedding Party Expectations

Define your wedding party’s roles. This includes attending pre-wedding events, giving toasts, and helping with setup. Open communication prevents confusion and shows your appreciation. 

Additionally, giving them a clear order of events for a wedding ceremony ensures everyone knows their part.

Bachelor/Bachelorette Themes

Choose themes that match the couple’s personalities and wedding style. Consider an adventurous getaway for outdoorsy couples or a relaxing spa weekend for those who prefer a low-key celebration.

Speech Content

Encourage speakers to focus on positive stories about the couple and keep speeches brief (2-3 minutes is ideal). Provide online resources for those who are nervous about public speaking.

Wedding Music

The right music shapes the mood of your reception. Work with your DJ to create a personalised playlist that mixes crowd favourites with meaningful songs. Play upbeat tunes to get guests dancing and slower tracks to create a romantic atmosphere.