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Order Of The Day Wording Examples For Every Wedding Style

Writer: Bryony Allman
Bryony Allman
Jun 19
12 min read

An Order Of The Day sign is one of the most useful pieces of wedding stationery you'll display on your wedding day. Not only does it help guests understand what happens next, but it also becomes a beautiful feature of your venue décor. Whether you're planning a formal church wedding, a relaxed countryside celebration, a destination wedding abroad or a modern city wedding, a well-designed Order Of The Day sign helps keep your day running smoothly and ensures guests know exactly what to expect.


In this guide, you'll find Order Of The Day wording examples, wedding timeline ideas and schedule templates to help you create the perfect sign for your wedding.




What Is An Order Of The Day Sign?

An Order Of The Day sign provides guests with a schedule of events throughout your wedding day.

Most signs include:

  • Ceremony

  • Drinks Reception

  • Wedding Breakfast

  • Speeches

  • Cake Cutting

  • First Dance

  • Evening Reception

Many couples display their Order Of The Day sign near the entrance to their ceremony or reception venue so guests can easily see what's happening and when.


Why Have An Order Of The Day Sign?

An Order Of The Day sign helps:

  • Keep guests informed

  • Reduce confusion

  • Create a smooth flow to the day

  • Highlight important events

  • Add a decorative feature to your venue

It's particularly useful when guests are unfamiliar with the venue or when your wedding includes multiple locations throughout the day.


What Should An Order Of The Day Include?

The exact schedule will vary depending on your wedding, but most couples include:

Event

Include?

Guest Arrival

Optional

Ceremony

Yes

Confetti

Optional

Drinks Reception

Yes

Wedding Breakfast

Yes

Speeches

Yes

Cake Cutting

Optional

First Dance

Yes

Evening Reception

Yes

Evening Food

Optional

Carriages

Optional



Traditional Order Of The Day Wording Examples

Example 1

Order Of The Day

1:30 PM – Guests Arrive

2:00 PM – Ceremony

3:00 PM – Drinks Reception

4:30 PM – Wedding Breakfast

6:30 PM – Speeches

7:30 PM – Evening Reception

8:00 PM – First Dance


Example 2

Order Of The Day

2:00 PM – Ceremony

3:00 PM – Confetti

3:15 PM – Drinks & Canapés

5:00 PM – Wedding Breakfast

6:45 PM – Speeches

8:00 PM – Evening Guests Arrive

8:30 PM – First Dance


Example 3

Our Wedding Day

12:00 PM – Welcome Drinks

1:00 PM – Ceremony

2:00 PM – Reception Drinks

4:00 PM – Wedding Breakfast

6:00 PM – Speeches

7:30 PM – Cake Cutting

8:00 PM – Dancing


Example 4

Today's Events

1:30 PM – Guests Seated

2:00 PM – Ceremony

3:00 PM – Drinks Reception

4:30 PM – Wedding Breakfast

6:00 PM – Speeches

8:00 PM – First Dance


Example 5

Celebration Schedule

2:00 PM – Ceremony

3:00 PM – Drinks & Photographs

4:30 PM – Wedding Breakfast

6:30 PM – Speeches

7:30 PM – Cake Cutting

8:00 PM – First Dance



Elegant Order Of The Day Wording Examples

Perfect for luxury weddings, manor houses and black tie celebrations.


Example 6

Wedding Timeline

2:00 PM – Marriage Ceremony

3:00 PM – Champagne Reception

4:30 PM – Wedding Breakfast

6:30 PM – Speeches

7:30 PM – Cake Cutting

8:00 PM – First Dance

8:15 PM – Evening Celebration


Example 7

The Day Ahead

1:30 PM – Guests Seated

2:00 PM – Ceremony Begins

3:00 PM – Champagne & Canapés

4:30 PM – Wedding Breakfast

6:30 PM – Speeches

7:30 PM – First Dance

8:00 PM – Dancing


Example 8

Order Of Events

2:00 PM – Ceremony

3:00 PM – Reception

4:30 PM – Dinner

6:30 PM – Toasts

7:30 PM – Cake Cutting

8:00 PM – First Dance


Example 9

Wedding Celebration

1:00 PM – Arrival

2:00 PM – Ceremony

3:00 PM – Drinks Reception

5:00 PM – Wedding Breakfast

7:00 PM – Speeches

8:00 PM – Dancing


Example 10

Our Special Day

2:00 PM – Ceremony

3:00 PM – Champagne Reception

5:00 PM – Wedding Breakfast

7:00 PM – Speeches

8:00 PM – Evening Reception



Modern Order Of The Day Wording Examples

Example 11

Today's Schedule

2:00 PM – We Say "I Do"

3:00 PM – Drinks & Photos

4:30 PM – Let's Eat

6:30 PM – Speeches

7:30 PM – Cake Time

8:00 PM – First Dance

8:15 PM – Party Time


Example 12

Here's The Plan

1:30 PM – Grab A Drink

2:00 PM – Ceremony

3:00 PM – Celebrate

5:00 PM – Dinner

7:00 PM – Speeches

8:00 PM – Dancefloor Opens


Example 13

The Big Day

2:00 PM – The Ceremony

3:00 PM – Drinks

4:30 PM – Food

6:30 PM – Speeches

8:00 PM – Dancing


Example 14

Let The Celebration Begin

2:00 PM – I Do

3:00 PM – Drinks & Photos

5:00 PM – Dinner

7:00 PM – Speeches

8:00 PM – Party


Example 15

Love, Laughter & Celebration

2:00 PM – Ceremony

3:00 PM – Cocktails

5:00 PM – Dinner

7:00 PM – Toasts

8:00 PM – Dancing



Funny Order Of The Day Wording Examples

Perfect for relaxed couples who want to add a little personality to their wedding day.


Example 16

The Plan

2:00 PM – We Get Married

3:00 PM – Drinks

4:30 PM – Food

6:30 PM – Speeches

8:00 PM – Dancing

Late – Questionable Dance Moves


Example 17

Today's Schedule

2:00 PM – The Serious Bit

3:00 PM – The Photos

4:30 PM – The Food

6:30 PM – The Speeches

8:00 PM – The Party

Late – The Regrets


Example 18

Here's The Plan

2:00 PM – I Do

3:00 PM – Cocktails

5:00 PM – Dinner

7:00 PM – Toasts

8:00 PM – Dancefloor Chaos


Example 19

Wedding Agenda

2:00 PM – Get Married

3:00 PM – Celebrate

5:00 PM – Eat

7:00 PM – Drink

8:00 PM – Dance


Example 20

Today's Mission

2:00 PM – Become Husband & Wife

3:00 PM – Drink Champagne

5:00 PM – Eat Cake

8:00 PM – Dance Like Nobody's Watching



Rustic Wedding Order Of The Day Examples

Ideal for barn weddings, countryside venues and relaxed outdoor celebrations.


Example 21

Order Of The Day

1:30 PM – Guests Arrive

2:00 PM – Ceremony

3:00 PM – Drinks In The Garden

4:30 PM – Wedding Feast

6:30 PM – Speeches

7:30 PM – Cake Cutting

8:00 PM – First Dance

8:15 PM – Barn Party Begins


Example 22

The Day Ahead

2:00 PM – Ceremony

3:00 PM – Garden Reception

5:00 PM – Wedding Breakfast

7:00 PM – Toasts

8:00 PM – Dancing Under The Stars


Example 23

Today's Events

2:00 PM – I Do

3:00 PM – Drinks & Lawn Games

5:00 PM – Feast

7:00 PM – Speeches

8:00 PM – Live Music


Example 24

Celebration Schedule

1:30 PM – Arrival

2:00 PM – Ceremony

3:00 PM – Drinks Reception

4:30 PM – Wedding Feast

6:30 PM – Toasts

8:00 PM – Dancing


Example 25

Rustic Romance

2:00 PM – Ceremony

3:00 PM – Drinks Reception

5:00 PM – Dinner

7:00 PM – Speeches

8:00 PM – Evening Celebration



French Garden Wedding Order Of The Day Examples

Perfect for château weddings, Provence-inspired celebrations and romantic garden weddings.


Example 26

Order Of The Day

2:00 PM – Ceremony

3:00 PM – Champagne Reception

4:30 PM – Wedding Breakfast

6:30 PM – Speeches

8:00 PM – First Dance

8:15 PM – Evening Celebration


Example 27

Today's Celebration

2:00 PM – Marriage Ceremony

3:00 PM – Champagne & Canapés

4:30 PM – Dinner

6:30 PM – Toasts

8:00 PM – Dancing


Example 28

Our Wedding Day

2:00 PM – Ceremony

3:00 PM – Garden Drinks Reception

5:00 PM – Wedding Breakfast

7:00 PM – Speeches

8:00 PM – First Dance


Example 29

Welcome To Our Celebration

2:00 PM – Ceremony

3:00 PM – Drinks In The Garden

5:00 PM – Dinner

7:00 PM – Speeches

8:00 PM – Dancing Under The Stars


Example 30

Celebration Schedule

2:00 PM – Ceremony

3:00 PM – Champagne Reception

5:00 PM – Wedding Breakfast

7:00 PM – Toasts

8:00 PM – Evening Celebration



Destination Wedding Order Of The Day Examples

Example 31

Wedding Timeline

3:00 PM – Beach Ceremony

4:00 PM – Cocktails

6:00 PM – Sunset Dinner

8:00 PM – Speeches

9:00 PM – Dancing Under The Stars


Example 32

Our Wedding Day

3:00 PM – Ceremony

4:00 PM – Drinks Reception

6:00 PM – Dinner

8:00 PM – First Dance

9:00 PM – Party Time


Example 33

Paradise Awaits

3:00 PM – Ceremony

4:00 PM – Cocktails

5:30 PM – Wedding Breakfast

7:00 PM – Speeches

8:00 PM – Dancing


Example 34

Today's Celebration

3:00 PM – Beachfront Ceremony

4:00 PM – Drinks

6:00 PM – Dinner

8:00 PM – Dancing


Example 35

The Adventure Begins

3:00 PM – Ceremony

4:00 PM – Cocktails

6:00 PM – Dinner

8:00 PM – Celebration



Beach Wedding Order Of The Day Examples

Example 36

By The Sea

3:00 PM – Ceremony

4:00 PM – Cocktails

6:00 PM – Dinner

8:00 PM – Dancing


Example 37

Coastal Celebration

2:30 PM – Ceremony

3:30 PM – Drinks Reception

5:30 PM – Wedding Breakfast

7:30 PM – Speeches

8:30 PM – First Dance


Example 38

Oceanfront Wedding

3:00 PM – Ceremony

4:00 PM – Sunset Drinks

6:00 PM – Dinner

8:00 PM – Evening Celebration


Example 39

Love By The Sea

2:00 PM – Ceremony

3:00 PM – Cocktails

5:00 PM – Dinner

7:00 PM – Toasts

8:00 PM – Dancing


Example 40

Seaside Celebration

3:00 PM – I Do

4:00 PM – Cocktails

6:00 PM – Feast

8:00 PM – Party



Church Wedding Order Of The Day Examples

Church weddings often include additional travel time and longer ceremonies.


Example 41

Order Of The Day

1:00 PM – Guests Arrive

1:30 PM – Church Ceremony

2:30 PM – Confetti & Photographs

3:00 PM – Drinks Reception

5:00 PM – Wedding Breakfast

6:45 PM – Speeches

8:00 PM – First Dance


Example 42

Our Wedding Day

1:30 PM – Marriage Ceremony

2:30 PM – Family Photographs

3:00 PM – Reception Drinks

5:00 PM – Wedding Breakfast

7:00 PM – Toasts

8:00 PM – Evening Celebration


Example 43

Today's Celebration

1:00 PM – Guest Arrival

1:30 PM – Ceremony

2:30 PM – Confetti

3:00 PM – Champagne Reception

5:00 PM – Dinner

7:00 PM – Speeches

8:00 PM – Dancing


Example 44

Celebration Schedule

1:30 PM – Church Service

2:30 PM – Photographs

3:00 PM – Drinks & Canapés

5:00 PM – Wedding Breakfast

7:00 PM – Toasts

8:00 PM – First Dance


Example 45

The Day Ahead

1:30 PM – Ceremony

2:30 PM – Reception Drinks

5:00 PM – Dinner

7:00 PM – Speeches

8:00 PM – Party Begins



Black Tie Wedding Order Of The Day Examples

Perfect for luxury hotels, manor houses and formal celebrations.


Example 46

Wedding Timeline

2:00 PM – Ceremony

3:00 PM – Champagne Reception

4:30 PM – Wedding Breakfast

6:30 PM – Speeches

7:30 PM – Coffee & Desserts

8:00 PM – First Dance

8:15 PM – Evening Celebration


Example 47

Order Of Events

2:00 PM – Ceremony

3:00 PM – Champagne & Canapés

5:00 PM – Dinner

7:00 PM – Toasts

8:00 PM – Dancing


Example 48

An Evening Of Celebration

2:00 PM – Marriage Ceremony

3:00 PM – Reception

5:00 PM – Dinner

7:00 PM – Speeches

8:00 PM – Live Band


Example 49

Celebration Schedule

2:00 PM – Ceremony

3:00 PM – Champagne Reception

5:00 PM – Wedding Breakfast

7:00 PM – Speeches

8:00 PM – First Dance


Example 50

Welcome To Our Celebration

2:00 PM – Ceremony

3:00 PM – Drinks Reception

5:00 PM – Dinner

7:00 PM – Toasts

8:00 PM – Dancing



1 PM Ceremony Order Of The Day Examples

Example 51

1:00 PM – Ceremony

1:30 PM – Confetti

2:00 PM – Drinks Reception

3:30 PM – Wedding Breakfast

5:30 PM – Speeches

7:00 PM – Evening Reception

7:30 PM – First Dance


Example 52

1:00 PM – Ceremony

2:00 PM – Drinks & Photos

4:00 PM – Dinner

6:00 PM – Speeches

7:30 PM – Dancing


Example 53

1:00 PM – Ceremony

2:00 PM – Cocktails

4:00 PM – Wedding Breakfast

6:00 PM – Toasts

8:00 PM – Party



2 PM Ceremony Order Of The Day Examples

Example 54

2:00 PM – Ceremony

3:00 PM – Drinks Reception

4:30 PM – Wedding Breakfast

6:30 PM – Speeches

8:00 PM – First Dance


Example 55

2:00 PM – Ceremony

3:00 PM – Cocktails

5:00 PM – Dinner

7:00 PM – Toasts

8:00 PM – Dancing


Example 56

2:00 PM – Ceremony

3:00 PM – Reception Drinks

5:00 PM – Wedding Breakfast

7:00 PM – Speeches

8:30 PM – Evening Celebration



3 PM Ceremony Order Of The Day Examples

Example 57

3:00 PM – Ceremony

4:00 PM – Drinks Reception

5:30 PM – Wedding Breakfast

7:00 PM – Speeches

8:30 PM – First Dance


Example 58

3:00 PM – Ceremony

4:00 PM – Cocktails

6:00 PM – Dinner

7:30 PM – Toasts

9:00 PM – Dancing


Example 59

3:00 PM – Ceremony

4:00 PM – Drinks

5:30 PM – Wedding Breakfast

7:00 PM – Speeches

8:30 PM – Party



4 PM Ceremony Order Of The Day Examples

Example 60

4:00 PM – Ceremony

4:30 PM – Drinks Reception

6:00 PM – Wedding Breakfast

7:30 PM – Speeches

8:45 PM – First Dance


Example 61

4:00 PM – Ceremony

5:00 PM – Cocktails

6:30 PM – Dinner

8:00 PM – Cake Cutting

8:15 PM – First Dance


Example 62

4:00 PM – Ceremony

5:00 PM – Reception Drinks

6:30 PM – Dinner

8:00 PM – Speeches

9:00 PM – Dancing



Small Wedding Order Of The Day Examples

Example 63

2:00 PM – Ceremony

2:30 PM – Photographs

3:00 PM – Drinks

4:00 PM – Meal

6:00 PM – Speeches

7:00 PM – First Dance


Example 64

1:00 PM – Ceremony

2:00 PM – Reception

4:00 PM – Wedding Breakfast

6:00 PM – Toasts

8:00 PM – Dancing


Example 65

2:00 PM – Ceremony

3:00 PM – Cocktails

5:00 PM – Dinner

7:00 PM – Celebration



Large Wedding Order Of The Day Examples

Large weddings often require slightly longer timelines to allow for guest movement, photographs and meal service.


Example 66

Order Of The Day

1:30 PM – Guests Arrive

2:00 PM – Ceremony

3:00 PM – Drinks Reception

5:00 PM – Wedding Breakfast

7:00 PM – Speeches

8:30 PM – First Dance

9:00 PM – Evening Reception


Example 67

Today's Events

2:00 PM – Ceremony

3:00 PM – Cocktails & Canapés

5:00 PM – Wedding Breakfast

7:00 PM – Speeches

8:00 PM – Cake Cutting

8:15 PM – First Dance


Example 68

Celebration Schedule

2:00 PM – Ceremony

3:00 PM – Reception Drinks

5:30 PM – Dinner

7:30 PM – Toasts

8:30 PM – Dancing


Example 69

Wedding Timeline

2:00 PM – Ceremony

3:00 PM – Photographs

4:00 PM – Drinks Reception

5:30 PM – Wedding Breakfast

7:30 PM – Speeches

8:30 PM – Evening Celebration


Example 70

The Day Ahead

2:00 PM – Marriage Ceremony

3:00 PM – Champagne Reception

5:00 PM – Dinner

7:00 PM – Speeches

8:30 PM – Party Time



Evening Wedding Order Of The Day Examples

Evening weddings are becoming increasingly popular.


Example 71

Order Of The Day

5:00 PM – Ceremony

5:30 PM – Drinks Reception

6:30 PM – Dinner

8:00 PM – Speeches

8:30 PM – First Dance

9:00 PM – Evening Celebration


Example 72

Evening Celebration

5:00 PM – Ceremony

6:00 PM – Cocktails

7:00 PM – Wedding Breakfast

8:30 PM – Cake Cutting

9:00 PM – Dancing


Example 73

Our Wedding Evening

5:00 PM – I Do

6:00 PM – Drinks

7:00 PM – Dinner

8:30 PM – Toasts

9:00 PM – Party Begins


Example 74

Wedding Schedule

5:00 PM – Ceremony

5:30 PM – Reception

7:00 PM – Dinner

8:30 PM – First Dance

9:00 PM – Dancefloor Opens


Example 75

Love After Dark

5:00 PM – Ceremony

6:00 PM – Cocktails

7:00 PM – Celebration Meal

8:30 PM – Speeches

9:00 PM – Dancing


Alternative Order Of The Day Headings

Many couples choose alternatives to the traditional "Order Of The Day" heading.


76.

Today's Schedule


77.

Wedding Timeline


78.

The Day Ahead


79.

Today's Events


80.

Celebration Schedule


81.

Our Wedding Day


82.

The Plan


83.

Order Of Events


84.

Wedding Itinerary


85.

Here's The Plan


86.

Today's Celebration


87.

A Day To Remember


88.

The Big Day


89.

Love, Laughter & Celebration


90.

Welcome To Our Wedding Day



Alternative Wedding Timeline Event Names

Instead of using standard wording, many couples personalise their timeline.


Ceremony Alternatives

  • We Say I Do

  • The Ceremony

  • The Main Event

  • The Serious Bit

  • Becoming Mr & Mrs


Drinks Reception Alternatives

  • Cocktails & Canapés

  • Champagne Reception

  • Celebrate

  • Drinks In The Garden

  • Reception Drinks


Wedding Breakfast Alternatives

  • Wedding Feast

  • Dinner Is Served

  • Let's Eat

  • Celebration Meal

  • Time To Feast


Speeches Alternatives

  • Toasts

  • Words Of Wisdom

  • The Speeches

  • Raise A Glass

  • Celebratory Toasts


First Dance Alternatives

  • Our First Dance

  • Dancefloor Opens

  • Let The Dancing Begin

  • First Dance As Newlyweds

  • The Party Starts Here



Frequently Asked Questions

What Should An Order Of The Day Sign Include?

Most couples include:

  • Ceremony

  • Drinks Reception

  • Wedding Breakfast

  • Speeches

  • First Dance

  • Evening Reception

Additional events can also be added.


Do You Need Exact Times?

Not necessarily.

Some couples use exact timings, while others simply list events in order.


What Size Should An Order Of The Day Sign Be?

Popular sizes include:

  • A2

  • A1

  • 18 x 24 inches

A2 is often the most popular choice.


Where Should An Order Of The Day Sign Be Displayed?

Common locations include:

  • Ceremony entrance

  • Reception entrance

  • Welcome area

  • Near the seating plan


Should Evening Guests Be Included?

Yes.

If you're inviting evening guests, including their arrival time can be helpful.



Bringing Your Wedding Day Together

An Order Of The Day sign does more than simply tell guests what happens next. It helps create structure, keeps everyone informed and adds a beautiful finishing touch to your wedding décor.

Whether you prefer a traditional timeline, a modern schedule, a rustic design or an elegant black-tie layout, the most effective Order Of The Day signs are clear, easy to follow and tailored to your celebration.


Use the examples throughout this guide as inspiration, then personalise the wording, timings and design to suit your wedding style and venue. A thoughtfully designed timeline can help your day flow seamlessly and ensure guests enjoy every moment from the ceremony right through to the last dance.


If you're looking for editable Order Of The Day templates, matching welcome signs, seating plans and wedding stationery, explore the Papery Lane collection to create a beautifully coordinated wedding day.



 
 
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