Day‑of Timeline — AUS Essentials
A practical, venue‑aware schedule tailored for Australian weddings (NSW friendly). Use this as your guide for ceremony, photos, vendor timings and contingency for outdoor plans.
- Practical buffer times for travel across typical AU suburbs
- Vendor handover windows and contact priorities
- Outdoor contingency checklist for heat, rain or wind
Morning: Prep & Hair
Start hair & make‑up 3–4 hours before first look; schedule photographer arrival 60–90 mins before ceremony to capture prep details.
Midday: First Look & Travel
Allow buffer for travel between getting‑ready and venue — traffic in metro AU can add 20–40 mins.
Afternoon: Ceremony
Arrival window: guests 30 mins prior, vendors 60 mins prior. Keep ceremony 20–30 mins for smooth flow and vendor turnover.
Detailed Hour-by-Hour (Sample)
DJs, florals, caterer on site; MC liaises with coordinator. Check AV and power (outdoor sites: confirm generator and cable covers).
Photographer captures details and family shots; allow 30–45 mins for formal family photos before ceremony (if desired).
Ceremony, confetti or petal throw (confirm venue rules), immediate family photos then group shots while guests head to reception area.
Entrances, first dance, mains, speeches — stagger speeches between courses to maintain flow; allow 10–15 mins per speech.
Buffer for delays; final vendor wrap-up. Confirm transport for couple and late-night vendor pickups.
Vendor Timing Cheat Sheet
| Vendor | Arrival Window | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Photographer | 60–90 mins before ceremony | Capture prep + venue detail shots |
| Caterer | 2–3 hrs before service | Hot food timing & staffing check |
| Florist | 1.5–2 hrs before | Install arches / bouquets last |
| DJ / AV | 2 hrs before | Sound check; generator test if outdoors |
Your Day Coordinator
A day‑of coordinator keeps the schedule on track — confirm their arrival time and emergency contact list.
Outdoor Wedding Contingency (AUS Specific)
- Check local BOM forecast 48 and 6 hours prior
- Confirm venue wet‑weather plan and covered areas
- Extra shade & hydration for warm climates
Printable Checklist & Next Steps
Quick actions to lock in your day:
- Confirm final guest count with caterer (T‑14 days)
- Provide final schedule to all vendors (T‑7 days)
- Assign family photo list to coordinator (T‑3 days)
Useful for NSW and metropolitan AU venues; adapt times for regional travel.