Need help with your overall wedding plans? Check out our Wedding Planning Timeline for the full 12-month guide, or jump to our Ultimate Cincinnati Wedding Planning Guide for comprehensive advice.
This detailed timeline template helps you plan every moment of your wedding day. Share it with your vendors, wedding party, and day-of coordinator to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Related Resources:
- Ultimate Cincinnati Wedding Planning Guide - Complete guide with venue comparisons, budget breakdowns, and vendor tips
- Cincinnati Wedding Venue Comparison Guide - Compare venue features and timing requirements
- Wedding Planning Checklist - Tasks and vendor confirmation list
- Wedding Day Emergency Kit - Essential items to pack
Your Wedding Details
Your Names: _____________________________ & _____________________________
Wedding Date: _____________________________
Ceremony Time: _____________________________
Reception Start Time: _____________________________
Venue(s): _____________________________
Coordinator: _____________________________
Coordinator Phone: _____________________________
Morning & Getting Ready
| Time | Activity | Location | Who's Involved | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| : | Bride's hair & makeup begins | _____________ | _____________ | Typically 3-4 hours before ceremony |
| : | Groom & groomsmen arrive | _____________ | _____________ | Usually 2-3 hours before ceremony |
| : | Photographer arrives | _____________ | _____________ | Getting-ready coverage |
| : | Videographer arrives | _____________ | _____________ | If including prep footage |
| : | Bride gets into dress | _____________ | _____________ | Allow 30 minutes |
| : | Groom gets ready | _____________ | _____________ | Suit, tie, boutonniere |
| : | Detail shots (rings, shoes, etc.) | _____________ | _____________ | While getting ready |
| : | First look (optional) | _____________ | _____________ | Popular Cincinnati spots: Eden Park, Smale Riverfront |
| : | Bridal party photos | _____________ | _____________ | Allow 20-30 minutes |
| : | Family photos | _____________ | _____________ | With specific family list |
Getting Ready Tips:
- Start hair/makeup earlier than you think - it always takes longer!
- Have snacks and water available (assign someone to make sure you eat!)
- Keep the bridal suite organized with your emergency kit
- Cincinnati summer humidity tip: Use setting spray for makeup and extra hairspray
Pre-Ceremony
| Time | Activity | Location | Who's Involved | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| : | Florist delivers bouquets/boutonnieres | _____________ | _____________ | Pin boutonnieres on groomsmen |
| : | Ceremony musicians arrive & set up | _____________ | _____________ | Allow 30 minutes setup time |
| : | Final venue walkthrough | _____________ | _____________ | Check decor, seating, program placement |
| : | Wedding party lines up | _____________ | _____________ | Review processional order |
| : | Guests begin to arrive | _____________ | _____________ | 30 minutes before ceremony |
| : | Ushers seat guests | _____________ | _____________ | Bride's side (left) vs. Groom's side (right) |
| : | Reserved seating for family | _____________ | _____________ | Front rows |
| : | Groom & officiant take positions | _____________ | _____________ | 5 minutes before start |
Pre-Ceremony Checklist:
- Confirm marriage license is with officiant
- Distribute final payments/tips to vendors
- Have someone designated to cue musicians
- OTR venues: Coordinate street parking or garage directions for late guests
Ceremony
| Time | Activity | Location | Who's Involved | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| : | CEREMONY BEGINS | _____________ | _____________ | Start on time! |
| : | Processional music starts | _____________ | _____________ | Cue musicians |
| : | Wedding party processional | _____________ | _____________ | Pairs or singles |
| : | Bride's entrance | _____________ | _____________ | Change to bridal march |
| : | Welcome & opening remarks | _____________ | _____________ | Officiant |
| : | Readings | _____________ | _____________ | 1-2 readings typical |
| : | Vows (traditional or personal) | _____________ | _____________ | 2-3 minutes each |
| : | Ring exchange | _____________ | _____________ | Ring bearer/best man |
| : | Pronouncement | _____________ | _____________ | "I now pronounce you..." |
| : | First kiss! | _____________ | _____________ | You're married! |
| : | Recessional | _____________ | _____________ | Upbeat exit music |
| : | CEREMONY ENDS | _____________ | _____________ | Typical ceremony: 20-30 min |
Ceremony Notes:
- Have tissues ready for happy tears
- Remind readers to speak slowly and clearly
- Outdoor Cincinnati ceremonies: Have umbrella or rain backup plan
- Check microphone levels beforehand if using amplification
Post-Ceremony
| Time | Activity | Location | Who's Involved | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| : | Receiving line (optional) | _____________ | _____________ | Or skip to photos |
| : | Family formal photos | _____________ | _____________ | Use detailed list - 20-30 min |
| : | Wedding party photos | _____________ | _____________ | Fun, creative shots - 15-20 min |
| : | Couple portraits | _____________ | _____________ | Your special time - 30-45 min |
| : | Travel to reception (if different venue) | _____________ | _____________ | Build in Cincinnati traffic buffer! |
| : | Guests enjoy cocktail hour | _____________ | _____________ | Music, drinks, appetizers |
Photo Time Tips:
- Provide photographer with must-have family photo list 2 weeks before
- Popular Cincinnati photo spots: Washington Park, Smale Riverfront Park, Eden Park overlook, OTR murals
- Golden hour timing: Check sunset time for your date (summer 8:30-9pm, fall 6:30-7:30pm)
- If ceremony and reception are at same venue (like Somerhaus), photos are easier to coordinate
Reception
| Time | Activity | Location | Who's Involved | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| : | Reception doors open | _____________ | _____________ | Guests find seats |
| : | DJ/band begins background music | _____________ | _____________ | Cocktail hour vibe |
| : | GRAND ENTRANCE | _____________ | _____________ | Wedding party introduced |
| : | Bride & groom entrance | _____________ | _____________ | Your song! |
| : | Welcome/blessing | _____________ | _____________ | Optional |
| : | FIRST DANCE | _____________ | _____________ | 3-4 minutes |
| : | Parent dances | _____________ | _____________ | Bride/father, groom/mother |
| : | Blessing/prayer (if applicable) | _____________ | _____________ | Before dinner |
| : | First course served | _____________ | _____________ | Salad or soup |
| : | Toasts begin | _____________ | _____________ | Best man, maid of honor |
| : | Additional toasts | _____________ | _____________ | Parents, others (limit 3-4 total) |
| : | Main course served | _____________ | _____________ | Plated or buffet |
| : | Dinner music | _____________ | _____________ | Background, not too loud |
| : | Open dance floor | _____________ | _____________ | Party time! |
| : | Cake cutting | _____________ | _____________ | Stop music for photos |
| : | Dessert served | _____________ | _____________ | Cake + coffee service |
| : | Bouquet toss (optional) | _____________ | _____________ | Single ladies! |
| : | Garter toss (optional) | _____________ | _____________ | Single gentlemen! |
| : | Anniversary dance | _____________ | _____________ | Fun tradition |
| : | Special dances/activities | _____________ | _____________ | Cultural traditions, etc. |
| : | Late-night snack | _____________ | _____________ | Eli's BBQ, Senate, local desserts |
| : | Last dance | _____________ | _____________ | Announce final song |
| : | GRAND EXIT | _____________ | _____________ | Sparklers, bubbles, etc. |
Reception Timing Notes:
- Total reception typically 4-5 hours
- Keep toasts to 3-4 minutes each maximum
- Cake cutting is great photo op - alert photographer
- Most Cincinnati venues have end times between 10pm-midnight (check your contract)
- Build in flexibility - things run long!
Vendor Arrival & Setup Times
| Vendor | Arrival Time | Setup Complete By | Departure Time | Contact Name & Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venue coordinator | : | : | : | ________________________ |
| Photographer | : | : | : | ________________________ |
| Videographer | : | : | : | ________________________ |
| Hair & makeup | : | : | : | ________________________ |
| Florist (delivery) | : | : | : | ________________________ |
| Ceremony musicians | : | : | : | ________________________ |
| DJ/Band | : | : | : | ________________________ |
| Caterer | : | : | : | ________________________ |
| Bartenders | : | : | : | ________________________ |
| Cake delivery | : | : | : | ________________________ |
| Rental company | : | : | : | ________________________ |
| Transportation/shuttle | : | : | : | ________________________ |
Vendor Coordination:
- Share this complete timeline with all vendors 2 weeks before wedding
- Provide venue address and parking/loading instructions
- Confirm all times 1 week before the wedding
- Have coordinator or point person with all vendor phone numbers
Important Reminders & Day-Of Checklist
2 Weeks Before:
ā Finalize and distribute this timeline to all vendors
ā Share timeline with wedding party and parents
ā Confirm final guest count with venue/caterer
ā Create detailed family photo list for photographer
1 Week Before:
ā Call each vendor to confirm arrival times
ā Prepare vendor tip envelopes with coordinator's name on each
ā Assemble wedding day emergency kit
ā Check Cincinnati weather forecast and prepare backup plan
Day Before:
ā Print 5 copies of this timeline (coordinator, parents, photographer, venue, you)
ā Pack getting-ready outfits, emergency kit, marriage license
ā Charge all phones and cameras
ā Confirm transportation pickup times
Wedding Day Morning:
ā Eat breakfast! (Seriously, you'll forget later)
ā Stay hydrated throughout the day
ā Designate someone to hold your bouquet during ceremony
ā Have someone collect cards/gifts at end of night
ā Trust your coordinator and enjoy every moment!
Cincinnati-Specific Considerations
Weather Planning
Cincinnati weather is unpredictable! Always have a backup plan:
- Spring (April-May): Beautiful but rainy - have umbrellas ready
- Summer (June-August): Hot and humid - fans, water stations, indoor A/C backup
- Fall (September-October): Perfect weather usually, but check forecast
- Winter (November-March): Plan for potential snow or cold - have heaters for outdoor photos
Photo Location Permits & Tips
Cincinnati Parks: If planning photos at Eden Park, Ault Park, or other park locations:
- Call Park Board at (513) 352-6180 to notify them of your plans
- Most parks don't require permits for wedding photos, but notification is courteous
- Popular spots get crowded - plan for 30-minute buffer
Best Cincinnati Photo Locations by Time:
- Eden Park: Overlook for skyline, Krohn Conservatory exterior
- Smale Riverfront Park: Skyline backdrop, modern architecture
- Washington Park (OTR): Fountains, Music Hall backdrop
- Mt. Adams: City overlook views, winding historic streets
- OTR Streets: Murals, cobblestones (near Somerhaus, The Transept, Rhinegeist)
Golden Hour Timing:
- Summer weddings: Sunset ~8:30-9:00 PM - plan photos 7:30-8:30 PM
- Fall weddings: Sunset ~6:30-7:30 PM - plan photos 5:30-6:30 PM
- Consider doing couple portraits during cocktail hour for best light
Transportation & Logistics
Cincinnati Streetcar:
- Free service runs through OTR (Rhinegeist, Somerhaus, The Transept area)
- Can be fun option for wedding party transportation
- Runs until midnight on weekends
- Not ideal for large groups, but great for getting around OTR
Traffic Considerations:
- Friday weddings: Avoid 5-6 PM ceremony times (rush hour from suburbs to OTR/Downtown)
- Bengals game days: Check schedule if downtown venue - traffic and hotel rates affected
- FC Cincinnati games: Check schedule if near West End
- Build in 15-minute buffer for travel between ceremony/reception if different venues
Parking for Guests:
- OTR venues (Somerhaus, The Transept, Rhinegeist): Street parking or nearby garages
- Downtown venues: List nearby garage options on wedding website
- Consider valet service if budget allows (~$20-30/car with minimum)
Venue-Specific Timing Notes
If using Somerhaus:
- Ceremony and reception in same space = no travel time!
- Coordinate ceremony-to-reception flip with venue staff (usually 30-45 minutes)
- Somerset Bar next door - guests can visit during transition
- Street parking fills up on weekends - send parking tips with invitations
If ceremony and reception are separate:
- Minimum 1.5 hours between ceremony end and reception start
- Account for Cincinnati traffic (15-20 minutes OTR to Mt. Adams, for example)
- Provide shuttle or clear driving directions to guests
Timeline Planning Tips
Create a Realistic Schedule
- Don't over-pack: Build in 15-minute buffers between major events
- Prioritize photos: Good lighting and relaxed couples = better photos
- Feed your vendors: Happy, fed vendors perform better
- Plan for Cincinnati weather: Always have Plan B ready
Timing by Event Type
Afternoon Wedding (1-2 PM ceremony):
- Pros: Beautiful natural light, brunch/lunch reception (can be cheaper)
- Cons: Less time for getting ready, might miss golden hour
Late Afternoon Wedding (4-5 PM ceremony):
- Pros: Classic timing, golden hour photos during cocktail hour
- Cons: Rush hour traffic if Friday, longer getting-ready time needed
Evening Wedding (6-7 PM ceremony):
- Pros: Dramatic lighting, cooler temperatures in summer
- Cons: Ceremony photos in low light, shorter reception time before venue closure
Common Timing Mistakes to Avoid
ā Not enough time for photos (always takes longer than expected)
ā Skipping cocktail hour for photos (guests need entertainment)
ā Too many toasts (keep to 3-4 max, 3 minutes each)
ā Forgetting to eat or hydrate (assign someone to bring you food!)
ā Not accounting for Cincinnati traffic patterns
Sample Timeline: 5 PM Ceremony at Somerhaus
A realistic timeline for a typical Cincinnati OTR wedding:
1:00 PM - Bride's hair & makeup begins at hotel
2:30 PM - Groom & groomsmen arrive, get ready
3:00 PM - Photographer arrives for getting-ready shots
4:00 PM - Bride into dress, first look in Washington Park
4:30 PM - Wedding party photos at OTR murals
4:50 PM - Arrive at Somerhaus, final touch-ups
5:00 PM - Ceremony begins
5:25 PM - Ceremony ends, family photos (30 min)
5:55 PM - Cocktail hour begins while venue flips
6:30 PM - Grand entrance to reception
6:45 PM - First dance & parent dances
7:00 PM - Dinner service begins, toasts during dinner
8:00 PM - Cake cutting
8:15 PM - Open dance floor
10:00 PM - Late-night food delivery (Eli's BBQ, Senate Hot Dogs, or local favorites)
10:45 PM - Last dance
11:00 PM - Grand exit with sparklers on Republic Street
Additional Wedding Planning Resources
For Complete Planning:
- Ultimate Cincinnati Wedding Planning Guide - Venue comparisons, vendor tips, budget breakdowns
- Wedding Planning Timeline - 12-month planning guide
- Wedding Planning Checklist - Printable task checklist
- Wedding Day Emergency Kit - Don't forget these essentials!
- Cincinnati Wedding Budget Worksheet - Track all expenses
Ready to start planning your Cincinnati wedding day? Contact Somerhaus to schedule your venue tour and see our flexible Over-the-Rhine event space - perfect for ceremony and reception in one beautiful location!
