How to Create a Wedding Weekend Itinerary—For Multi-Day Celebrations
Gone are the days when weddings were just a one-day affair. More and more couples are opting for wedding weekends— multi-day celebrations that allow for more quality time with guests, relaxed vibes, and unforgettable memories. Whether you're planning a destination wedding or hosting events over a few days locally, a well-structured wedding weekend itinerary is essential.
As a wedding coordinator, I’ve seen how a thoughtful itinerary can make the difference between a chaotic weekend and a smooth, joyful experience. Here’s how to create one that keeps everyone informed, engaged, and stress-free.
1. Start with the Big Picture
Before diving into the details, consider:
How many days? Most wedding weekends span 3 days (Friday–Sunday).
Where are your guests coming from? If many are traveling, allow buffer time for arrivals and downtime.
Budget & priorities: You don’t need an event every hour — a mix of planned activities and free time is ideal.
2. Map Out Your Core Events
These are the must-have events that anchor the weekend:
Friday
Guest Arrival & Hotel Check-in
Welcome Party / Rehearsal Dinner
Time: 4:00–10:00 PM
4:00 PM – Wedding Party Rehearsal
For immediate family and wedding party only
Location: [Insert location if needed]
5:00 PM – Rehearsal Dinner
Dinner and toasts with close family and out-of-town guests
Casual, relaxed setting — dress code: Dressy Casual (Wedding party can be more dressy)
6:30–10:00 PM – Welcome Drinks & Hangout
Join us for drinks, music, and mingling!
Open to all out-of-town guests, family, and anyone who wants to celebrate early
Come and go as you please — no need to stay the full time
Tip: Keep this relaxed and open to all guests who are family/coming from out of town if budget allows.
Saturday
Wedding Day!
Morning: Hair, makeup, prep time
Afternoon: Ceremony + Photos
Evening: Cocktail hour, dinner, reception, dancing
imperative to make a “day-of-timeline” beforehand to keep all vendors, wedding party members, and guests on track—it’s so easy to get lost on time during your big day!
Sunday
Farewell Brunch
Time: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Location: Hotel restaurant, family home, or venue
Dress Code: usually casual, but also depends on location being held
For Wedding Party, immediate family, out of town guests
3. Consider Optional Add-Ons
These add a personal touch without overwhelming guests:
Thursday Early Arrival Dinner (for VIPs or close family who fly in early)
Group Excursion or Activity – wine tasting, beach day, city tour (this will depend on how many days prior to the wedding you have guests joining—this would be perfect for a destination vacation wedding option!)
After-Party – Late-night drinks or a relaxed hangout at another location after the wedding is over at the specific venue.
Local Welcome Bags – Include a printed itinerary, snacks, and nearby attractions. This is a great way to show your appreciation for all of those that put in the effort to travel for your big day!
4. Build in Downtime
Guests will appreciate free blocks of time to rest or explore. Aim for at least 1-5 hours of unscheduled time per day.This avoids burnout and keeps the celebration feeling like a vacation, not a conference.
5. Communicate the Itinerary Clearly
Once your itinerary is ready, share it in multiple ways:
Include it in your wedding website
Email it to guests joining the week before
Add a printed version in welcome bags or hotel check-in
Post signage at the venue or hospitality suite
Pro Tip: Include details like dress codes, transportation info, and any RSVP-required events.
Sample Wedding Weekend Itinerary:
Friday:
3:00 PM – Hotel Check-In Opens
4:00 PM – Wedding Rehearsal
5:00 PM—Welcome/Rehearsal Dinner
6:30 PM— Drinks, Music, & Mingle
10:00 PM– Say Farewell & Get Beauty Rest for the big day!
Saturday:
8:00 AM – Hair & Makeup Begins (Bridal Suite)
1:00 PM – First Look/Photos if Applicable
3:30 PM —Ceremony at Location
4:30 PM – Cocktail Hour (Photos if Already have not done so)
5:30 PM – Dinner, Dances, and Speeches
7:00 PM – Dance Floor Opens
10:30 PM—Dance Floor Closes, Guests leave Venue
10:30 PM – After-Party Shuttle Leaves for Hotel/Location
Sunday:
10:00 AM – Farewell Brunch at Location
12:00 PM – Guest Departures Begin
Final Thoughts
Creating a seamless wedding weekend itinerary is all about balance — scheduling enough events to bring people together without packing every moment. When done right, it sets the tone for a memorable, meaningful celebration that your guests will rave about long after the last mimosa.
Need help crafting your wedding weekend timeline or coordinating all the moving parts? Let’s chat — I specialize in helping couples plan stress-free, unforgettable celebrations from start to finish!
