Stay Organised with Wedding Order of the Day Cards

There are countless ways to ensure your wedding reception is a memorable and joyous celebration, but if there’s one thing that underpins all great receptions, it’s organisation. From timings and seating plans to food service and entertainment, having a solid structure helps the day unfold smoothly and keeps guests relaxed and engaged.

While spontaneity has its charm, weddings tend to involve multiple moving parts—especially when couples opt to include unique or non-traditional elements. That’s where good planning comes in.

Before you begin mapping out your reception, make sure you and your partner are on the same page. Whether you're dreaming of a laid-back festival feel or a black-tie evening soirée, having a shared vision helps you make consistent decisions that reflect your personality as a couple.

Once that vision is in place, you can plan your schedule around it. It’s a good idea to create a basic timeline covering:

• Ceremony start time

• Cocktail hour or drinks reception

• Wedding breakfast (meal)

• Speeches and toasts

• First dance and entertainment

• Cake cutting

• Evening festivities

• End-of-night plans or transport

Years ago, guests often arrived at a wedding and followed the lead of the ushers. Nowadays, weddings are often more customised, with varied timings, unique entertainment and even location shifts throughout the day.

That’s why Order of the Day cards have become a must-have. These handy additions outline your schedule, helping everyone stay in the know and ensuring no one misses the big moments.

They’re also incredibly helpful for guests who can only attend part of the day, allowing them to plan their arrival around the most important events.

An order of the day isn’t just a practical tool—it’s a chance to infuse your celebration with style and personality. Think of it as your wedding day’s itinerary, crafted to suit your theme and tone.

You might include:

• A timeline of events with start times

• Fun extras like coffee tasting menus or cocktail hours

• Notes like “grab a sparkler at 9:30 PM” or “join us on the dancefloor after the cake!”

• Location details for different segments of the day

• A nod to any cultural or family traditions taking place

Stylishly designed cards can even double as keepsakes for guests, especially if they’re beautifully printed or handwritten with care.

Speaking of extras, one of the latest trends to take receptions by storm is the after-dinner coffee bar. Offering blends from around the world—like Italian espresso, Ethiopian roast or Mexican cinnamon brew—is a fun and elegant touch that guests love. Adding these details to your schedule or menu makes sure everyone knows what’s on offer and when.

Likewise, quirky entertainment like photo booths, garden games or surprise performances should be noted in your printed schedule—guests will appreciate the heads-up!

There are many creative ways to present your schedule:

• A printed card placed on each chair at the ceremony

• A large sign at the entrance to your venue

• Miniature inserts in welcome bags

• Printed fans for outdoor weddings

• Folded table-top formats included with the menus

No matter the format, it’s a subtle but powerful tool to keep your day running without stress.

At Dotty About Paper, we understand how important the details are on your big day. That’s why we offer beautiful, fully customisable Order of the Day cards to suit every theme and wedding style. Whether you’re after something traditional, modern, rustic, or romantic, you’ll find a design that reflects your personality.

From coordinating stationery sets to custom options for menus, signs and place cards, we make it easy to bring your vision to life—without the overwhelm.

Don’t leave your guests guessing. A well-planned reception starts with a clear schedule. With a beautifully designed Order of the Day card, you can keep everyone informed, enhance the atmosphere, and create a wedding celebration that’s as smooth as it is spectacular.