The Timeline Genius Alternative

May 29, 2025

Key Takeaways

  • Timeline Genius is great for building a wedding planning timeline—but it stops there.

  • That’s The One (TTO) includes everything you need: timelines, guest list management, budget tracking, digital invites, and more. 

  • Like Timeline Genius, planners can create timeline templates and export individual vendor timelines on Thatstheone.com.

  • TTO is ideal for professionals managing multiple weddings, with unlimited events and all-in-one pricing at just $55/month.

  • Timeline Genius starts at $54.95 -but it only covers timeline creation, with no guest list, budget, or planning tools included.

  • The platform is also ideal for destination events, available in 7 languages (English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Polish, Portuguese) and supporting over 20 currencies.

Wedding Timelines: The Timeline Genius Alternative

Table of Contents

    [[toc-anchor:Timeline Genius Creates Great Timelines – But Is It Built for Full Wedding Planning?]]

    Timeline Genius is a subscription based platform based out of New York, USA, focused on the creation of detailed day-of timelines.

    Professional planners know that weddings are more than just wedding planning timelines. You also need to manage guestlists, track RSVPs, build seating plans, coordinate vendors, track budgets, and deliver a seamless client experience from start to finish. A comprehensive wedding schedule is essential for keeping everyone organized and ensuring a smooth flow of events. Using the ultimate wedding planning checklist helps cover every step, from setting the wedding date to post-wedding tasks.

    Coordinating guestlists, vendors, and schedules all hinges on finalizing the wedding date as a critical milestone in the planning process.

    That’s why so many planners end up piecing together 5-7 different tools; wasting time manually syncing data, wasting money on multiple subscriptions and creating a disjointed experience for their clients.

    [[toc-anchor:What Timeline Genius Offers: A Strong Timeline Builder]]

    Timeline Genius shines in one area: building day-of timelines. It allows planners to:

    • Create a wedding planning timeline for clients and vendors

    • Set automatic notifications and reminders

    • Collaborate on timelines in real time

    • Maintain a vendor CRM

    In addition to building day-of timelines, Timeline Genius helps planners create a detailed wedding planning timeline for the big day, ensuring everyone knows what to expect and minimizing stress.

    If you want to handle RSVPs, seating charts, meal preferences, payments, or supplier coordination, you’ll need several other tools. This is just one example of why an average wedding takes 528 hours to plan today - we have made that much easier for you!

    Timeline Genius Best Features:

    • Vendor CRM

    • Automated wedding planning timeline with bulk time shifting

    • Text reminders

    • Mobile friendly

    • Tracks time spent per event by user


    Timeline Genius Wedding Planning Limitations:

    • Lacks specialized features beyond timelines and checklists

    • Expensive for the feature base

    • Does not provide tools for coordinating reception vendors

    • Not wedding-specific; lacks specialized features for tying the knot and will require additional integrations/additional software subscriptions for complete planning functionality


    Timeline Genius Pricing:

    Pricing for unlimited events is $54.95 per month or $194.95 for 5 events


    [[toc-anchor:Introduction to TTO - A Timeline Genius Alternative]]

    That’s The One, known as TTO, is an online platform designed to simplify the wedding planning process for modern event professionals and their clients. This all-in-one platform offers a range of tools and features to help wedding planning businesses streamline their workflow and enhance client satisfaction. With its easy-to-use interface and customizable templates, TTO is the perfect solution for the wedding industry.

    TTO also allows couples to create a personalized wedding website to share all the important details, schedules, and registry links with their guests. In addition, TTO helps couples coordinate their invitation suite, including matching invitations, menus, and thank you cards, to ensure a cohesive wedding aesthetic.

    Planner Tip: TTO offers the functionality to design and manage timelines. You are able to set up reusable templates, tag vendors to timeline items and export individual timelines for each vendor in just 1 click. 



    🎥 2min video guide on how to set up timeline templates on TTO

    🎥 2min video guide on how to manage a timeline in a wedding


    [[toc-anchor:What Planners Say: Stories from the Switch]]

    What ex-Timeline Genius Users Said:

    “Timeline Genius helped with my event flow, but I still needed five other platforms. Switching to That’s The One gave me everything in one place.” Olivia, Wedding Planner, UK

    “Timeline Genius is a brilliant tool, but it had many bells and whistles which I didn’t use for my timelines. It simply didn’t make sense to maintain a separate subscription just to create timelines.” Ariadne, Wedding Planner, Greece

    “Having the timeline directly connected to my RSVP guest list, floor plan, and vendor tasks has saved me hours of back and forth.” Lisa, Wedding Planner, US

    TTO’s integrated tools help ensure that all vendors, clients, and wedding party members are on the same page throughout the planning process.

    Read more testimonials

    [[toc-anchor:Creating Timelines Shouldn't Be Expensive]]

    Timeline Genius starts at $54.95 per month, but that only covers one part of the planning process: timelines. The reality? You’ll still need to use and pay for additional tools to manage guest lists, track budgets & payments, send wedding invitations, build seating charts, and coordinate suppliers. That means juggling multiple subscriptions, platforms, and workflows with more time spent and more room for error.

    That’s The One replaces all of that. For just $55/month, you get:

    • Unlimited events

    • All planning tools in one place

    TTO's all-in-one platform ensures that planners and couples can manage all the details of their wedding in one place.


    TTO offers unlimited events and all-inclusive features for just $55/month for professional planners—compared to a minimum of $330/month when using multiple separate tools.

    Try your 30 day free trial here or book a demo.

    [[toc-anchor:That’s The One vs Timeline Genius: A side by side comparison of features]]

    Features

    Trello

    That's The One

    RSVP

    Not available

    • Single RSVP link to share on any platform 

    • Custom RSVP Questions

    • Multi-Event RSVPs

    • Guests can RSVP on behalf of others

    • Manage +1s

    • Advanced settings for babies & children

    • Matches guests using phone number and/or email

    Guest List

    Not available

    • Automatically import an existing guest list 

    • Add custom columns

    Floor/seat plan

    Not available

    • Upload blueprint & set to scale, so that furniture is in the correct measurements

    • Easily drag & drop guests into seats

    • Synced with catering/dietary requirements from RSVP

    • Color-coded for ease

    • Export into PDF

    To-Do’s

    Simple checklist with ability to assign tasks with due dates


    • Set priority, owner, deadlines on tasks with the ultimate wedding planning checklist

    • Set tasks to private

    • Automated reminders

    • Ability to see what each collaborator is working on

    Timelines

    • Build detailed wedding day timelines

    • Customize timing, roles, and notes for each event

    • Share timelines with clients and vendors via mobile or printable PDF


    • Create individual wedding planning timelines for each vendor in 1 click

    • Customize timing, roles, and notes for each event

    • Items automatically organised by time

    • Vendor contact information displayed in PDF

    • Coordinate reception setup, including vendor arrivals and arrangement of the reception area, to ensure a seamless transition from ceremony to reception

    Ecards

    Not available

    • Unlimited ecard wedding invitations with over 30 templates

    • Option to upload your own design

    • Send via email or URL

    • Easily share to groups of guests based on tags (eg. guests travelling in)

    • Ecard tracking available (deliveries, opens, and responses)

    Wedding Website

    Not available

    • Free wedding website for your clients (included in subscription)

    • Highly visual website with a modern look

    • Connects RSVP & accommodation links

    • Comprehensive wedding website sections: eg. itinerary, interactive getting here section

    • Customise website URL

    Vendor CRM

    • Store all vendor contact details in one place

    • Share timelines and updates directly with vendors



    • Visual vendor board

    • Wedding Vendors can be suggested in a wedding, alongside important information from your Vendor CRM. 

    • Update status: confirmed, tentative, declined

    • Share quotes and comments in the comments section

    • Automatically connected to budget sheet

    • Manage reception setup by coordinating vendor arrivals and reception area arrangements

    Payment Tracking

    Not available

    • See upcoming and overdue payments at a glance

    • Manage all vendor payments in one place in multiple currencies

    • Automated reminders

    Budget

    Not available

    • Multi-currency (eg. track payments in EUR but translate budget into USD)

    • Automatically connected to payment tracking

    Comments

    Not available

    • Add comments to to-do’s and vendor section 

    • Comments can be video, voice or text

    Team collaboration

    Not available

    • Share templates, vendor contacts, tasks and comments

    • Control which information is private to you vs shared with your team

    Accommodation

    Not available

    • Private booking page for guests with cheaper rates than sites like Booking.com

    • Help couples collect payment for pre-booked rooms easily (eg. venue)


    Read more on creating timelines with TTO in the dedicated guide here.

    TTO makes it easy to coordinate with your wedding photographer by sharing detailed timelines and shot lists, ensuring they capture every important moment and stay informed about the day's schedule: Example Vendor Page for Albert's Photography in TTO's Vendor CRM.


    Example Timeline Export on TTO for Florist Studio7.

    [[toc-anchor:Timelines Are Just 1 Part - TTO Offers An All-In-One Solution for Wedding Planning]]

    With That’s The One, you get wedding planning features that allow you to do everything in one place. You’re never stuck logging into multiple tools or manually uploading data.

    Our planner-first tools include:

    A dynamic wedding checklist that updates automatically and allows you to filter on owner, priority, deadline, month and category. It also sends automated email reminders for upcoming and overdue tasks. 

    A professional multi-currency budget planner to track payments and deposits. This is also connected to automated email reminders for upcoming and overdue payments.

    A smart guest list with RSVP tracking.

    ✅ Free wedding website & unlimited digital wedding invitations.

    An intuitive seating chart tool with is automatically connected to guest meal choices and dietary preferences.

    A central supplier manager that keeps everything  (docs, brochures, contact info, comments) in one place.

    Try your 30 day free trial here or book a demo.


    [[toc-anchor:Why Planners Are Switching to TTO]]

    🚀 Built for Modern Planners - A sleek, user-friendly interface that eliminates clunky workflows, is structured with a client-facing polish.

    🤝 Client collaboration - Give clients a premium, easy-to-use experience.

    🌎 Internationally Accessible - A tool that works for planners and clients across different regions and price points. Available in 6 languages and 20 currencies!

    💡 Designed with Your Feedback - Weekly feature updates based on real planner needs, not outdated industry assumptions.

    🔗 All-in-One Platform - No need for multiple disconnected tools. TTO streamlines everything in one place, replacing Trello boards, spreadsheets and emails with a central planning hub. Cut hours of admin every week.

    Join the growing number of planners who are making the switch and experience the future of wedding planning, with endless wedding ideas to inspire your clients. A wedding planner can utilize TTO's tools to ensure a seamless planning experience for everyone involved.

    Try your 30 day free trial here or book a demo.


    [[toc-anchor:Try That’s The One: More Than a Timeline Tool]]

    A well-crafted wedding timeline is essential—but it’s just one part of the planning journey. 

    That’s The One gives you so much more than a basic day-of schedule document. It’s an all-in-one planning platform where your timelines, guest list, budget, seating chart, and supplier tasks live together—fully connected and automatically updated in real time.

    👉 Try That’s The One for free or book a live demo to see how it compares.


    [[toc-anchor:Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)]]


    1. What is a wedding timeline, and why is it important?

    A wedding timeline is a detailed schedule that outlines the flow of events on the big day, from hair and makeup to the last dance. It typically follows the structure of a typical wedding day, covering all major milestones from start to finish. It helps planners, vendors, and couples stay on track and avoid last-minute stress.


    2. What does a typical wedding timeline include?

    A typical day-of schedule includes key moments like the ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, speeches, dinner service, first dance, and more. It can also include buffer time for travel, photos, and vendor setup. The timeline should clearly indicate when the ceremony starts to help coordinate all participants and vendors.


    3. Can I create a custom wedding day timeline with That’s The One?

    Yes! includes a customizable wedding day timeline template that adapts based on your event details. The timing and sequence of events can vary depending on the couple's preferences, cultural traditions, and venue logistics. You can build a timeline that works for any wedding type, location, or cultural tradition.


    4.  Is there a wedding planning timeline included with That’s The One?

    Absolutely. TTO offers a full wedding planning timeline, from engagement to post-wedding tasks. It helps planners and couples manage what needs to be done month by month, alongside budgets, guest lists, and vendors. The timeline can also help organize events throughout the entire wedding weekend, from welcome parties to farewell brunches.


    5. How is That’s The One better than a basic wedding timeline checklist?

    While many platforms offer a generic wedding checklist timeline, That’s The One connects your timeline to your actual plans—RSVPs, seating, supplier tasks, and guest preferences—so it all updates in real time.

    TTO is built for wedding professionals and modern couples who want a seamless planning experience without juggling 7 (or more!) different tools, helping couples celebrate their special day with ease and joy.


    6. Can I use That’s The One to create a wedding ceremony and reception timeline?

    Yes. You can create separate timelines for your wedding ceremony and wedding reception, and even tailor them for vendors, clients, and internal planning needs. TTO also makes it easy to coordinate events held at the same venue, streamlining transitions between ceremony and reception. Each version can be printed or shared digitally.


    7. Does That’s The One have a wedding day timeline template I can use?

    Yes, it includes smart, customizable wedding day timeline templates that adjust to your chosen start time, ceremony length, and other key variables, no more building from scratch. TTO also provides a typical wedding day timeline as a starting point, which can be tailored to each couple's needs.


    8.  Can I see a wedding timeline example before signing up?

    Of course. You can book a demo to explore a real wedding timeline example in the platform and see how it connects with your guest list, tasks, and communications. The example also includes dedicated time blocks for wedding photos, ensuring all key moments are captured during your celebration.


    9. What makes That’s The One a better choice than downloading a free wedding timeline template?

    Unlike static downloads, TTO’s wedding timeline templates are interactive, editable, and integrated with your full planning suite. It’s not just a schedule—it’s a live planning tool.


    10. How is onboarding and customer support with That’s The One?

    That’s The One offers a 1:1 onboarding session and dedicated chat support from 9am–6pm GMT, with email assistance after hours. Timeline Genius primarily provides support via email and online help documentation, with no live chat for instant assistance.


    11. What Pre-Wedding Preparations Should I consider for a Seamless Wedding?

    The foundation of a flawless wedding day is laid well before the big event arrives. Pre-wedding preparations are all about careful planning and coordination, ensuring that every detail is accounted for and every member of the wedding party knows their role. A comprehensive wedding day timeline, crafted by an experienced wedding planner, is essential for minimizing stress and maximizing enjoyment. By using a wedding day timeline template, couples can customize the schedule to reflect their unique vision, from the timing of the wedding ceremony to the flow of the wedding reception.

    Scheduling engagement photos is an important early step, allowing couples to capture special moments, select meaningful locations, and get comfortable with their photographer before the big day.

    Securing the wedding venue for both the ceremony and reception early is a must. When booking your wedding venue, consider factors such as capacity, vendor restrictions, and layout to ensure it fits your event’s needs. Booking trusted vendors such as caterers, photographers, and entertainment should follow. Don’t forget to book your rehearsal dinner venue early as part of your logistical planning, and consider sending invitations and managing guest RSVPs for this event as well. Obtaining your marriage license and understanding your state-specific requirements is a crucial part of pre-wedding preparations. Sending out wedding invitations in advance and diligently tracking RSVPs helps guarantee an accurate guest count for the wedding reception, making seating arrangements and meal planning much smoother. With all these elements in place, the stage is set for a seamless and memorable celebration.


    12. Why are the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner important aspects to plan for?

    A successful wedding day starts with a well-executed rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. These pre-wedding events are essential for ensuring that the entire wedding party is comfortable with the flow of the ceremony and familiar with the ceremony venue. The rehearsal, typically held the day before the wedding, allows the wedding planner to walk everyone through the wedding day timeline, clarifying roles and responsibilities for each member of the wedding party. This run-through helps identify any last-minute adjustments needed in the wedding day schedule, ensuring a seamless transition from the ceremony to the reception.

    Following the rehearsal, the rehearsal dinner offers a relaxed setting for the wedding party and close family members to connect and celebrate before the main event. It’s a valuable opportunity to finalize details, confirm the timing for the ceremony and reception, and review the wedding planning process one last time. By dedicating time to these important pre-wedding gatherings, couples and their planners can address any lingering questions, ease nerves, and set the stage for a smooth and joyful wedding day.


    13. What should happen on the wedding day morning to ensure the first steps toward a perfect day?

    The morning of the wedding day is filled with anticipation and excitement as the bridal party gathers to begin preparations. This is when the wedding day timeline truly comes to life, guiding everyone through each step to ensure nothing is missed. Hair and makeup artists arrive early to start working their magic, transforming the bride and her attendants according to the chosen wedding theme and style. Styling the bride's hair typically takes about an hour, so it should be scheduled accordingly to keep preparations on track.

    A family member or a trusted member of the wedding party often helps coordinate the morning’s activities, making sure everyone is on schedule and that the wedding dress and accessories are ready for the bride. It's important to stay mindful of the timeline, as guests arrive later in the morning and preparations need to be completed before then. The groom and his party also prepare, with their attire laid out and final touches made. Providing a light breakfast or brunch keeps energy levels high, helping the entire bridal party stay refreshed and ready for the day ahead. With everyone following the wedding day timeline, the morning sets a positive tone for the celebrations to come.


    14. What are hair and makeup preparations should brides consider? 

    Achieving a flawless look for the wedding day starts with well-organized hair and makeup preparations. Professional hair and makeup artists arrive early to ensure the bride, bridesmaids, and other key members of the wedding party look their best. The wedding party attire, including dresses, suits, and accessories, should be neatly arranged and ready for everyone to change into as soon as hair and makeup are complete.

    The bride’s wedding dress is carefully steamed and prepared, with final touches to her hair and makeup ensuring she feels confident and radiant. Meanwhile, the groom and groomsmen don their wedding attire, making sure every detail is perfect. The photographer arrives to capture these special moments, focusing on detail shots of the wedding dress, jewelry, and other meaningful items. These preparations not only create beautiful memories but also set the stage for a smooth transition into the rest of the wedding day.


    15. How should family and wedding party photos be managed to ensure key moments are captured?

    Once everyone is ready, it’s time to capture the joy and excitement with family and wedding party photos—also known as family portraits—(try doing this during cocktail hour!). The photographer works closely with the couple to ensure all important groupings are included, from the entire wedding party to cherished family members like parents, grandparents, and siblings. These family photos are a treasured part of the wedding day, preserving memories that will last a lifetime.

    The wedding party toasts, such as heartfelt speeches from the best man and maid of honor, are also important moments to document. Throughout the day, the photographer captures candid shots and special interactions, ensuring the wedding reception timeline is followed so that no key moments are missed. By sticking to the wedding day schedule, everyone can relax and enjoy the celebration, knowing that all the important memories are being preserved.


    16. What are the essential wedding day logistics that should be considered when planning a timeline?

    Well-planned wedding days require careful attention to both wedding ceremonies and wedding receptions, ensuring that each part of the celebration runs smoothly and guests have an enjoyable experience.

    Behind every seamless wedding day is a well-coordinated team working diligently to keep everything on track. The wedding planner or coordinator is on site to oversee the setup and execution of both the wedding ceremony and reception, ensuring that every detail aligns with the wedding day timeline template. Vendors such as the caterer, DJ, and photographer are briefed on the wedding reception timeline, so they know exactly when to perform their roles. Some vendors are only needed for a few hours and should be scheduled accordingly, while others may require meals and breaks during longer events.

    Wedding party members are kept informed of their responsibilities, from lining up for the processional during wedding ceremonies to participating in special dances or toasts at the reception. Guests are guided through the day’s events, with clear communication about the schedule and any unique activities planned. It is important to have someone available to greet guests and direct them, especially when guests are invited to different segments of the celebration, such as moving from the ceremony to cocktail hour or onto the dance floor. By following the wedding day timeline and making timely adjustments as needed, the planner ensures a smooth, enjoyable experience for everyone involved. The result is a wedding day that feels effortless, allowing the bride, groom, and their loved ones to focus on celebrating together.


    17. How should the cocktail reception be designed to help transition from the ceremony to the celebration?

    The cocktail reception is a pivotal moment in the wedding day timeline, marking the transition from the formality of the ceremony to the excitement of the celebration. Usually held at the same venue as the reception or a nearby location, the cocktail hour gives guests a chance to mingle, enjoy light bites and drinks, and start the festivities while the wedding party takes family photos and prepares for their grand entrance.

    During this time, wedding party members may have their hair and makeup touched up, and the photographer captures candid moments and group shots. A well-organized cocktail reception keeps the energy high and ensures that the flow of the wedding day remains uninterrupted. Clear communication of the cocktail hour schedule to all vendors and the wedding party is essential, so everyone is on the same page and ready for the next phase of the celebration. With thoughtful planning, the cocktail reception sets the tone for an unforgettable evening.


    18. How can vendors be managed effectively to ensure everyone says on track for a smooth wedding day?

    Coordinating multiple vendors is one of the most important—and challenging—parts of wedding planning. From the florist and caterer to the DJ and photographer, each vendor plays a crucial role in bringing the wedding day vision to life. The key to successful vendor management is providing every professional with a detailed wedding day timeline that outlines their specific responsibilities and timing.

    A skilled planner acts as the central point of contact, ensuring that all vendors are aware of the wedding day schedule and any updates. Regular communication and clear instructions help prevent misunderstandings and keep the day running smoothly. By keeping vendors informed and organized, couples can relax and enjoy their wedding day, knowing that every detail is being expertly managed behind the scenes.


    19. What should be included in a wedding day emergency kit for handling unexpected situations?

    Even the most meticulously planned wedding day can encounter unexpected hiccups. That’s why every wedding planner should have a well-stocked wedding day emergency kit on hand. This kit should include essentials like bobby pins, safety pins, tissues, stain remover, pain relievers, and extra makeup for quick touch-ups. It’s also wise to include a list of important phone numbers, such as vendors, the wedding planner, and key family members, so help is always within reach.

    Being prepared for minor emergencies—whether it’s a wardrobe malfunction, a headache, or a sudden change in weather—can make all the difference in keeping the day on track. With a comprehensive emergency kit and a proactive mindset, couples and their planners can handle any surprises with confidence, ensuring the wedding day remains joyful and stress-free.


    20. Once the timeline is ready, what final checks should be considered as a las-minute assurance?

    As the wedding day approaches, a final review of the wedding day timeline is essential for peace of mind. This last-minute check allows the wedding planner to confirm every detail with vendors, wedding party members, and the couple, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. Reviewing the ceremony and reception timelines, double-checking the order of events, and clarifying each person’s role helps prevent confusion and last-minute surprises.

    This step is also the perfect time to address any outstanding questions, make necessary adjustments, and ensure that the entire planning process has come together seamlessly. By conducting a thorough final check, couples can look forward to a smooth, well-coordinated wedding day, confident that all the details are in place for a truly memorable celebration.


    21. How do I get started with That’s The One?

    Try your 30 day free trial here or book a demo or book a live demo here to explore how That’s The One can replace Paperless Post and become your all-in-one wedding planning solution.



    About the Author

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