Planning Timeline

Imagine this, it's the day of your wedding. You haven't created a schedule, it's 11:00 am, your wedding starts at 1:00 pm. Your Hair and Makeup was supposed to arrive at 9:00 am but they didn't show until a few hours later, so now everything is running behind. One way to eliminate this stressor is to create a Timeline for the day of your wedding. It will help keep everything on track and you will know when you have time to spare and what times are going to be hectic.

Now What?

Now that you have decided to make a timeline for the day of your wedding, what should your next step be? Whether you have a wedding planner or family member keeping your day on track you need a schedule for the day. One of the reasons a wedding timeline is helpful is that it allows for photographers and makeup artists to know when they need to arrive and what time you have allotted for them. It also provides the bridal party members a schedule, now they will know when they need to be ready and where they need to be at what time.

Before you create your timeline think about these questions:

Are you getting ready at a different location?

Are you wanting a first look/something else?

Pictures during Golden hour or sunset?

Will you have a cocktail hour before the receptions?

Will there be any toasts?

When is the first dance?

Will there be a cake cutting ceremony?

How long will your photographers be at the wedding?

What contracts do you have with your vendor's timeline?

Every wedding is different, you should create a wedding timeline that is unique to your day. (examples pictured above). Your wedding timeline doesn't need to be over the top, just something to keep everyone on pace.

You should probably start your day a little earlier than you think you should. If your ceremony starts at 4pm consider starting getting ready at 9:00 or 10:00 am. Depending on how many girls are getting ready it takes, on average, 45 to 90 minutes to complete hair and makeup. Adding more time to your schedule allows for more flexibility in your day and allows for more picture time with your Love! You should also consider adding buffers in your schedule. An easy 10-15 minutes, for transportation/ driving times and for snacking.You should also consider talking to your vendors (food, bar service, floral, photographers, DJ) to see how much time it will take for them to set up and prepare.

If you are struggling to make a schedule for the day of your wedding, reach out to a wedding coordinator or someone you trust. Wedding coordinators can help give advice, help schedule everything, and make sure your big day flows smoothly overall.

XOXO,

Sam DeBlasi