Creating A Seamless Wedding Day Timeline Is Easier Than You Think!
Photo by: Simply Adri Photography
Creating a wedding timeline is like putting together a 1000-piece puzzle. There are so many moving parts and things to consider that it can feel like an overwhelming task. That’s where we come in! Today I’m sharing my biggest tips on how to create your wedding day timeline, plus I have a FREE downloadable timeline below to get you started!
Start With The Ceremony
Photo by: Kari Tello Photo
The biggest piece of information you have after setting your date with the venue is the time of the ceremony. With that in mind, you can build the remainder of the evening into your timeline. For example, if your ceremony is at 3pm, account for 30 minutes, then add in your cocktail hour. After the cocktail hour is reception, dances, etc. To build the morning portion, take your ceremony and move backwards. Discuss timings with your glam team to know how long they need to complete everyone on the list. That will give you your start time to the day.
Account For Transitions
Photo by: Loui Photography
Don’t forget to account for transitions between events. This could be taking a shuttle from the hotel to the venue, or even escorting guests from ceremony to cocktail hour. Flipping a ceremony space to host the reception. Each of these transitional moments take time, and your wedding planner and vendors will have the best sense of how long each should take. Just remember to give yourself some breathing room (see below).
Add A Buffer
Photo by: Hey Babe Photography
One of the quickest ways to get off track with your wedding day timeline is by not adding wiggle room. Scheduling every minute of the day trying to get everything in is a recipe for disaster. I promise you, there will be at least one thing that doesn’t go to plan. Maybe a vendor is stuck in traffic, a sudden change in weather, or a bouquet is left behind at the hotel. Perhaps it takes longer for guests to get their dinner so speeches will start later. These (and more) are all common “problems” that have occurred at weddings. Adding a buffer of time in between moments will relieve the pressure and give your vendors and planner opportunities to come up with solutions in case a problem arises, then pivot to keep everything running smoothly.
Talk To Your Vendors
Photo by: Morgan McCanne Photo
Your wedding planner will be instrumental in creating a wedding day timeline. Your wedding planner will know about vendor load in-times, length of time to set up the details and the average time it will take to get 200 people seated for dinner or through a buffet line, etc. Trust me – lean on your wedding planner! Additionally, discuss with your vendors each moment their involved in. Especially your photographer, who may want to schedule certain photos during golden hour, or grab detail shots during a transition. Other vendors such as your glam team, catering, and DJ should be consulted about the best timings. When everyone works together, I promise the wedding day runs smooth as butter!
Prioritize
Photo by: The Shalom Imaginative
Don’t forget that some of your vendors have time restrictions. If you book your photographer for a 6-hour package, then having them take photos at your 6am start time for glam is not going to work out. Decide what moments are the most important to you and your partner, and which ones you can do without. For example, I always encourage my couples to limit the number of speeches given. The more speeches, the less time for dances and other activities. I recommend 3 -5 total for the evening, with each speech around 1 – 3 minutes. If there are additional guests who want to give a toast, offer for them to speak at your rehearsal dinner.
Key Moments For A Wedding Day Timeline
- Getting ready
- First Look and other photos
- Ceremony
- Cocktail Hour/Additional Photos
- Reception and Grand Entrance
- Dinner and Speeches
- Dances
- Cake Cutting
- Grand Exit (optional)
I hope this helps in your planning journey friends! For even more help, I’ve created a FREE downloadable wedding timeline just for you! Click here to get yours and then contact us on our homepage. We’ll help guide you through all the moving pieces so you have a seamless wedding day!
