DIY: Creating Your Wedding Timeline!
Creating a Wedding Timeline may sound so silly but is so essential for any couple and planner to make your wedding feel successful. The goal of a wedding day timeline is to eliminate the unnecessary stress that can come with the big day. We all have had a moment in our lives where we did not plan something just right that may not have gone our way.
When you start creating your wedding timeline, you should think about the flow of your ceremony. For example:
💍 Two- Three Hours Before the Ceremony:
About two to three hours before your ceremony your wedding party should be at the venue and beginning their preparation for the big day. At this time EVERYONE should be at the venue (the hairstylist, makeup artist, photographer)
TIP: NOTIFY THE WEDDING PARTY AT LEAST TWO WEEKS IN ADVANCE OF THE SHOW-UP TIME.
Now let’s take a deeper look into creating a timeline:
👰🏽 IT TAKES 15 - 20 MINUTES FOR BRIDES TO GET DRESSED
Putting on your wedding dress is a sentimental moment in every bride’s life, so expect a few tears. When getting the dress onto the bride it can take some time to fasten the dress correctly, you also need to take into account putting on jewelry and shoes.
📷 GIVE THE PHOTOGRAPHER ATLEAST 30 MIN - 1.5 HOURS FOR PHOTOS
You are paying your photographer good money to give you all the memories of your big day and that takes time. The photographer will of course take the perfect candid shots but they also should take posed and structured photos with your best angles at glance. Giving your photographer the proper time gives you the ability to have the best options. Also, keep into account the usual before the wedding party photos.
💍 1 HOUR CEREMONY BLOCK
After your photos, you are ready to walk down the aisle to your Prince Charming. Ceremonies can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the religious views of the Bride and/or Groom. You also should always take into account your before ceremony entertainment as well. You can either have your guest sit immediately as the music plays or you can have a before ceremony cocktail hour. It’s your choice, just make sure you have this part organized.
📷 1 HOUR FAMILY PHOTO BLOCK & COCKTAIL HOUR
Say “I do” to family photos! Immediately after the ceremony family photos should be taken and even a few combined party photos. You have to keep in account the size of the immediate family and the few extended family members you may include. One tip I can give on this area is to organize the flow of the photos before the big day! Your wedding coordinator should know who is needed for photos and when to keep the flow of the day going.
While you and your family are taking photos your wedding guest are usually on their way to the reception. When arriving your guest should arrive to some form of entertainment whether it is cocktails, music, interactions, etc
💃🏽 BLOCK OFF 2-3 HOURS FOR YOUR RECEPTION
Now is the time to celebrate! The reception is where you make a lot of memories and have an amazing fun time. But, there should still be order and organization. Here are a few ideas of what can happen at your reception:
Introduction of Mr. & Mrs.
Dancing
The First Course is Served
Toasting (3 or 4 individuals)
Main Course
Speeches
Parental Dances
Cake/Dessert
And these are just some of the recommendations I have! You can do more or you can do less just remember that the venue charges you for time and it is important that you have all of your desires on your big day!
Remember that your day is very important and the organization will keep it amazing!
