Crafting Your Day-of Timeline: Part One of Three

Happy Wednesday, lovebirds!Wedding season is finally here and, in a perfect world, every couple would have an amazing wedding planner in charge of putting together a solid, logistically sound day-of timeline. However, we get that this is not feasible for everyone. So, today, and in the coming weeks, we are going to talk you through how to create an efficient wedding day timeline for your celebration.

Photo Credit: Birds of a Feather

The most important thing to remember is that it is essential to formalize and write down every detail of what will happen on your wedding day. Do not leave anything up to chance! The who, what, when, and where of every action, whether it be a simple floral movement or a big delivery, must be accounted for. The first part of this three-part blog series is about gathering all the information. Once you and your fiancé have made all the necessary decisions, you’ll be ready to put pen to paper – which we will get to in Part Two and Three!

Photo Credit: Chloe Moore Photography

Questions to ask yourself about getting ready for your big day (remember, no detail is insignificant!)

• Where do you want to get into your dress? This may seem like a quick, simple detail but it is an important decision that will affect other pieces of your day. If you are getting ready off-site and choose to get in your dress there, you will need to make appropriate transportation arrangements and consider how to keep your dress tidy in the car. If you are getting dressed at the venue, you will need to ensure you have the time and space secured. In either case, arrange to have your photographer present where you are getting ready.
• Are you willing to do a First Look? Some couples prefer to wait to see each other until the bride walks down the aisle; however, this means all couples photography will have to be done after the ceremony during the first part of cocktail hour. If you are willing to do a First Look, however, you will be able to take photos before the ceremony begins and fully enjoy your guests for the entire cocktail hour! Either option works, but it is important to discuss what you and your fiancé prioritize.
• Are you, your partner, or your bridal party changing clothes throughout the day? If so, take note of these costume changes and plan your timing accordingly.

Photo Credit: Holding & Co.

Information to gather from your venue and vendors

• What time are you allowed on the property and by what time will you be required to leave? Knowing the times you are working with will give you a specific information about when the day needs to start and when it must end. This will help in determining the “call time” for each vendor. It is very important to honor the agreed upon time you will be off the property. Not doing this may cost you a lot of money.
• What time does your venue require sound to be turned off by? It might not be the most desirable task, but assigning someone to track this time and ensure it is met is very important. Delegating this will free you from worrying about the night wrapping up smoothly and on time.
• What times do you have all your vendors contracted for? Take note of the amount of time you have agreed upon and the number of tasks you are expecting. For example, for hair and makeup: figure out how long you have each of your hairstylists and makeup artists for and how many looks you need completed. Time out each individual makeover in your schedule.
• What type of dinner will you be doing? Establish how many courses you will include. Ask your caterer how long they will need to prepare, as well as realistically how long each course will take to serve, enjoy, and clear.
• What types of photos are important to you? The main categories you need to be present for are getting ready, dress, bridal party, romantics, and family shots.

Photo Credit: Salt & Sky

Logistics to discuss about day-of transitions

• What is the approximate length of your ceremony? Do not just guess, and make sure you leave room for error. It is better to have a little extra time than have to cut another area of your wedding short.
• Do items need to be moved from the ceremony site to the reception? Make sure someone is in charge of this and knows exactly when and where to move these items.
• Do you want to do a grand entrance into the reception? Some couples like to be introduced as the new Mr. and Mrs., while others prefer a quiet entrance. Decide, as a couple, what is best for you.
• What traditions would you like to include? Often, wedding traditions are integrated as part of the reception. These may include a father-daughter dance, first dance, garter toss, toasts, bouquet toss, and cake cutting. Decide which you want to include, how much time to allot for each, and build them into your day-of schedule.

Photo Credit: Hom Photography

The information you gather from these decisions will guide you in creating your day-of timeline. In two weeks, we will be back and ready to get started with organizing! Happy planning!