Creating a Wedding Day Timeline
The key to creating a wedding day timeline that runs smoothly is to plan ahead. An organized wedding day timeline keeps things running smoothly and effortlessly. The more details, the better! An organized and detailed timeline keeps everybody on the same page from your bridal party to your guests and to all your vendors. Here’s a sample wedding day timeline.
Set Times
To begin, start your timeline with finalized times such as your ceremony start time, ceremony finish time, reception start time, and reception finish time. In addition, set times could include things like bridal party arrival at venue, set up time and when everything needs to be packed up at the end of the night.
Vendors
It’s important to include your wedding vendors since your timeline will become a reference point for your vendors as well. Have your timeline include the schedules for each vendor with arrival, set up and departure times.
Fill in the Blanks
After including your set times and vendor times you have the key times of your day. Now go back and fill in the blanks. Be sure to think about all of the different events taking place throughout the day, and put them in accordingly. Some examples to fill in the blanks with are:
- Wedding party arrival
- Wedding party hair and makeup, getting dressed
- Groom and groomsmen preparation
- Pre-wedding photos
- First looks
- Ceremony proceedings
- Post-ceremony photos (family photos)
- Cocktail hour
- Reception
- Grand entrance
- Welcome toasts
- Dinner service
- Speeches
- Cake cutting
- First dance
- Family dances
- Open dance floor
- Cake cutting
- Reception exit
Share the Timeline
Remember that an organized and detailed timeline keeps everybody on the same page. Once you’ve completed your wedding day of timeline with all the slots filled and detailed added, be sure to share this with those involved in your special day such as bridal party members, family that is assisting and vendors too! No matter what kind of wedding you are having, one thing is for certain – timing is everything!
