From the weather to whether or not your dress is going to fit, it seems like there are a million and one things to worry about when it comes to your wedding timeline. But your wedding day should be filled with love and magic, so here are some sure fire ways to keep it running smooth and stress-free!
Make a Game Plan
A wedding timeline is vital to keeping your wedding day on track and going off without a hitch. Start by thinking of all the things you want included in your special day, and pick a planning method that works for you. You can map it out on a document, plan it out whiteboard style, or even move around sticky notes on your bedroom wall. Remember that everyone’s wedding and planning journey is different, and that you should always find what works best for your needs.
Are you going to do a first look? Will you be traveling far for your ceremony to reception? Will you include a bouquet toss or ceremonial dances? How much time is allotted in your vendor contracts? There are tons of things to think about when it comes to your wedding, and it can be quite overwhelming at first. Keep in mind that there are plenty of resources out there to help, and inspiration is everywhere! Involve your partner in these decisions, and your friends and loved ones when necessary. Be sure to take your wedding planning one step at a time to keep your planning fun and exciting.
Hire a Wedding Planner
Not sure where to start? Don’t be afraid to hire help. Especially if your peace of mind depends on it. There are plenty of amazing wedding planners that can take your wedding wants, figure out all the logistics behind them, and craft a perfect wedding timeline for you. And for many, it is well worth the money! Some venues also offer a day-of coordinator as part of their packages, so be sure to check with them if it is a service they provide. If a wedding planner is out of the budget, don’t be afraid to enlist a trusted bridesmaid or groomsman to help enforce the schedule.
Include Wiggle Room
When planning your wedding timeline, be sure to over compensate for time. Don’t be afraid to add on that extra 15 minutes, half hour, or even an hour if you can spare it. Start early and be sure to include enough time for each event, and save a little time for you to enjoy yourself. It’s better to have a little waiting time than to be running around trying to rush through everything. Plus, your photographer will be able to put that time to good use and get more photos!
Having a schedule that is too tight can cause added stress, and we all have that one friend who is always fashionably late. Be sure to do some research and see how much time other’s have allotted for certain wedding activities. The best advice comes from those who have done it.
Make it Known
After setting your wedding schedule, make sure that everyone has a copy. The more people that know, the better equipped they will be to make sure everything runs smoothly. Send a copy to your makeup artist, caterer, DJ/band MC’s, and most importantly, your photographer. These people are all there to make your wedding dreams a reality. Giving them your timeline helps ensure that they know exactly how to do their part and help move things along. Be sure to tell all your wedding VIP’s (parents, groomsman, bridal party, etc) what the plan is so they can help corral the rest of the guests when the time comes. You can even make your own beautiful order-of-events-sign or provide a day of program for your wedding attendees.
Relax and Make Memories!
In the end, you’ve done everything you can to make your day perfect. But sometimes things can still go wrong. The most important thing is to let the little things go and make the best out of what you’ve got. When it comes to your special day, be sure to enjoy it. Your day is about you and your significant other, and celebrating the love with all your loved ones. Expect a few little hiccups in the day, and remember that sometimes, a little last minute chaos can lead to wonderful memories that you’ll cherish and laugh about. If you don’t believe me, just ask this bride and groom after a Virginia flash flood turned their wedding into an amazing adventure!