Keep calm on your big day by creating a day-of wedding timeline. Today on the blog, I’m sharing the ideal timeline to help get you started! Be sure to use the wisdom of your coordinator and photographer to craft a timeline unique to your wedding day!
The Importance of a Wedding Day Timeline
When I got married, I literally knew nothing about planning a wedding. This included setting a timeline for my day. I was pretty clueless. Lucky for me, however, I had a BOMB photographer (Carly) and wedding coordinator (Dalise) to educate me on all things wedding and how the day should flow!
I was a bride who opted for a first look with my man, which meant adding hours of coverage to ensure I could also have my photographer there for my sparkler exit, too! Yes, I wanted it all! How lucky I was to have had a photographer put so much hard work into such a long day!
I love the story my wedding day captures tell and I loved how our wedding day went by with very few hiccups- all thanks to my wonderful coordinator and photographer! They were the true power team!
Why You Need a Coordinator
If you are considering NOT having a coordinator and hoping the day will form and take shape on its own, I suggest looking over your budget one more time and finding money in the couch cushions if you must have —at the very least —a “day of” wedding coordinator. Besides a wonderful photographer, it will be some of the best money you will spend!
So, in effort to educate my brides, and future brides (or pretty much anyone thinking they will be planning a wedding in the near future….mine or not) I have put together an ideal wedding timeline from a photographer’s standpoint. This timeline includes a “first look” because honestly, I LOVE them and truly believe every bride needs one!
Every wedding day has its own uniqueness, and this can obviously be adjusted based on ceremony time, but in my opinion, this is a great starting point!
Be sure to grab your free copy of the ideal wedding timeline below!
10 Things to Consider When Creating Your Timeline
1. Remember to consider travel time to and from your ceremony and reception location(s).
2. Remember you are investing in photography. These images are all that remain after the day comes to an end. Do yourself (and your photographer) a HUGE favor and give them as much time as possible for portraits. You will not regret it.
3. Wedding days go by quickly. Try to give your photographer time to photograph your details untouched. After all, it is a reflection of all your hard work!
4. Remind your family to remain in one place until family formals are over. It will streamline the family portraits and make everything run smooth. I also do my best to encourage brides to send over a shot list prior to the big day so that no family picture gets left out.
5. Allow a little extra time during bridal prep. For some reason, this is what can cause the biggest delay. It is always a good idea to give a little bit of flex room.
6. To allow all your details to get some camera time, have all your details gathered together for when your photographer arrives (rings, shoes, bouquet, invitations, perfume, jewelry, etc).
7. Remember to EAT. This one seems like a no brainer, but trust me- make an effort to eat and stay hydrated.
8. Hire a hair/make up artist specifically for the bride, and another (or two depending on how large your bridal party/what your budget is) so that everyone can be ready on time and together.
9. If you haven’t already, consider hiring a wedding day coordinator. Review the wedding day timeline with your coordinator and photographer to make sure everyone is on the same page.
10. Take a deep breath. Relax, smile and, most importantly, SOAK IT IN!
Download Your Timeline
Download my “Here Comes the Guide: How to Plan Your Timeline” guide today- created with you in mind, for the sake of your sanity!
XO
Brooke
