4 Things to Consider When Planning Your Wedding Day Timeline

Planning your wedding day timeline can be so overwhelming at first.

You have dozens of people telling you what it should like like, what is most important and some articles you read online are sometimes outdated and of no help when it comes to planning your wedding day timeline. Sometimes it’s hard to even figure out where to start! I totally get it, so let me tell you a little secret. It is yours and your partners day, there is no one way to plan it. Now breath a sigh of relief because I’m going to give you a few things to consider when figuring it all out. You’ll feel a sense of clarity and have a great idea of what direction you want to go when working with your wedding planner or day of coordinator by the end of this short guide!

Axe traditions that don’t mean anything to you, Embrace the ones that do.

If you look at a very traditional timeline, there are wedding traditions that sometimes feel outdated and unnecessary. It’s also a bit pressed for time and not ideal to get the most reflective photographs as you are throughout the day. Some people may feel the the bouquet toss is not their style or garter toss is out of date. If it doesn’t speak to you, don’t worry about including it. Focus on matters to you. If you are wanting that first dance with your parent over anything, put that toward the top. Don’t like cake? Opt for something else instead or skip that entirely. Maybe you’ll even decide to make your own tradition with something that is meaningful to you and your partner. Take an afternoon to enjoy your drink of choice with your partner and talk about what is meaningful to you both. You’ll be so glad you did.

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Allow yourself time

If there is one thing I can promise you, it’s that the day will go by faster than you think. So make sure to give yourself enough time to enjoy it all! Plan to wake up a bit earlier and do something for yourself. Maybe read a book for a few minutes if that’s what you like or enjoy the morning cup of coffee with your partner. Rent the venue space for a full day so you’re not rushed to leave if the party goes on a little later than you thought. No one ever wants to feel rushed through, so whatever is most important to you on your wedding, allow the time for it.

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Budget The Extra Time

Tying in with allowing yourself time, make sure budget for when things may not go exactly as planned. Weddings very rarely stick to the schedule entirely. We can plan our time down to the second but sometimes life just happens! Flat tires, people running late, falling behind on the schedule, weather can make your outdoor ceremony suddenly an indoor one. (Gotta love the PNW!) And if you don’t end up needing that budgeted time? It’s more time to just take it easy and enjoy the day.

Plan For Group Photos early in the day

You could be having a big or small wedding, but no matter the size it’s always a good idea to get your group and family photos done earlier in the day. Hair and Make-up are as fresh as ever, no accidental wine spilled on clothes yet and usually everyone is together early on in the day. Waiting for later in the day can make it harder to round everyone up when it really gets going. Consider planning group photos as soon as hair and make-up is done and family/VIP guest photos for as soon as they arrive to your wedding. Getting it done early on means you won’t have to worry about and can get to enjoying it all that much sooner!

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Whew, we made it through! I really hope that these four ideas help to bring you some clarity and guidance when planning your timeline. Remember though, it is your day. No matter what you decide, as long as you’re loving it that is all that matters. You’ll be feeling amazing and we’ll get some amazing photographs of it all!