If you’re a type-A personality, like me, then you like to plan out every detail of your day. Especially all those big, important days from dress shopping with your bridal party, planning out your bachelorette weekend, to THE event – your wedding day!
When trying to nail down a detailed timeline there are several questions to ask before getting started. If you can answer these questions, then putting together your timeline should be a cinch! I have some tips and tricks for you along the way as well – Now let’s get to it!
Don’t forget your timeline is really just a GUIDELINE for your day! Some items are bound to run early, while others can run a bit behind. Don’t let it wrinkle your dress – or ruffle your feathers- whatever saying you want to go with!
When I am creating timelines for my clients I always like to start with rehearsal. So, here are the questions you need to ask yourself regarding rehearsal:
The information needed for rehearsal is minimal and is easy to determine. This goes on the timeline so that the week prior you can ensure the entire bridal party knows exactly where and when rehearsal takes place.
Should you already have a wedding planner (which I HIGHLY recommend that you do), they will most likely handle this next part – the wedding day timeline.
For my clients, I like to include the arrival + pickup times for all vendors. This gives me a way to compile all the vendors I will be overseeing, as well as, all their contact information at my fingertips. Usually, 2 weeks out from the event I will email all the vendors a copy of the entire timeline. This ensures we are all on the same page, especially the photographer, videographer and DJ. Outside of the planner, these 3 professionals help to move along and keep the event on track, and it is courteous to ask if the timeline allows them what they need to succeed, as well.
I like to add notes about special songs for moments like all processional + recessional songs, grand entrance, first dance, father/daughter, mother/son, cake cutting, last song, etc.
Once, I have the vendors’ times sorted and lined out the flow for the rest of the event goes quickly. (Remember the amount of time you book a vendor for plays into when things can begin and end.) I find it easiest to plug in items that are certain first. So, here are the questions to get you there:
Once you’re able to answer all of these questions, filling in the gaps of your timeline is a piece of cake! Now, keep in mind every wedding is unique, just like each couple, so add and subtract things to customize it to your specific event.
To take it a step further and help you visualize your timeline, I am attaching a very simple and basic version here. Please, make sure you change things and customize to suit you and your one-of-a-kind event!
To a night that lasts FOREVER!
Warmly, Emily
Co-Owner + Venue Coordinator of Forever 5 Events
Our mission is to not only host beautifully intimate, bespoke and heart-centered gatherings, but to make a difference in the world by giving back to a cause very close to our heart.
A new wedding & event venue in Conroe, Texas with a mission to give back, specializing in intimate & bespoke events.