Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Creating Your Wedding Day Timeline
R&C Wedding
Wedding Coordinator: Felicity Events
Venue: Ste. Chapelle Winery
All behind-the-scenes photography by: Foreign Perceptions Photography
Beyond gathering the pretty inspiration pics and booking all the vendors for your big day - the wedding day timeline is a must-do part of the wedding planning. It helps ensure that everything runs smoothly and that you have enough time to enjoy your special day. However, there are a few common mistakes that couples make when creating their wedding day timeline.
Here are the top 5 mistakes to avoid when creating your wedding day timeline. I will also provide you with some tips on how to create a solid timeline for your wedding day!
1. Not starting early enough.
One of the biggest mistakes couples make is not starting early enough on their wedding day timeline. Set up usually takes longer than expected, so it's important to start early. This will give you plenty of time to make changes and adjustments as needed. Also make sure to touch base with your beauty team, as they would need ample time to get everyone’s hair and makeup ready.
2. Not being realistic about your time constraints.
It's also important to be realistic about your time constraints when creating your wedding day timeline. Don't try to cram too much into one day. This will only lead to stress and chaos. Allow extra space (at least 15 minutes) between major events within the day, and allow even more time than you think you may need if there’s a change in venue between ceremony and reception as well as transportation.
3. Not communicating with your vendors.
It's essential to communicate with your vendors regularly so that everyone is on the same page. This will help to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings on your wedding day. Make sure to send your final timeline to all your vendors, and also to make sure you note to please reply back to confirm start/end times.
4. Not having a backup plan.
Things don't always go according to plan on your wedding day, so it's important to have a backup plan. This could include a plan for bad weather or a plan for unexpected delays.
5. Not leaving enough time for yourself.
It's important to leave enough time for yourself on your wedding day. This means taking time to relax, get ready, and enjoy the moment. Make this part of your timeline, and notate on there specific times where you’d like private time together to freshen up, breathe and to take it all in.
Having a timeline in place for your wedding day is crucial, it’s essentially your months (maybe years!) of planning expressed in a single document! While it can seem daunting at first, having a wedding day timeline in place ahead of time (1-2 weeks before your big day) I assure you, it will actually give you a sense of ease and accomplishment! Everyone essential to your wedding’s success, including your wedding party, vendors and VIP guests can look into the same timeline and understand your wishes for events of the day.
I hope these tips help you avoid these common mistakes and create the perfect wedding day timeline! Having trouble putting a timeline together? I’m happy to help you with that - let’s chat!