Planning a wedding is not an easy task. Whether you are planning it alone or you have a wedding planner, there is still stress. Creating a timeline is usually the lowest on your list of things to do after your guest list, decor, venue selection, and so much more. However, a perfect timeline is critical. 

A wedding timeline is an hour-by-hour itinerary that sets the tone for your day. Your vendors receive the timeline, and they facilitate the day. Here are my top five tips for the perfect wedding day timeline. 

1. Hiring a planner: a planner will be able to take the worry and slack off of you, so you don’t have to do anything but enjoy your day. Whether a day-of-coordinator or a full planner, they will work with me (or your photographer) to create the perfect flow.
2. Schedule in some buffer time: Buffer time will give you time in case you are running behind, or it will provide you with a few minutes to relax. 
3. First Look: of course, you can go the traditional route and see each other walk down the aisle, but I like to recommend a first look because this gives you more time after the ceremony to enjoy time with your family and friends. If you consider doing a first look, this gives you time to do bridal parties and family photos before the ceremony. 
4. Ask your vendors questions: If you do not have a planner and are creating your timeline yourself, ask your vendors how long they will take to set up and complete the tasks for your day. For example, ask your hair and makeup artists how many hours they need per person to complete their look. This will help you gauge how long you will need for beauty that day. 
5. Enjoy: Make sure that you remember this will be one of the best days of your life. Create a timeline that flows with YOUR needs, so you are happy with the day. The last thing you want to do on your wedding day is be stressed.  

Here is a sample timeline I created so you can visualize how your day could potentially go

(Please note this is just a guide, and your actual timeline will be more detailed and based on your needs)

8:00 AM: Hair and Makeup to begin 

9:00 AM: All vendors to arrive for set up 

12:00 PM: Hair and Makeup to be completed 

1:00 PM: Set up to be completed 

12:30 PM: Get into gown and bridesmaids to get ready 

1:00 PM: Bridal party pictures 

1:30 PM: Groom and groomsmen to arrive 

2:00 PM: First look 

2:30 PM: Entire bridal party pictures 

3:30 PM: Family photos 

4:00 PM: Guests to start arriving (cue music)

4:15 PM: Break before the ceremony 

4:30 PM: Ceremony to start 

5:00 PM: Ceremony to end/cocktail hour to start 

6:00 PM: Set down for dinner/speeches 

6:45 PM: Dinner to begin 

8:00 PM: Dancing to begin

8:30 PM: Cake cutting / first dances 

10:00 PM Sparkler exit (or exit of some type) 

 Are you looking for a photographer for your wedding day? Let’s chat!