How do we make our wedding timeline?
Introduction
A practical and detailed wedding timeline keeps your day organised and stress-free. Here’s how to create a schedule that works.
Steps to Build a Timeline
Start with the Ceremony: Base your schedule around your ceremony start time. Ask people to arrive half an hour before (if your venue allows)
Work Backwards: Plan time for hair, makeup, photos, and travel. (Ask your photographer how much time you’ll need for each of these sections. The average for ‘getting ready’ photos is between 45 minutes and an hour and a half. Make sure you’re completely ready to go at least half an hour before you NEED to leave)
Account for Buffer Time: Add extra minutes for transitions and potential delays.
Include Key Events: Plan for speeches, cake cutting, and the first dance. Write down the times for each of these. Your Wedding Host will be able to help you with this an ensure you have plenty of time for the ‘transitioning’ of the different parts of the day.
Coordinate with Vendors: Confirm timing with caterers, photographers, and entertainers. Provide your Wedding Host with all of these details a week or so before the day, so they can be in charge of coordinating them on the day, so you don’t have to.
PROTIPS - A receiving line a lovely thing to have, but they take a lot more time than people think. Allow between 20 and 30 seconds for each guest, this will allow you to create the right timings.
PROTIPS - Consider the ‘transitions’. If you’re getting married in a church which is a few minutes walk from the venue, how do you want to structure that? Do you want a group photo outside the church? Do you want some private romantic photos? Would you like your guests to start making their own way to the drinks reception? Is someone willing to lead everyone, and is it clear that’s what they should be doing? Would you like 5 minutes to be alone together after you come out of the church? Talk to your Wedding Host about these transaction stages and ensure you’re not caught out on the day. This is something many people don’t think about, and it consequently causes stress because no one really knows what happens next or where to go, or you may have changed your mind in the spur of the moment… you didn’t think you wanted photos at the church, but now you do, which you ARE allowed to do, it’s YOUR day!
Tips for Success
Share the timeline with your wedding party and vendors.
Be realistic—avoid overpacking your day.
Assign someone to keep the schedule on track. If you’re hiring a Wedding Host, then this is their role. If not, choose someone responsible who is comfortable with making announcements and directing people, and has somewhere to keep the timeline on them, like a pocket.
PROTIP - (If you’re not hiring a Wedding Host) Perhaps consider someone who ‘nearly’ made it into the Wedding Party. To be considered, they would have to be close to one or both of you, and probably knows a lot of your guests, which instantly makes their role easier. Alternatively, there may be someone you want to give a role to, but can’t quite find something for them to do - this would be a good way for them to be involved.
ExtraPROTIP - make sure that person is able to control their drinking, as they will need to keep a clear head for the majority of the day (at the very least, until the first dance)
Final Thoughts
A well-planned timeline ensures your day flows smoothly, letting you focus on what truly matters—celebrating your love.
