Grab a coffee because we're about to dive into the nitty-gritty details of crafting the perfect schedule for your wedding day!
Your wedding day is going to feel like a whirlwind - trust us, any bride or groom will tell you it'll go by in the blink of an eye. That's why having a well-thought-out schedule is essential to help the day run smoothly and manage all the finer details. So, if you're feeling overwhelmed or have no idea where to start, don't panic! We’ve got you covered with my top tips and an example timeline right here in this post.
Understanding the Basics:
A wedding day schedule can go by many different names - timeline, run sheet, day-of information, on-the-day plan - you name it. But they all serve the same purpose: to provide a reference point for everyone involved in the running of your wedding day. These timelines give your wedding party and suppliers a clear idea of what needs to be done and when, ensuring that everything runs like clockwork on your special day.
Start with Key Times:
To begin crafting your timeline, start with the sections of your wedding that are definite and confirmed. This includes your ceremony start and finish time, reception finish time, and any other key timings such as supplier arrival and departure times. These key times will give you an overall idea of the flow of the day.
Work Backwards:
Believe it or not, the best way to map out the key elements of your day is to work backwards. Start from your ceremony start time and work your way back to figure out timings for everything from leaving your accommodation to hair and makeup, pre-ceremony photos, breakfast, and even waking up! Working backwards helps you understand how things will flow on the day and allows you to adjust as needed.
TOP TIP: Speak to your hair and make up artist to check how long they feel they will need with you and your bridal party. You might be surprised just how early you may all need to get up on the day to ensure that there is enough time to make you all look wedding perfect!
Coordinate with Suppliers:
Your timeline will become a main reference point for all your wedding suppliers. Include relevant information such as arrival times, setup durations, and departure times for each supplier. Reach out to your suppliers for estimates on how long each part of their service will take based on your venue and guest numbers.
TOP TIP: Wedding photographers are all different in their approach and they may also adapt their approach to each wedding. The time they require to capture your lifetime of memories will depend on the style of photography you have chosen, number of guests, number of locations and also how many formal photos you require. Knowing your photographers time requirements will be really helpful when planning the timings of your big day.
Adding Extra Details:
Once you've sorted out the general wedding day timeline, it's time to add additional details. Go through the schedule and start adding specifics to different sections, clarifying who's involved and what's happening. Include a cover sheet with all suppliers' details, including names, services provided, and contact numbers.
Example Timeline:
Here's a basic timeline to give you an idea of timings for your day:
9:00 am - Rise and shine! Enjoy a leisurely breakfast to fuel up for the day ahead.
10:00 am - Bridal party begins to gather at the bride's location, ensuring everyone is ready to embark on this special journey together.
10:30 am - Hair and makeup sessions commence for the bridal party, setting the stage for a picture-perfect day.
12:30-12:45 pm - Final touches are completed, and all hair and makeup are elegantly finished.
1:00 pm - Capture precious moments with pre-wedding photoshoots, creating memories to cherish for a lifetime.
1:30 pm - Guests begin to arrive at the venue, eagerly anticipating the joyous union of the couple. The registrar arrives to finalise pre-ceremony details.
1:30 pm - Guests are ushered to their seats, setting the stage for the beautiful ceremony ahead.
1:45 pm - The aisle awaits as anticipation fills the air.
2:00 pm - The ceremony commences, as love fills the hearts of all in attendance.
2:30 pm - With vows exchanged and rings placed, the ceremony concludes, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the couple.
2:30 pm - 4:00 pm - Celebrate love and capture cherished memories during a delightful drinks reception and formal photoshoot.
3:50 pm - Guests are invited to take their seats for a sumptuous wedding breakfast, prepared with love and care.
3:55 pm - The newlyweds make a grand entrance, greeted by applause and admiration.
4:00 pm - Indulge in a delectable wedding breakfast, savouring each bite as love fills the room.
5:30 pm - With plates cleared and hearts full, speeches commence, sharing heartfelt sentiments and joyous anecdotes.
7:00 pm - Evening guests arrive, joining in the celebration of love and unity.
7:00 pm - The momentous occasion continues with the cutting of the cake and the couple's first dance, symbolising their shared journey ahead.
7:30 pm - As the evening unfolds, guests delight in a tantalising evening buffet, savouring delectable treats under the starlit sky.
12:00 am - As the clock strikes midnight, the festivities draw to a close, but the memories created will last a lifetime.
If you're struggling to put your timeline together, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help you every step of the way!
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, so take the time to create a schedule that ensures everything goes off without a hitch. With careful planning and attention to detail, you'll be able to enjoy every moment of your special day to the fullest.
Cheers to a day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories! 🥂✨
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