Timeline Planning
The timeline is based on your vision for the day, and is often made with your photographer so that he/she can reserve adequate time in the schedule to document the day. Regardless, we have provided two example timelines based on whether the bride and groom chooses to have a first look or not. These are simply suggestions and factors, such as the considerations listed below, all play into effect. It is suggested to also include the location and any addresses necessary in the document (groomsman getting ready address, the ceremony address if offsite, ect.) In an ideal world, you will enjoy your day, unconcerned about the timeline, and trusting others to handle logistics. The ask is that you set them up for success the best that you can by planning it out now.
A few things to consider in creating your timeline:
-Do you plan to include a first look?
-Are you planning to serve appetizers at happy hour? (If not, have dinner at a reasonable time)
-When is sunset that day of the year?
-What is the average heat on that day of the year?
-Are there specific images you want (with extended family, at sunset, ect.)
-How long is your photographer contracted to shoot? Is there a second shooter?
-Do you wish for a grand exit at the end of the night?
-Is the next day a work day for guests?
-How long do you think your ceremony will be?
-How many guests will be there and in turn how long will it take them through the buffet line?
-Would you rather have a receiving line at the ceremony, mingle with guests during the happy hour, or go table to table at the reception?
-Will you have beauty stylist(s)?
-How many individuals are part of your bridal party/family?
In addition to the master timeline, we advise creating a few timelines to communicate time sensitive logistics with specific individuals (DJ, Bridesmaids, ect.) You may even go to the extent of storing the timelines online so that the schedules can be texted to the individuals to whom it pertains and always updated to the latest version. Below are examples of individual timelines.
Here is a link to document your timeline details. It is suggested to start by listing all activities and then play with the timeframes. You may want to make the finalized timeline in a format that is easily printable instead of the excel document.