Spoiler alert: every wedding timeline is going to (and should) look different. There are a lot of factors to consider when creating a timeline that will actually allow you to enjoy wedding day, and I’ve outlined a few of them below:

First step: decide what’s most important to you and your partner

I put this one top on the list because I believe it’s first thing you should consider before getting to the nitty gritty details of your timeline. One of the keys to being intentional (in all areas of your life) is to take time to consider what’s most important to you. If all you can think about on your wedding day is your five course meal that you chose, give yourself plenty of time to enjoy it. If you want to start the day relaxed and feeling pampered, schedule an hour or two at the spa with your girlfriends. If you want to drive a little extra further to get portraits at that really epic location that you love, schedule it in. What better way to spend your wedding day than doing the things you love and skipping the things you don’t.

Consult your photographer/videographer

Reach out to your photographer and ask them how long they recommend for each portion of the day. Some photographers work quicker than others, while others may require more time to get those really epic shots. So ask them how long they typically require for family photos, bridal party and bride + groom portraits. If you’re hiring a videographer, something else to consider is how your videographer and photographer will work together - some videographers prefer get footage while the photographer is posing/directing, while others prefer to have their own time to give direction. If it’s the latter, you will need to give yourself more time during your portrait session to give both vendors they time they need to get you the great work you hired them for!

Give yourself more time than you think

This one isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s always a good reminder. The more time you can give yourself, the better. Chances are, something is going to run behind schedule, so if you can give yourself a little extra wiggle room, you won’t need to stress when you hit a bit of traffic or you lose track of groomsman during your portrait session.

Don’t forget travel time

Speaking of hitting traffic, something people often forget is to incorporate travel time between locations. If your photographer says they need minimum 30 minutes for portraits, make sure the 30 minutes you’ve allotted for portraits doesn’t include travelling from your ceremony location to your portrait location (and then your portrait location to your reception location).

Schedule some quiet time

Quiet time isn’t just for toddlers and introverts. Trust me, your wedding day is going to FLY by. Before you know it, you’ll be sitting down for dinner and it’ll be the first time you and your now spouse (!!) will have a chance to breathe. Whether it’s ensuring you have a vehicle to yourselves throughout the day, or going for a short walk just the two of you before dinner, I love the idea of scheduling some time alone for yourselves to spend some time together (uninterrupted), let the reality of day sink in, and you know… maybe make out a little.

Throw the rules out the window

Go ahead, have your dinner before your ceremony. Take your portraits the day before or the day after your wedding so you can have more time with your friends and family. If you haven’t heard it enough already, this is your wedding day. Why do it on someone else’s terms?

In your corner helping you plan your wedding thoughtfully and intentionally,

Deanna