Want to stay on time during your wedding day? Consider these potential delays when talking to your wedding planner and vendors about your timeline:
- Ignoring Travel Time: If the ceremony and reception venues are at different locations, factor in travel time. Delays can occur due to traffic, so plan for a buffer.
- Skipping the First Look: Not including a first look session can limit your photography options and eat into your reception time. I always encourage couples to consider this option for a smoother day.
- Neglecting Transition Time: Ensure that there is sufficient time allocated for guests to move between ceremony and reception locations. Consider providing transportation to your guests and bridal party if necessary.
- Underestimating Photo Sessions: Photography is a crucial part of the day. Allocate enough time for various photo sessions, including group shots, couple portraits, and candid moments. If couples photos are important to you, consider doing those during your first look prior to the ceremony to save time.
- Overcomplicating the Cocktail Hour: Don't plan an overly complex cocktail hour with too many activities or locations. Keep it simple to avoid delays before the reception.
- Running Late for Dinner: Guests are eager to eat, so avoid delaying dinner service. Your planner should coordinate with catering staff to ensure everything is ready as scheduled.
- Ignoring Speech Length: Limit the length of speeches to avoid a lengthy delay in the reception program. Encourage speakers to be concise. Additionally, you could have speeches during the rehearsal dinner instead. It is a more intimate setting and would avoid delays during your wedding day.
- Overlooking Buffer Time: Always include buffer time in your schedule to account for unexpected delays. This can be a lifesaver when things don't go as planned.
- Not Communicating Changes: If any changes are made to the timeline on the wedding day, make sure everyone involved is aware, including vendors, the wedding party, and the couple.
- Failing to Consider Natural Light: For outdoor weddings or venues with natural light, consider sunset times when scheduling key events like the ceremony or golden hour photos. At Simply Sharp Events, we always add the time of Sunset into the timeline to note for the photographer and bridal parties.
- Ignoring Vendor Schedules: Make sure all vendors are on the same page regarding the timeline. Ensure each vendor is given enough time to set up and break down without feeling rushed.
- Rushing the Dance Floor: Allow ample time for dancing and entertainment. Don't start the dance portion of the evening too late, especially if it's a priority for you as the couple! Let your DJ and coordinator know that you would like to get the party started as soon as possible.
- Cutting Cake Too Late: Don't leave the cake cutting ceremony too close to the end of the reception. Guests may start leaving, missing out on this delicious moment! Try to add this into your timeline no later than one hour after dinner has been served.
- Forgetting Breaks: Remember that the couple, the wedding party, and even vendors may need short breaks during the day. Schedule these appropriately. At Simply Sharp Events, we always schedule lunch into the timeline. Additionally, we encourage the couple to have a private meal following ceremony. This gives our couples a chance to breathe and collect their thoughts after ceremony.
- Ignoring Guest Comfort: Ensure that guests have access to amenities like restroom facilities and seating, especially if it's an outdoor or destination wedding.
- Underestimating Cleanup Time: Don't forget to allocate time for cleaning up after the event, especially if the venue has strict time restrictions.
- Not Adapting to Weather: If the wedding is outdoors, have a backup plan for inclement weather and be prepared to adjust the timeline accordingly.
Including these timeline mistakes to avoid will help you plan a smoother, stress-free wedding day. At Simply Sharp Events, we know the importance of a great timeline for your wedding day. Have questions about a timeline? Feel free to send us an email.
