Feature Image by Mikhail Glabets. Knots ‘N Such is a Raleigh Wedding Planner and Florist.

A crucial component to a successful wedding day is building a Wedding Day Timeline. Knots ‘N Such, a Raleigh Wedding Planner and Florist, is here to give you some advice for crafting a timeline that is efficient yet not rushed.

Photo by The Nixons Photography

1. Ceremony & Exit Time: These are the first times to choose, because every other begin and end time will depend on these. Do you want an afternoon wedding? Do you want a twilight wedding?
2. Photographer’s Schedule: How many hours do you want your photographer to cover? This may depend on your budget, since most photographers have set hours in their packages. Your photographer will talk with you about what and how many photos you’d like to do pre-ceremony versus during cocktail hour.
3. Hair & Makeup Time: Who will be getting their hair done the morning of the wedding? Your beauty artists will create a schedule based on how many people they’ll be making over and what time your photos are scheduled to begin.
4. Squad Schedule: Be sure to communicate the plans to your squad – wedding party and family need to know where to be and when to be there. Make sure they are waiting on the photographer rather than vice versa. Once the day gets behind schedule, it’s difficult to catch up, so stress this to your loved ones, so they are ready and waiting. It might be helpful for you to write this up and and email or print for them, so they don’t forget.
5. Vendor Arrival Times: Each of your vendors will schedule their arrival time on your ceremony start time. They’ll let you know how much time they’ll need to setup and prepare, so ask for their guidance in this area.
6. Cocktail HOUR: Going back to your photographer… Create a list of photos you want completed during cocktail hour. Make sure he/she can do all that you want in about 45 minutes. Keep your list to immediate family and wedding party only. Extended family guests should be reserved for candids during the reception. You want to keep your cocktail hour to an hour. If you go over, you may be considered a rude host. Guests get antsy, hungry, and tipsy, so be sure to join them ASAP, so the show can go on.
7. End the night early:  This is a tip I give to a lot of brides.  It will be a long emotionally draining day, and believe me, you will be exhausted.  Confirm with your venue when you need to be out (including break down times), and this will help you set that key departure time. If you want the party to continue, plan an after party and invite key people to join you.

Photo by Danell Beede Photography

Planning your wedding day timeline does not need to be stressful.  The important thing is to communicate: communicate with photographer, vendors, bridal party, etc.  Make sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to arrival and departure times.  A great resource to have is a planner/coordinator for your wedding.  This is where Knots ‘N Such would love to help you.  Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you in your wedding planning adventures!

XO,

Amy