What to Add to Your Wedding Timeline

One of the most important things to add to a wedding schedule is not actually a tangible item, but time itself: buffer time. As useful as it may seem to have everything planned out, there’s almost always something out of your control that will go wrong. By fitting in extra time on your itinerary, these instances won’t throw your whole schedule out of whack. 

Depending on whether you take the majority of photos before or after the ceremony, you will likely need to touch up hair and makeup before you move on to the next part of your day. Hopefully your makeup artist provided you with a touch-up kit, but did you remember to give yourself time to actually fix your look?

Brides and grooms often talk about how they didn’t have time to eat on their wedding day, and that includes the dinner that’s provided! Depending on when you start getting ready, there might be time for two whole meals before you even walk down the aisle! Make sure to carve out time to chow down – if not for your sake, than for your bridal party. After all, they aren’t running off nerves and adrenaline like you are. 

“Make sure to note in the timeline after the ceremony, family heirlooms are returned to a box or safe place in a predetermined location,” notes Paulette Wolf of Paulette Wolf Events. “You don't want to lose something special in the commotion of the celebration!” That goes for gifts and your guest book as well! Double check how long you have the venue for, and don’t forget to include that time to pack up what you need, so your friends and family aren’t stuck running around instead of enjoying the last dance. 

Learn how to choose the right timeline for your wedding reception and discover six things your planner doesn't tell you. 

Opening photo by Ira Lippke Studios; Planning & Design by Paulette Wolf Events