On a normal day, running a few minutes late for a meeting or coffee isn’t a big deal — a quick apology and you’re back on track. We’ve all been there. But let’s talk about one day when “running a bit behind” spirals from oops to no-no: your wedding day. If the ceremony starts later than planned, it’s like knocking over the first in a line of dominos: photo time gets squeezed, the reception feels rushed, and those dreamy sunset photos might be, well, a dream.

Before you start panicking and Googling “How to run in heels without tripping,” let me tell you WHY a rock-solid timeline matters:

Let’s dive in:

• Keeping Your Squad in Line: Your wedding party is fabulous, but let’s be real, rounding them up can be like herding cats. A timeline turns chaos into order, ensuring everyone’s where they need to be at the right time — from your nervous best man to your aunt who’s always “just five minutes away.”
• Directing the Family: They love you, but they need to know when to be ready for that tear-jerking first look with Dad or when little cousin Sally should have her flower girl game face on. The timeline? It’s your non-invasive GPS for the fam.
• Vendors on Cue: Your vendors are the behind-the-scenes stars, and they need to know their cues. No one wants the photographer to miss important moments because they didn’t have proper direction.
• Be the Bride, Not the Planner: You want to float through your day with a glass of bubbly, not a clipboard. With everyone else on track, you get to do just that. Ah, the sweet sound of no frantic calls or texts.

After 12 years in the wedding planning industry and orchestrating the perfect day for almost 300 couples, my expertise has been honed to near perfection. I’ve seen it all, and I’ve tackled it all, ensuring each wedding day unfolds seamlessly.

Timelines are the #1 absolute most important part of running a wedding day. It takes me a few weeks and a lot of rounds to perfect the timeline. It’s not just the photographer you have to consult with, it’s the stylists, caterers, DJs, bar, band, and so on…

That’s why creating them is so much work and why brides get small heart palpitations trying to figure out how to create an airtight timeline so they don’t run behind.

Something most people do wrong is they think you start the timeline at the beginning of the day. But that’s not correct. Timelines are worked backwards. I start with my reception details, then add cocktail hour, ceremony, and then figure out when my client needs to be in her dress and when the bridesmaids need to be dressed. Then, I tell the hair/makeup stylist what time the girls need to be done, and THEN the timeline is created. You can’t start with hair/makeup because your photographer has to tell you what time they need you ready.

Plus, did you know there are over 40+ different details that could be in your wedding day timeline? YES, OMG. My timelines are sometimes 2-3 pages long. Did you also know there are 2 types of timelines: a vendor timeline and a master timeline?

• The vendor timeline is what goes directly to all the vendors. It keeps things simple without missing important details — no need for the DJ to know what time your stylist is coming for hair and makeup, right?
• The master timeline, though, is the mac daddy of timelines. It has every movement of the day and every detail accounted for. This goes to your planner, day-of coordinator, venue manager, or whoever’s running the show. They won’t miss a single detail with the master.

And that’s why there are two timelines.

So, your first step is to make a list of all the vendors that need to be included in the timeline. Then, you need to start reaching out and asking them how long things will take.

Then you need to make a list of everything that is going on from the minute you wake up to the grand exit. Like, everything and start adding these details to your timeline.

Of course, you’ll need some sense of logistics, timing, and coordaining to make a rock-solid timeline, so be sure to put those hats on when you start making your timeline. 

OH…and PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO ADD LOTS OF FLUFF TIME IN YOUR TIMELINE. THIS IS KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL TIMELINE!!!

So, if you’re a little worried about making a timeline and want to make sure you’re not late to your ceremony, here’s something to make your day as seamless as possible…

You can grab the Wedding Day Timeline Guide for just $18, and unlock the peace of mind you deserve on your big day!

Here’s what’s included:

• Instant PDF download with customizable vendor and master timeline templates designed to take the guesswork out of building your timeline
• Two real wedding timeline samples (one with a first look, one without) so you can see exactly how the pros do it
• My four-step method for building a comprehensive, professional timeline that keeps everyone on track and every moment captured
• Essential strategies and insider tips that elevate your timeline, ensuring that no key detail is overlooked
• Contact checklist to help you identify and communicate with the right vendors at the right times
• Timeline checklist to help you identify what should/could be in your timeline, estimated timing examples and a list of who you should contact for each “event”
• Master timeline template for keeping your coordinator, planner, or designated helper fully in control of the day’s events.

Don’t wait until the last minute! Click the link now, get the guide, and build your perfect timeline today!

For just $18.00 dollars you can safeguard your wedding day from the common timeline mishaps.

Get the Wedding Timeline Guide and start planning your timeline today. 

Happy Planning!!