Hi friends!! And, Happy Tuesday.
We are finally seeing a morning without rain here in the southeast. But, let me be transparent in saying that it is not sunny. You guys! Anyone else sooooooo over this late winter weather? 🙋🏼♀️ I am cheering for Spring to get it’s beautiful, sunny, flower budding face here…on the double! But as I always remind my kiddos, if your day is lacking in sunshine create your own. Annndddd- here we are (don’t you love when you have to take your own advice!). ☀️
I figure what better way to create and share light than by sharing some awesome wedding photos and bit of wedding advice:: Today’s Tuesday Tip- How to Plan a Wedding Timeline
The number ONE item that I tackle with my engaged couples is their timeline. Why? Because it sets the stage for every single piece of the wedding day. Without a timeline there is no way to know how long vendors need to be present, how long you will need your ceremony and reception venue, what time you will need to start hair and make-up, etc…etc. And, building a solid timeline is easier than you think.
Chat About Traditions :: First, take time to chat about traditions. For example, will you be including a cake cutting ceremony during your reception? These are the basics, but the answer to each of the following will determine how much time you need for each phase of your wedding day.
Getting Ready– Will you need to set time aside for:
- Hair and Make-up
- Transportation between Getting Ready Venue and Ceremony Site
- Family or Bridal Portraits Ahead of the Ceremony
- First Look
Ceremony– Will you include:
- Traditional Seating Period
- Formal Processional
- Homily
- Readings
- Music
- Additional Ceremonies: Sand Ceremony, Knot Tying Ceremony, Shell Throw
- Formal Mass, Communion, or other Religious Ceremony
- Recessional
Cocktail Hour– Traditionally an Hour, thus the Name. But, not a necessity. The best way to determine how much time you will need between your ceremony and reception is to a) determine the amount of travel time between venues and b) work with your photographer to make sure there is enough time for pictures of:: Extended Family, Family, Bridal Party, and the most important first images of the two of you as a married couple. These images are seriously so uber important. Make sure that you give yourself time to enjoy one another. ❤️
Reception– Will you include:
- Grand Entrance
- Couple’s First Dance
- Father-Daughter Dance
- Mother-Son Dance
- Welcome Speech
- Before Meal Prayer
- Meal- Plated or Buffet
- Toasts
- Cake Cutting
- Wedding Games
- Bouquet and Garter Toss
- Formal Exit
Laying out the answer to each of these questions and assigning an amount of time to each event will give you the starting blue print for your wedding day timeline. Please know that your photographer (heeeyyy! 🙋🏼♀️), DJ, and venue directors are a great resource for helping out on this one. Don’t be too shy to ask for help 😃 This is a big and important task. And, this is the most important of events!
Standing by to answer questions…ANY QUESTION! And, wishing each of you Happy Planning!
With Grit & Grace~
Sarah Keenan, Wedding Photographer
Westland Farms Studio, Knoxville | Asheville | Nashville
Blue Poppy Weddings, Outer Banks | Coastal Carolina
Amazing Wedding Professionals that Made This Awesomeness Happen
- Venue & Catering: Basnight’s LoneCedar Cafe
- Floral, Bridal-wear, and Decor: Holiday House Wedding, Nancy Harvey
- Rental and Design: Amaranth & Artifact
- Hair & Make-Up: Kendall Hamm
- Cake: Just Desserts
- Photography: Blue Poppy Weddings, Sarah Keenan
