How to Create a Wedding Day Timeline that Feels Like YOU!

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How to Create a Wedding Timeline that Feels Like YOU

One of the most crucial things to figure out when planning your wedding is a wedding day timeline! A detailed timeline will not only help you know what to expect but will also keep your whole wedding team on the same page. From the coordinator to the caterers and photographer having a master wedding timeline will ensure that everything is in place on time so you don’t have to worry about a thing!

There are many ways to go about making your wedding day timeline. Where should you even start? Don’t worry I’m here to help!

Here are my tips on how to create a completely personalized wedding timeline– AKA a day that feels like YOU!

What Your Timeline Planning Looks Like With Me:

To start helping clients draft their wedding day timeline I’ll first send out a questionnaire! This happens 5-6ish months before the wedding day and helps me get a rough idea of the structure of your day. This includes questions about details you might already know– like where your venue and reception will be and if any specific moments you want to make sure you don’t miss!

From there, I compile all of that information into an initial timeline. I base my method on what I have seen work in the past and what details you want to prioritize. The timeline is completely customized to fit your style!

Then we’ll meet up for a drink to discuss the timeline I’ve created and make sure it feels right for how you envision your big day. We adjust any details as needed until we get it just right!

Four Questions to Ask When Building Your Wedding Day Timeline:

Before planning your wedding day timeline it’s important to be on the same page as your partner. Figure out how you picture your perfect wedding day together and communicate those specifics to your wedding planner!

Here are four questions to consider when building your timeline:

What’s your priority?

Different couples have different preferences on what things they want to emphasize on their wedding day. Some prioritize family time while getting ready time while others want to take the time to greet every guest during cocktail hours!

No matter what your preferences are, I want to make sure your timeline is personalized and authentic to YOU! It is your big day so your priorities come first. That’s why I make sure to include you in every step of the process without rushing it.

Everyone has different priorities that will make them happy on their wedding day, so I aim to find those things and help them have the best time ever!!!!

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Is there anything unique or special you wanna ensure we include?

Add things to your wedding timeline that makes you happy!!! Is there a specific bar you wanna have a drink at with your bridal party before the ceremony? Any specific breakfast treat you want to make sure you have?

These unique details can help infuse your personality into your wedding day. No two wedding days are the same, so consider details that feel special to you and your partner!

If these things overwhelm you though, don’t stress about it! I can customize your wedding timeline a TON to make it a perfect fit for you.

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Are you gonna do a first look?

This question is huge! Doing a first look affects the whole trajectory of your day. We need to get photos of you two together, but also we want to make sure there’s enough light. If you want to include a first look then the order of your ceremony and photos will be built around it!

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Is everything happening at one venue?

Don’t forget to consider the location(s) of your ceremony and venue! If they’re happening at different places, think about how long the drive time is. You wanna have enough time to take pictures before the reception without feeling rushed.

While having all the events in one venue can be a huge time saver, it can also be more expensive! So think about what feels best to you and your partner and then go from there.

How to Make a Wedding Timeline:

When we meet, we’ll go over your priorities and I can share some timeline examples if you need any! We can use these as a starting point – from my experience, I have an idea of how long various events will take throughout the day. We’ll customize your wedding timeline to meet your needs!

Hit me up if you’re looking for a Kansas City wedding photographer!