Spotlight: Mastering the Wedding Timeline

Planning a wedding involves countless details, and getting the timing just right is one of the trickiest parts. Creating a flawless wedding day timeline that flows seamlessly from start to finish is a true art. Here are some of the most common timing mistakes —and expert tips on how to avoid them!

1. Forgetting to Build in Buffer Time

One of the most common timing mistakes couples make is not allowing time for transitions between events. From wedding party photos to the grand entrance at the reception, each part of the day requires a few extra minutes. “Give yourselves 10 minutes of wiggle room between events, like switching from wedding party to family photos,” suggests Rachel Lahlum of Rachel Lahlum Photography. “Your family will want to say hello, and it takes time to gather everyone. If you're riding a party bus from the ceremony to the reception, remember to budget time for getting on the bus and refreshing afterward.” By building in small amounts of buffer time throughout the schedule, you can keep the day on track and avoid any unnecessary stress or delays.

2. Not Planning Ahead for Wedding Jewelry Customizations

Wedding jewelry - from engagement rings to wedding bands - can be a beautiful way to incorporate personal elements. However, couples often wait too long to start the customization process, which limits their options. “Most couples don't realize how much they can customize their wedding jewelry if they order their rings ahead of time,” shares Leanne Kolodziej of Jewelry By Johan. “With more lead time, couples can add unique material inlays, sentimental stones, and recycled metals, making everything perfect for the big day.” Leanne recommends starting early to ensure everything is ready—and potentially saving on costs.

3. Waiting Until the Last Minute to Order Wedding Cakes and Desserts

Couples often prioritize other aspects of their wedding before turning to the dessert menu, but waiting too long can be a costly mistake. “Having beautiful, tasty desserts is the difference between a ‘nice event’ and an ‘incredible, life-changing experience,’” explains Gaosong V. Heu of Marc Heu Patisserie Paris. “Secure your catering and cake/desserts within the first 2-4 months of wedding planning. This way, you can work through venue restrictions or necessary permits well ahead of time.” Gaosong also reminds couples that ordering early allows time for cake tastings, which are a fun and essential part of finalizing your menu. "Pro tip: Cake tastings make for the best kind of wedding “research!”

4. Not Sharing Timelines Across Vendors

Keeping everyone in the loop is crucial to ensuring a smooth wedding day. Nicole Stettler from Weddings at notes that couples often fail to share timeline updates with all vendors. “The biggest mistake is not sharing timelines between vendors and not informing everyone of changes,” she says. “Let the event flow smoothly. Have an order of operations and know the ‘big hits’ like ceremony start and sunset, but let some of the smaller pieces go with the flow.”