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 Cragun's Resort 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.”
5. Trying to Fit Too Much into the Day
Couples often overpack their wedding day timeline, which can lead to feeling rushed and overwhelmed. Lexie Cummings of Availed Wedding & Event Planning recommends planning at least 15 minutes of alone time post-ceremony for the couple to enjoy a few quiet moments together before moving on to the next part of the celebration. “Planning for appropriate timing allows couples to relax and savor the moments,” says Lexie. “I help clients build in buffer time around hair and makeup, portrait photos, speeches, and dinner service, as these tend to run longer than expected.” The best way to avoid running into timing issues, she advises, is to hire a wedding planner who can manage the day’s logistics, allowing you to focus on celebrating.
6. Not Involving Vendors Early in the Planning Process
Involving your vendors early when building your timeline can help ensure the day flows smoothly. “Work closely with your wedding planner, photographer, caterer, and beauty team to get their professional input on timing,” advises Melody Hall of Events By Melody. “Their experience can help you estimate how long each component will take.”
7. Under-Communicating Wedding Day Plans to Your Venue
Venues play a crucial role in keeping things running smoothly, so it’s important to not to leave them in the dark. “From a venue’s perspective, the biggest mistake couples can make is under-communicating their plans and wedding desires,” shares Kate Melichar of Odyssey Resorts. “We, as vendors, are here to help and guide you. Sharing your curated wedding timeline with everyone involved on the day is immensely helpful. If your mother or best friend will be your wedding day helper, it’s crucial they know the ins and outs of the venue and your pre-agreed terms. This emphasizes the importance of clear communication and ensures everyone is on the same page, making the day smoother for everyone involved."
A well-thought-out wedding day timeline can be the difference between a chaotic event and a magical celebration. By avoiding common timing mistakes and implementing these expert tips, you can create a day filled with joy, love, and unforgettable memories. Remember, flexibility is key—allow yourself the grace to enjoy each moment, knowing you have a plan in place.
Photo courtesy of Odyssey Resorts
