Let's get you hitched ON TIME!⏰💍

Hey guys!

So today’s chosen topic is timelines. What to do? When to start? A few of my couples this wedding season have asked me this question, so I thought there’s a high chance you’re sat there reading this newsletter thinking YES SUHANI THAT’S ME. Don’t worry guys, I got you. Today we will go through it together so grab a pen and make some notes!

1) Create a rough itinerary

When do you start creating a timeline for the day? I highly recommend you start early. As soon as you start booking your suppliers, ask them their arrival and departure times. Don’t assume anything. Once you know the rough timings, add it to a spreadsheet. With our full planning couples, we create timelines very early on. Why? It will genuinely help you picture what the day will look like. The rough timeline will 100% change according to the more supplier info you get but it’s always better to start early because I promise you, if you start a month before the wedding, you will feel so overwhelmed and you will be scrambling through your full inbox searching for details.

2) Add in Buffer Time

This is super important! Most people will forget to add this in and I can promise you that you will thank yourself for it on the day (and me for reminding you to do it). We often see everyone plan things down to the minute but you need to factor in that some things will take a bit of time. E.g once you’ve cut the cake, you won’t be able to start speeches immediately because your caterers or venue, will need to remove the cake off the dance floor. This is where you add in buffer time! If things end up running a bit late, all it will do is eat up into your buffer time which means that your timeline won’t be massively impacted. Also it will mean on the day, your nerves will be calmed slightly knowing you have this ‘extra time’.

3) Ensure your turnaround time is sufficient

If you’re having 2 events on the same day and the room where the ceremony was held is being turned around for your reception, allocate sufficient turnaround time. I would say allocate ‘X’ amount of time but it really depends on your setup. Check with your DJ/production team, decor and caterers to gauge how long they think it’ll take and base it on that information. Definitely take into consideration that if you have a lot of stationery i.e name places, menus, themed table numbers and favours, this takes time to set up as well so remember to factor that into timings.

4) Ushering guests will take time

Guys, I’m sure all of your guests are amazing but I promise you on the day of the wedding, everyone is so excited, (understandably so) it takes them some time to move from area to another because they want to chat, grab another drink or take photos. By the time the announcement is made, everyone checks the table plan, sits down and is ready for your reception entrance, it will have taken 20 mins or so. We see it all the time and are prepared for it so we want you to be too!

5) Alone Time

We always make sure you get a moment alone to soak up the magic of your day because it really does go by SO quick. If you don’t have a coordinator (why don’t you? I’m only joking), you won’t remember to do this because there will be a million other things you will prioritise. Easy fix, schedule the time in. I know it sounds militant to do this but honestly you will need that 15-30 mins to de-stress. Now I know your next question is where do I put that time in? Firstly, there’s no right or wrong; whenever you feel is best. Some examples: after your couple shoot before you start getting ready for the evening, before the drinks reception kicks off or even have lunch just the two of you.

TOP TIP

I thought I’d end off with a final tip and reminder. Top tip - if you’re unsure how much time to allocate, break it down, visualise what’s likely to happen on the day and think back to what you’ve seen at weddings you’ve attended. Just like I did earlier, when breaking down what guests are likely to do as they go from a drinks reception to reception. That should help you when creating your timings. Reminder - don’t assume, just ask your suppliers. Your suppliers would much rather you ask them questions than be anxious or worried. We are there to help make sure the day runs smoothly. No question is a silly question!

I hope this has made creating a timeline not so daunting and confusing!

Happy Planning!

Love,

Suhani 🤍

Team Pristine 🖤