Timelines 101

Many a time, I am asked what makes a Certified Wedding Planner worth it. While I could go on and on about how I can help make your day the dream you’ve always dreamt of, I want to give you just a peek of what goes in to what I do behind the scenes.

Today, I wanted to discuss what it takes to make the overall timeline for your event. Don’t stress! Just know that a timeline is something that will evolve and change as you approach your big day and should not be left to the very last minute. With that in mind, Events by Lexi creates on-line timelines so all edits are done in real time! Timelines detail each and every part of your day from start to finish and can also include the day or two before or after the wedding day. Timelines detail who needs to be where at what time, and give cushions to deadlines you need to meet (example: walking down the aisle!). I also share your timeline with all of your providers to ensure they know exactly where and when THEY need to be so we have cake before the cake cutting!

Of course, an experienced wedding planner will already have templates in place, and will have been well versed in their experience of what to do when to create your perfect day. That being said, each wedding is unique and beautiful in the way it’s laid out and each timeline should be personalized to each wedding day. Are you planning on having a “first look”? Do you have out-of-town guests needing transportation to and from the ceremony site? How many toasts are you planning on having? These questions are not meant to scare you, but making a timeline is a very in-depth process and things like this create a paved way to start creating!

It is true that the earlier the better for timelines. Though you may think the timeline should start the day of wedding day, most of my timelines begin the night before and detail the rehearsal. I share this timeline before the rehearsal with all of the wedding “VIPS” – anyone in the wedding party as well as select family members and friends who may be helping out day of. This ensures everyone knows where to be for rehearsal, and the wedding party isn’t scrambling on the wedding day looking for where they stand! There are enough nerves that day, and we want to bypass any of those stressors as easily as we can.

Timelines also consider all the details. When making a timeline, I ensure we leave enough time for dinner service, as well as pictures, creating buffer time if needed for things such as travel, seating, cocktail hour, and special toasts. Timing is everything and having a timeline ensures you are finished with your makeup, your photographer arrives well in advance to get before shots, and you can be well on your way down the aisle knowing you’ve captured all of the “getting ready” pics while staying on schedule. After all, your wedding only happens once, and we want to ensure you have the pictures to look back on!

Having a timeline ensures you will capture every detail from start to finish. Coming in with a plan on the day of the wedding creates such an easy transition from getting ready, to the ceremony, cocktail hour, wedding pictures, toasts, meals served, dancing, cake cutting, toasts and all of the other traditions you and your other half will be celebrating with your family and friends. It’s all in the details and there are quite a few for weddings!

If you’ve made it this far, I know that timelines can seem like a daunting task. They are full of the little intricacies that make your wedding unique and yours! By planning ahead and creating as you go, your timeline will come together slowly. Or you could simply leave it up to me to handle and you enjoy the celebration!