As if planning a wedding isn’t difficult enough, you’re left having to worry about the timing details for the day! Often times your caterer, photographer or your DJ/Band will help you coordinate the details. However, they might not always take into consideration how you want the full day to play out and, many times, they tend to focus on the reception rather than the timeline for the entire day.

 Photo Credit: Borrowed Blue Photography

The first thing you need to decide is if you will be doing a “first look.” For anyone who isn’t familiar with that terminology, a first look is when the couple chooses to see each other prior to the ceremony for photos. Once you know that detail, you will be able to determine what time you need to be ready by and from there you can finalize your hair and makeup appointments. If you decide to do a first look, it’s important to coordinate this portion of the timeline with your photographer, as they will most likely have suggestions on where this will take place.

Next up is the ceremony. Typically, I leave this portion up to the couple and their officiant and just let them fill me in on the details! Make sure you have determined who will be walking down the aisle in what order prior to the rehearsal. It will save a lot of time and prevent quite a bit of confusion if it is pre-planned!

From there you get to go to the reception! In order to plan out the sequence of events you’ll need to ask yourself a few questions in advance. Do you want to attend your cocktail hour? Do you want to leave time to walk around to each table? Who will be doing toasts at the reception? Who will be participating in special dances? Will you be having a cake cutting? How many courses are being served? Once you know the answers to these questions, you’ll be able to coordinate the timing for the reception. Please keep in mind that you want the reception to flow seamlessly from one event to another so that guests are never left wondering what’s going to happen next.

It’s important to remember that at the end of the day you’re going to be married and no matter what happens it was worth all of the hard work. That being said, having a planner helps ensure that you get the opportunity to have fun and just enjoy!

All text was written by Diana Venditto of eventi planning. eventi planning is a talented member of the Charm City Wed Collective.