Nine Essential Tips for Creating Your Wedding Day Timeline : Part 2 : Your Vendors

Welcome to part two of my three part series about things to remember when creating your wedding day timeline! Last week we talked through four important timeline factors to think about that will directly effect your guests' experience on your big day.

So now that your guests are nice and cozy, let's talk about some of the more logistical details concerning your vendors. When you've got all of these factors in order before your big day, passing off your work to the professionals should be a breeze! Having a clear timeline in place will allow all of the various moving parts to fall into place, leaving you at ease to enjoy the day with your loved ones.

Let's get going!

Keep Your Timeline in Mind When Booking Vendors

Think about how much time you need with each vendor. Do you really want your hair and makeup stylist present the moment you start getting ready for your big day, or do you want some time alone with your bridesmaids first? Maybe your fiance isn't too keen on the idea of having a camera in his face while he's getting ready. Perhaps you've already hired a musician for dinner and you don't need a 5 hour dance party afterwards with your DJ. It's important to have a sketch of what your timeline might look like in place before you begin booking vendors.

If there are several factors up in the air, and you don't have all of the details on exactly how long your vendor will be necessary, reach out and explain the situation and see if you can put a deposit down to save your date without having figured out all of the package / timeline details. I'd recommend giving a minimum and maximum of what you'll be booking if you're in this situation.

For example...
"We know we want to hire you for at least 6 hours to capture 1 hour of getting ready, our ceremony, dinner, and dancing, but we're not yet sure if we are going to have a cocktail hour and how long our dance party is going to be. We can guarantee we will hire you for 6 hours minimum, and up to 9 hours maximum... are we able to put a deposit down to save our date and work out the details later within these parameters?"

Chances are your vendors will be willing to work with you even if you are waiting for factors out of your control to fall into place.

Think Through Each Vendor's Timeline

How much time does each one of your vendors need to set up? If they have to set up before their time, is the break time in between their setup and when they're needed included in what they offer?

For example, let's say your guests and vendors have to pass through your dinner space to get to the dancing space. You don't want a live band or a DJ milling through your dinner reception while people are eating to setup their equipment. Figure out how much time each vendor needs to setup, when they'll set up, and when they'll enter the space as to not disrupt any part of your big day.

Don't forget about break down time and any time restrictions your venue has! Consider this before you book your vendors for a set number of hours!



I hope these two quick tips are helpful in coordinating your vendors' needs and your own master timeline! The pro's know what they're doing and will do everything they can to make your day as easy for you as possible... as long as you are clear and detailed about exactly when and where they need to be! Good luck, and happy planning!

Next week, we'll go through a few tips to consider for YOU... and by YOU I mean the you and your beau! Scheduling in little pockets of time to amplify your experience of the day will help you savor this special time with the ones you love! Check back soon and all the best!