Nine Essential Tips for Creating Your Wedding Day Timeline : Part 3 : You & Your Man

Welcome to the third and final installment in my series on creating your wedding day master timeline! Since it is YOUR wedding we're talking about here, it's important to craft your timeline to ensure your comfort and enjoyment on your big day. Here are a few tips!

Shall we?...

Consider a Pre-Ceremony Buffer for YOU

The last thing you want to be on your wedding day is stressed and rushed. Plan for the unpredictable and give yourself an extra 15-30 minutes before the ceremony starts. You can use this time to rest, pray, meditate, or give your family an extra hug before embarking on your new life.

Set Aside Time for Portraits

Plan for plenty of time to take photos! It will be such a joy to look back not only on the in-action candids of your big day, but also the more formal portraits! Think about...

Pre-Ceremony

• Getting ready photos with your girls
• Family photos
• First look shots (if you choose to have one)
• Romantic alone-time shots with you and your boo

Post-Ceremony

• Bridal portraits and groom portraits
• Couple's portraits
• Combined family photos
• Photos with his family
• Photos with both bridal parties
• Consider different locations: outside your ceremony venue, inside the ceremony space, stopping in a nearby park or riverfront, outside the reception space, etc

Mid-Reception

• When the dancing is in full swing, take advantage of different aspects of your gorgeous reception venue and get a few more formal portraits!
• Also consider getting more candid poses with your dancing guests. These can be fun, goofy, and extremely memorable.

Plan Some Quality Time for You and Your Man

Whether it be after photos and before the reception, or even the day before your wedding, be sure to set aside some time to connect with your guy. I've heard from just about every couple that the big day goes by SO quickly, so why not budget in some slow time to connect to and savor the day with your man?


I hope these ideas and tips are helpful to you! I know it can be overwhelming to juggle so many factors, but it will absolutely be worth it on your big day. If you have all of these factors figured out beforehand, you can pass off your coordinating responsibilities, sit back, and enjoy your big day to the fullest! Happy planning!