Timing is Everything!

When it comes to planning a wedding, the process generally takes months, sometimes years. There are countless details to account for and arrangements to be made that range from the location of the venue to the font on the place cards. When so much hard work and meticulous preparation goes into one single event, it can be extremely stressful and overwhelming to make sure that everything comes to fruition smoothly when the big day finally arrives. My job as the planner is exactly that; if the wedding is a puzzle, it is my role to assure that all of the pieces fit together seamlessly so the bride and groom don’t have to worry about anything. After all, this is the most important day of their lives and it should be experienced to the fullest. This is where the timeline comes in to play.

The timeline is like a blueprint for the wedding day. It sequentially outlines, to the minute, the entire schedule for the day. It is an essential tool that coordinates all aspects, vendors, and guests. Without it, it would be hard to keep the event on track. A timeline keeps everything organized, and I mean everything. To give you some perspective, my timelines are generally multiple pages and include detailed notes. If the groom’s favorite band is the Rolling Stones, you had better believe I have that documented.

Every moment is accounted for, from the time the florist is expected to arrive at the venue with the bouquets and boutonnieres, to when the band needs to be directed to the reception area for a sound check. The timeline serves as a guide that informs me of exactly what I need to be paying attention to at any given time. If the timeline says that the main course is to be served at 9:00pm, you can bet I’m in the kitchen at 8:40pm making sure everything is set to go. It also helps me to direct the vendors as to what they should be doing and where they should be at all times.

In creating my timeline, it is important to note that I always leave a cushion of extra time to prepare for any surprises or delays that could arise. Sometimes the baker is in traffic with the cake or the DJ has a slight issue setting up his or her equipment. Tons of things can possibly go wrong, and if the timeline doesn’t leave room for error, one tiny veer off schedule could set off a domino effect and negatively impact the rest of the wedding. The goal is to account for anything so even if things are hectic behind the scenes, everything still appears to the guests to come together seamlessly.

It is very important to me that every couple whose wedding I plan enjoys their special day. Every bride and groom puts so much thought into what the day will be like for themselves, their family, and their guests. I work with them to capture that feeling, along with all of the important details, in the timeline. Then the bride and groom go into their big day confident that I am managing the vendors and the details to their specifications. I have been in this industry for many years and among the many things I have to show for it, my ability to create and execute an excruciatingly detailed timeline is among the things I am most proud of. It helps me do my job perfectly and have satisfied clients every time.