A wedding day is one of life’s most significant milestones, created out of a myriad of details and moments. But a “perfect” wedding day doesn’t just happen. At the core lies the master plan of the day, the wedding timeline.
Why Every Wedding Needs A Wedding Timeline
A wedding timeline is crucial for several reasons:
1) Coordination: It helps to keep all the various events of the day organized, so everything runs smoothly. From the ceremony to the reception, having a timeline keeps everyone on the same page.
2) Vendor Management: It allows vendors (photographers, caterers, decorators, etc.) to synchronize their efforts, ensuring that their arrival/setup times and when they are to perform specific tasks occur at the right times.
3) Guest Experience: A well-planned timeline ensures that guests are engaged and entertained throughout the day. It helps prevent long gaps or boredom between events.
4) Stress Reduction: Having a schedule in place reduces stress for the couple and their families. They can relax and enjoy the day knowing that all the key events of the day, as well as the little details are planned for and that nothing has been forgotten.
5) Maximizing Time: A wedding day goes by so fast, so of course you’ll want to make the most of the available time. From the getting ready process to the last dance, a timeline ensures no important moments are missed, and that enough time has been allotted for the events and festivities of the day so you don’t have to hurry through anything.
6) Adaptability: While having a timeline is essential, it also allows for some flexibility. Unexpected delays or changes can be accommodated more effectively if there’s a general schedule to guide adjustments.
Ultimately, a wedding timeline serves as a roadmap for the day (while allowing for the occasional detour), ensuring that all key elements come together seamlessly, allowing you and your partner to focus on each other and your celebration.
So, who creates “the” wedding timeline? The DJ or the wedding planner?
It’s the same event, so how can a wedding planner’s timeline be different than the one the dj has? I’ve heard it too many times before, “I don’t need a wedding planner, my DJ has the timeline,” or “You don’t need to do a timeline, my DJ did it already.”
Now I’m thrilled when the DJ has an interest in the timeline (instead of just ‘doing their own thing’ at the reception), and I’m not knocking the timeline that a DJ does. It’s an important tool to have.
But . . .
A wedding planner’s timeline and a dj’s timeline are not the same thing.
The Difference Between a Wedding Planner’s Timeline and a DJ’s Timeline
A DJ’s wedding timeline in typically only 1 page long, as it covers the order of events of the reception – including announcing the happy couple and their wedding party, when the cake will be cut, and when the first dance will take place.
A Wedding Planner’s timeline is anywhere from 6-8 pages (or more!), and includes not just the order of events of the reception, but is a written blueprint of the entire day (rehearsal, ceremony, and reception).
Our timelines have the time and place of hair and make-up appointments, when deliveries will occur, how many bouquets and boutonnieres the florist is to deliver, music selections for the ceremony, wedding party order for the ceremony, where everything is to be placed, arrival time of wedding party transportation, whether it’s a “drink what’s in your glass” toast or a champagne toast (and who’s providing and pouring that champagne), a list of keepsake items to go take home by the couple (or someone they’ve designated to take things home for them) . . .
Also,
Our timelines show what needs to be picked up or returned to the baker, to the florist, to the rental company, etc., so things are precisely where they are supposed to be at the conclusion of your event.
https://weddingsfromtheheartblog.net/2016/08/30/need-vs-want-what-do-you-need-to-get-married/
Our timelines address special concerns the couple may have. Perhaps mom and dad are divorced and do not get along? Or your friend Sally gets the gluten free meal? How about that college friend who always seems to imbibe a bit too much at every get together?
Like I said before, I’m not knocking the timeline that the DJ does, nor the role he plays in keeping the flow of the day going. On the wedding day, once things get started, the ball is in the DJs court. I (and other wedding planners) can map out the flow, but on wedding day, the DJ controls it. The wedding planner should not be micromanaging things, but let the DJ do his job.
We are all in this together, (yes, we are a TEAM), and our goal is the same – to make sure that the happy couple has the most wonderful day.
Photo credit: © Anna42f | Dreamstime.com – Wedding timeline
Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
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Do you have questions about your wedding? Weddings From The Heart can help. Contact me today at [email protected] or at by phone/text at 937-581-3647!
