So many details go into making sure your wedding day goes perfectly and one of the best ways to avoid stressful situations on your wedding day is to create a realistic timeline. There are little things you can do to make sure you give yourself time to enjoy the things that matter the most for you. Wedding days go by so fast so you want to make sure you leave yourself time to enjoy all the moments.

1. Add time onto your morning even if you don’t think you will need it. Whether or not you are using a hair and make up artist add on an extra 30-60 minutes for “just in case” moments. Things happen and sometimes people run late so it is best if you tell your hair and make up artists that you need to be ready at X time when really its another 30-60 minutes from then! This 30-60 minutes will greatly depend on your distance from your prep location to the ceremony. Those getting married at a resort for a destination wedding perhaps 30 minutes will do since it is just a matter of walking (usually). Those that still need to get into vehicles to go to the ceremony 60 minutes is best. The more wiggle room you have PRE ceremony time, the more time you have to take in all the moments, to not stress right before walking down the aisle and share some time with your girls.
2. This one coincides with the first one and that is to be ready 45 minutes-1 hour before your ceremony start time. You want to account for any unforeseen delays getting you to the ceremony such as a train, accidents or anything that may cause you to be late… if you are early enough leaving you won’t need to stress. If you are planning a first look be ready 45 minutes before that moment. Again this is to greatly reduce the stress of rushing around and out the door with the chance of possibly forgetting important items.
3. My biggest tip, with input from my friend Melissa at Pierre and Co Event Planning, is to make time to sit back and enjoy the moments. Plan to take a few minutes out of reception time, go to the back of the room and take it all in… alone or with your husband by your side. When you first put on your dress don’t be in a rush to get out the door… take a few moments to let it sink in (perhaps take this time to allow your photographer to capture you alone for an uninterrupted bridal session or a first look with dad). Enjoy those newly married emotions, the enjoyment of your family and the way everything came together to make this day happen.
4. Do your formal exit right after the ceremony if you can. This way you know it will involve all your guests since as the reception evening winds down people leave and your grand exit may only involve a handful of guests (unless you have that late night party crowd).
5. When you plan your timeline start from the ceremony time then work backwards to bridal prep time. Then onto first look, portraits, cocktail hour and reception events. Plan to have your reception events wrapped up by 9pm so the party can start. Some couples opt to do their first dance as their grand reception entrance and this usually gives some stress free wiggle room time if food is running late (which usually there is a 5-10 minute delay in food serving).

It is best to go over any timeline details with your wedding planner if you are using one and be sure that all vendors and bridal party have a copy of your timeline. If you need to travel between venues add on an extra 15 minutes more than the anticipated time of travel just to make sure you run into any issues.