(This column first appeared in the May print edition of the Hendersonian.)
Maya believed that the true spirit of a celebration thrived in the “vibes” rather than in strict planning and adherence to a rigid schedule. So when she and Liam became engaged, she envisioned a laid-back, “boho-chic” wedding ceremony nestled in the woods at twilight.
But Maya’s attitude was a little too relaxed. She opted for Instagram Stories rather than traditional invitations, leading to confusion about the celebration’s location. And she asked her bridesmaids to wear “something earthy,” which led to a colorful mix of gowns in clashing shades of green and a brown linen suit, creating a unique and chaotic aesthetic.
Maya had arranged for her makeup artist to come only one hour before the ceremony, and after, planned to create her bouquet with wildflowers she hadn’t yet picked. A nervous Liam found himself pacing anxiously at the ceremony site, puzzled by the absence of the officiant. At the same time, one of the bridesmaids struggled with fixing a broken zipper in a cramped cabin that had only one bathroom.
To add to the stress, Maya’s dress, which she ordered late, got stuck in traffic. By 5 PM, guests had arrived, but there were no chairs, music, or bride in sight. When Maya finally arrived at 6:15 p.m., she was radiant, but unfortunately, the sun had already set, leaving the ceremony area shrouded in darkness.
When planning your wedding day, incorporating buffer time into your schedule is essential to ensure everything flows smoothly. Start by reviewing your itinerary and allocating 10 to 15 minutes of cushion time between each major event, such as arriving at the venue, the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. This buffer accommodates unexpected delays, such as a late arrival or last-minute adjustments.
Pay close attention to the time needed for hair and makeup. Consider setting aside an extra 30 to 60 minutes beyond your initial estimate to ensure that everyone has enough time to feel prepared and relaxed before the festivities begin.
To create a solid foundation for your timeline, begin with your ceremony’s scheduled start time and work backward through the day’s events. It’s also important to factor in travel time; allow at least 50% more than you initially anticipated. This helps accommodate any traffic issues, parking challenges, or unforeseen contingencies that could otherwise make you feel rushed.
Wrap up all portrait sessions 30 to 45 minutes before the ceremony begins. This allows for any final adjustments and ensures that you arrive at the ceremony comfortably ahead of time, ready to enjoy the moment without feeling flustered or pressed for time. For the First Look, giving yourselves an additional 15 to 30 minutes can turn this moment into a relaxed, enjoyable experience rather than a hurried one.
To keep everything on track on your wedding day, consider assigning someone to manage the timeline. This could be a planner, a coordinator, or a family member who is organized and reliable.
Finally, it’s crucial to communicate your detailed timeline with all vendors and members of the bridal party at least a week in advance. Likewise, don’t forget to ask your officiant how long he anticipates your ceremony will last. This information will be especially important when it comes to your caterer and food preparation. Remember that tasks often take 5 to 10 minutes longer than you might expect, so build in extra time to your schedule to help ensure a stress-free experience.
My Love Note: A strict wedding-day schedule with buffer time ensures a smooth flow of events, reduces stress, coordinates vendors, and allows the couple and their guests to enjoy their day.
Pem Pfisterer Clark has been hosting the nationally syndicated radio show “Wedding Planning With Pem” for over 20 years. The show provides valuable advice, insider tips, etiquette and money-saving ideas to listeners across the country. Bill Stevens Stark is the executive producer of the show.
