It’s easy to lose track of time on your wedding day, and that’s completely understandable with everything a bride needs to do now that the big day has arrived. But it is very important that someone keeps an eye the clock, because any delay at the beginning of the day will translate into lost opportunities later, when the curtain is up and the show is in full swing. You see, weddings are carefully orchestrated events with each scene carefully timed–the use of the church, the hired time for the limousine, the allotted time for the formal photography,the start of the cocktail hour to the dinner seating of the guests.
One wedding I recently worked had the bride arriving 45 minutes late for the photo shoot, which translated into many lost photo opportunities because the limo driver, and then the officiant, were rushing us to pull things back on schedule. When the ceremony finished, there was no time for formals in the church because the sanctuary lights were off and the priest was already off to prepare for weekly mass. And, the planned stop for photos at the place the bride and groom met was out of the question because that would have required additional time with the limo-at an extra cost.
So, the bottom line here is to be realistic about your timing to avoid unnecessary rushing. Do as much as possible in the days before the wedding day. The manicure should be done the day before. Hair and make-up stylists should be given plenty of time early in the day. Bridesmaids and Groomsmen should clearly understand the importance of not only getting to the church on time, but to be ready early!
It’s true that the festivities can’t start without the bride and groom, but it will be much more relaxing and enjoyable if everyone is ready to start on time. So make sure that when you are planning the agenda for the day, that you allow enough time to do everything you are planning. Talk your professional services providers about the amount of time they will need to do their job for you so everyone is where they are supposed to be when they are supposed to be there. For the bridal couple, the wedding party and their families, the day will feel like it ended before it began, but if you allow enough time for preparation, travel, and the formal portrait session, the service professionals will be ready to do their best work to make your special day the best it can be!
Heidi & JR showing off their rings.
If you know of any wedding day scheduling nightmares you would like to share, please tell us in the comments section.
