Time Issues - A Few Good Tips

TIME ISSUES - A FEW GOOD TIPS

by Judith Rivers-Moore
author of “Beautiful Weddings & Events”
www.WeddingLinks.com

Starting The Wedding on Time

Someone has to wear a watch!

Whether you believe it is stylish or romantic to start the wedding late, it really can be costly when you don’t begin on time. It is difficult for the guest who sits on the hard pew or hot sun, and nerve racking for the soloists, clergy, etc. Of course the reception food gets over-cooked or soggy and for every hour that lags during the ceremony, the reception crew, [musicians, caterer, hall, limo, etc] will probably add up overtime charges. With four vendor services going over by one hour, it will take money from your honeymoon funds before you leave the reception. You don’t want to put a damper on your trip or daddy’s over-used wallet, so head off the problems with a few proven methods.

From the guest’s perspective your invitation can read a half hour earlier than your ceremony begins. A map can be included in the envelope to both the ceremony and reception location. Close the guest book fifteen minutes prior to the ceremony to speed up the seating. The guest book can be reopened at the reception. Have valet parking when the site is difficult to unload passengers and remember to reserve the front of the ceremony site near the curb when arriving in a special car. Brides don’t walk a block in the sun or rain!!

Drinking while getting ready -- slows down the process and a little too much tippling can make for a very humiliating scene during the ceremony as the bride lurches down the aisle or groom falls on his face.

Get Me To the Ceremony On Time

The Amazing Timelines

When a couple decides not to hire a wedding coordinator, many of the usual details of the day can go out the window and the guests may leave before the cake is cut or photos taken that are important. Some brides have an inner clock, but most get caught up in their special day. With a bride or groom’s personal tardy habits, it is important to put someone in charge of assisting in creating a timeline for the day and getting the bride and groom everywhere on time. That “lucky person” may hate you later for assigning them this task, but it is for everyone’s good.

The immediate family and attendants will be prompt when properly instructed of their obligations to the TASK of getting you married on time. When there is a known “late person” in the group, ask one of the on-time attendants to be in charge of the late one. Call them, pick them up, etc. The attendants should have an e-mail or paper with the days, addresses, phone numbers, maps, exact times you want them where and any specific things they are to assist with. This is sent ahead of time and given again the day of the rehearsal. [ Be certain to review our timeline structures ]

Complete The Ceremony Process ~ Rehearsal timeline ~ Reception timeline

Outline the process of the ceremony with your officiant ahead of time.

Pre-Wedding Timeline

Call all your attendants and vendors a week ahead to remind them of dates, times and places. The night before have gas in the car, a working alarm clock, all items hung out for the ceremony or packed, honeymoon luggage packed, tickets, passports, marriage license, attendant phone numbers, keys to the car, some good protein in the stomach and bottles of water.

The Day-Of Timeline [ given to your designated attendant.]

Create a personal timeline for the day of your wedding. Figure out what time you should get up, how much time it takes to complete each task for getting ready, how long it takes to get to the church or ceremony location, how long for make-up, dressing and pre and post ceremony photos or family portraits. Place one or two of your attendants to be in charge of politely moving you through the wedding day process.