Wedding Day Timeline Tips + Tricks | Kansas City Wedding Photography

May 29, 2019

When it comes to planning your wedding, timing is EVERYTHING! Creating a well thought out timeline is the key to having a relaxed and fun wedding day. Each couple’s wedding timeline is unique to their own day, but there are a few tried and true timing tips that will help everyone in creating their day of timeline. Today I am sharing my list of my wedding timeline tips and tricks to helping your special day go off without a hitch!

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1 – Hair + Makeup

Begin hair and makeup as early as possible. Factor in at least 45 minutes per each hair and makeup application and create a timeline depending on the amount of bridesmaids, flower girls, mothers, and of course you getting pampered! Give yourself as the bride extra time for hair and makeup – at least 90 minutes (or more!) each for hair and makeup. Be sure to schedule your photographer at the end of your hair and makeup sessions to have photos of you getting ready for your big day!

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2 – Detail Shots

Have all of your details ready for the photographer to capture upon their arrival. There are so many details to gather, even doing this the night prior to your wedding day may be beneficial so nothing is forgotten, even for the groom!

Bridal details may include; dress, shoes, jewelry, perfume, garter, engagement ring + wedding band, veil, and any heirloom or special items.

Groom details may include; shoes, tie, cufflinks, socks, cologne, ring, and any heirloom or special items.

Other details to include; invitation suite, ceremony program, other paper products, your bridal bouquet and any extra floral stems or greenery from your wedding florist, a ring box, and other styling props such as ribbon, vintage stamps, etc.

P.S. A detailed blog post about details to include for photo styling is coming soon!

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3 – Bridesmaids Dresses Before Bride

Have your bridesmaids get dressed before you and put on your gown on in a separate rooms from your bridesmaids! This is important if you want to have a grand reveal of you in your dress to your bride tribe. Grab your mother, motherly-figure, sister or bestie with you for this special moment of you getting into your gown and to help zip or button you up! These special moments of getting into your gown for the first time on your wedding day are one of my very favorites!

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4 – First Look vs. No First Look

Are you stuck on whether you want to see your groom for the first time before the wedding ceremony or during the ceremony? If you are having trouble deciding, think about what your ceremony start time is. If your ceremony is in the early afternoon, a first look isn’t necessary. But if your ceremony is later in the evening, I would definitely recommend doing a first look. This will give you both the opportunity to spend as much time together as possible on your wedding day! With how quickly wedding days go by, you’ll love every single moment you got to spend together!

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5 – Formal Photos

Deciding when to take your formal photos depends on whether or not you are having a first look with your groom. If you are planning on seeing each other before the ceremony, the couple of hours before the ceremony is the perfect time to take these photos! If you are waiting to see each other until the ceremony, then right after the ceremony is perfect!

Make a plan ahead of time for these photos. Create a list of your family, and the groom’s family of the list in order for photos and let each family member know ahead of time when and where these photos are taking place!

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6 – Reception Order of Events

Create a reception timeline that keeps your guests’ attention and keeps their energy high! Allow enough time for each event to take place, but be sure not to drag anything out too long. Hiring a wedding planner will ensure your guests are enjoying every second of the night and not getting bored with dinner dragging out.

Order of Events may include;

Grand Entrance
First Dance
Cut Cake
Welcome & Blessing
Dinner
Toasts
Formal Dances
Open Dance Floor

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7 – Grand Exit

If you have big grand exit plans, start early before the reception end time. Allow 15 minutes before the end to allow your guests to get ready to leave and set in their spots. Guests’ tend to move a little slower towards the end of the night, so giving your guests a little time to gather their items, leave the space, and get in place for your grand exit will ensure all guests end the night with you on a high!

Remember to enjoy each and every moment of your wedding day! It tends to go by so quickly, so be sure to soak in every single moment of your special day. Taking time to plan out your day makes the biggest difference on how your day will go!

That concludes the list of my 5 favorite places to shop for your wedding gown in the Kansas City area! I hope you enjoyed and learned a few tips when creating your wedding timeline!

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To book your portrait or wedding photography, get in touch with me today! Fill out the contact form or email me at Hi@MariamSaifan.com (913.485.5654)

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