A wedding is a special day for the lucky couple embarking on the next step of their life together, so it’s understandable to want the entire day to go as smoothly as possible. However, with so many components included in the ceremony and reception, the key to a stress-free day is timing. As you get ready to dive into planning, keep these helpful tips in mind to create the perfect timeline.

How to Approach the Timing of Your Wedding Day

1. Hire a Planner

These professionals aren’t just helpful for choosing the right event space. They’re also invaluable for ensuring the whole day runs like a well-oiled joy machine. Your planner will help keep everyone in the bride and groom’s parties, the catering staff, and the guests up to date on where they should be and when, so there’s no confusion or timely delays.

2. Build in Extra Time

Whether it’s for doing makeup, moving from the ceremony to the event venue, or taking pictures, it’s better to always pad the amount of time you think it’ll take to move throughout the big day. There’s always going to be some kind of unexpected surprise, so having a built-in buffer will give you peace of mind instead of additional worries about the schedule.

3. Consider a First Look

A first look is the time for the bride and groom to see each other prior to the ceremony—fully dressed and done up. Doing a first look allows everyone in the wedding party to take pictures prior to the actual event. That’s helpful because it allows you to go straight from the ceremony to the reception without spending more time on pictures.

4. Think About the Ceremony Time

If you’re planning on doing an outdoor ceremony, choose a time where you can perfectly capture the sunset. Not only does it create a beautiful, romantic aesthetic, but it’ll also make for great photographs. For ideal results, start the ceremony an hour or two before sunset so you aren’t rushed to get pictures in before you lose the light.

5. Plan for the Venue

A valuable time-management tool is to host the ceremony and reception in the same venue, as the logistics of traveling from one to the other are removed from the equation. If you’re using two different locations, however, leave ample time for everyone to arrive to the reception on time. Be sure to factor in elements like traffic or inclement weather to avoid people feeling rushed or arriving late.

 

For more help making your wedding day perfect, contact the experts at Makoy Center in Hilliard, OH. As one of the premier event spaces in the Columbus area for over 30 years, their highly talented planning team has the experience needed to make your special day one you’ll never forget with as little stress for you as possible—whether they’re hosting the ceremony, reception, or both. The venue hosts up to 400 guests and has been Voted Best of Weddings on The Knot® seven years in a row. Call (614) 777-1211 to schedule a tour or learn more about the space online.