I’m sure my fellow type-A brides can sympathize with one of my biggest pre-wedding fears: Mass chaos. The closer the big day came, the more I worried about the specific timing of events. The thought of missing bridesmaids, groomsmen wandering off, being disorganized, and missing out on certain things such as family photographs made my heart palpitate a bit faster. I knew that things running smoothly was key to me staying calm. Because of this, developing a wedding-day timeline was of the utmost importance to me.
I started off by researching timelines that included a first look. Many photography websites include sample timelines that gave me a better idea of how much time each “event” should take. Here is the photography breakdown I developed from samples:
Using this as my guideline, I started with my ceremony start time (5 PM) and then worked my way backward to the beginning of the day. Adding travel time was key. Without it, the schedule would have been off by at least 30–45 minutes by the end of the day! For the reception timeline, my DJ/master of ceremonies was a huge help.
For those interested, here is the actual Hawk wedding-day timeline:
Phew! Distributing the timeline to the bridal party was a relief. I knew by providing this I wouldn’t have to be worried about rounding everyone up. I still heard a question or two like, “What time do we have to be at Wren again?” The running joke continued to be, “You obviously haven’t read your timeline.” Trust me, I didn’t mind the occasional teasing, though. The wedding day went more smoothly than I could have imagined!
Did you/will you write a detailed schedule out for your wedding party?
Haha sounds like my excel timeline document for my timeline. I’m afraid as well about the mass chaos. It’s the one thing I want to avoid on my wedding!
I just finished mine today. I’m type-A enough that it turned in to a 10 page packet. It includes everything from a quick overview of the weekend, to maps and directions, to contact lists, to a detailed day of schedule. My FI laughed at me but my wedding party would expect nothing less and they’ll all know where to be & when without calling me 100 times. Glad I’m not the only OCD one out there 
Perfection! Thank you so much for posting this. I’ve been stressing about how it’s all going to work out too! I’m going to use yours as a starting template, and make my own timeline.
The timeline is one of my next big to-dos, so thanks for posting this. I’m nervous about what time I’m going to have to wake up in the morning to get my hair and makeup done.
Yup… My timeline is in it’s early stages — and my wedding isn’t for another year! I don’t know what it is… Something about having things on the timeline soothes me.
I so did! I made an Excel sheet with different tabs for different people and an overall schedule. My husband is the way too organized one and insisted, but it did help!
Ahh fellow type A brides!!! I already have a general timeline made up, and have for several months!! I would rather stress about it NOW than on the day!
My timeline was pretty similar to yours, just cut down on bridal party and couple photos because of limited time with our photographer. This is a very comprehensive and helpful timeline Mrs. H!
As a Type-A person, myself, I will definitely do this.
My coordinator created a master timeline for us that was lifesaving. I sent it to everyone remotely involved, this is a great resource for brides!
I am definitely doing a timeline/checklist- I need control over every. possible. second.
Yes, this is a great resource!! Our venue has a sample timeline but it feels a little sparce. I have a little less than a year to get it all fixed up.@valpal: Did you use a template?
So helpful! I’m in the process of working on ours.. I wish there were five more hours in the day!
This is super helpful. (Especially because our ceremony ALSO starts at 5!) Thanks!!
Most certainly will have a super-detailed timeline. My worst fear(s) is/are being rushed, causing myself more stress, and missing being present during the day.
Honest to God, this line: “The thought of missing bridesmaids, groomsmen wandering off, being disorganized, and missing out on certain things such as family photographs made my heart palpitate a bit faster.” gave me heart palpitations. I already have a wedding timeline mapped out, as well as a photography timeline, and we aren’t getting married until next May. I figured that adjusting/tweaking it will be easy peasy compared to actually hammering it out and I felt so relieved once I did it. We also have one of our friends as a DOC and I totally trust her to keep everyone on time.
This is so helpful!! Where were ya a few weeks ago Hawk?! 
Juuuuust teasin’!
Mrs. Hawk, Richmond, VA Age and Occupation: 26, Finance Fiance's Age and Occupation: 30, District Supervisor Engagement Date: March 13, 2011 Wedding Date: May 2012 Venue: The Chapel of the Sir Christopher Wren Building, 2007 Legacy Hall About Me: I’m an Arizona-born girl who has spent the majority of my life living below the Mason-Dixon line. The South has definitely earned a special place in my heart (alongside my Virginia born and bred fiance, of course!). We are planning a traditional Christian ceremony at my alma mater in historic Williamsburg, Virginia, followed by a rocking reception filled with Southern cooking and vintage/shabby chic details. When we’re not wedding planning, we enjoy spending time with our three dogs, going for runs together, watching plenty of football (or baseball depending on the season), and sampling new wine.
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