What Should Be Included in a Wedding Itinerary?

What should be included in a wedding itinerary?

‍The wedding day is undoubtedly one of the most significant days in one's life. It's a magical day filled with joy, love, and beautiful moments. However, planning for such a big day can be overwhelming. One of the key elements of ensuring a smooth wedding day is preparing a detailed itinerary. In this article, we delve into the question of what should be included in a wedding day itinerary.

Starting with the Basics: What is a Wedding Itinerary?

A wedding itinerary, also known as a wedding day timeline, is a detailed plan that outlines the flow of events on your wedding day. It schedules when and where each activity will occur, from the moment you start getting ready to the grand exit at the end of the reception.Crafting a wedding day itinerary ensures that nothing falls through the cracks, and every detail is taken care of. It also helps you manage your time effectively and ensure that everyone involved, including vendors, bridal party members, and guests, know exactly what is happening and when.

Key Elements of a Wedding Day Itinerary

Crafting a wedding day itinerary involves considering several elements. Let's look at what should be included in a wedding day itinerary.

1. Pre-wedding Events

Your wedding itinerary should start from the very first event, which is often the wedding rehearsal. However, for some couples, this may include pre-events that are part of a larger multi-day wedding celebration.

Rehearsal

Begin your timeline with the rehearsal, detailing when and where it will be held. Also, include the time and location of your rehearsal dinner or welcome party.

Pre-wedding Get-togethers

If you have any pre-wedding get-togethers planned, such as a bridesmaids' brunch or a groomsmen's golf outing, these should be included in your itinerary.

2. Getting Ready

This is where the wedding day officially starts. Detail when and where you, your partner, and your wedding party will start getting ready.

Hair and Makeup Appointments

Note down the time when your hair and makeup artists will arrive and who they will work on first. Also, specify any instructions your stylists have provided, such as whether the bridesmaids should arrive with clean, dry hair.

Dressing Up

Specify what time everyone needs to start getting dressed. It might be before you put your gown on so they can help you get ready.

3. Vendor Arrivals and Set-up

This section should include the arrival times for all your vendors and when they will start setting up.

Vendor Load-in Times

Include the time when each vendor is expected to arrive for setup. Be sure to include what they are setting up and key contacts.

Photography and Videography

Specify when your photographers and videographers will arrive and start taking shots. Also, note the times for different photo sessions, such as the bridal party photos, couple's portraits, and family photos.

4. Wedding Ceremony

This is the main event. Outline when it will start, how long it will last, and any specific traditions or customs you will incorporate.

Guest Arrivals

Include what time your guests should start arriving for the ceremony.

Ceremony Start and End Times

Clearly state when your ceremony will start and end.

Post-ceremony Activities

Specify any post-ceremony activities, such as a confetti toss, signing the marriage license, or a group photo.

5. Cocktail Hour and Reception

This part of the itinerary includes everything from the start of the cocktail hour to the end of the reception.

Cocktail Hour

Indicate when and where the cocktail hour will start and end.

Dinner

Note when guests will be seated for dinner and when dinner will be served.

Speeches and Toasts

Outline when speeches and toasts will take place and who will be giving them.

Dancing

Include when the first dance will occur, the parent dances, and when the dance floor will be open for all guests.

6. Evening Activities

This section should cover all the activities that will take place during the evening, such as the cake cutting, bouquet toss, and any other special dances or games.

7. Wrap-up Activities

Detail when the last song will be played, when guests should depart, and when the wedding couple will make their grand exit.

Tips for Crafting a Wedding Day Itinerary

Here are some tips to help you craft your wedding day itinerary:

1. Start from Scratch: Every wedding is unique, so you'll need to create a timeline that suits your day. Use templates as a guide but adjust them to fit your needs.
2. Add Buffer Time: Unforeseen delays can happen, so add extra time to your schedule to accommodate them.
3. Distribute Your Itinerary: Share your itinerary with your vendors, wedding party, and family members to ensure everyone is on the same page.
4. Consider the Weather and Lighting: If you're having an outdoor ceremony or planning for sunset photos, consider the weather and lighting when scheduling these events.
5. Work with a Planner: If possible, work with a wedding planner or month-of coordinator to help you create a detailed and effective itinerary.

Lastly,

Creating a wedding day itinerary is an essential part of planning your big day. It ensures that everything runs smoothly, and all your guests have a great time. Take the time to think through each part of your day and create a timeline that suits your needs. And remember, while sticking to the schedule is important, don't let it stop you from enjoying one of the most memorable days of your life!Are you looking for help building out a wedding itinerary? Reach out to our team of Toronto wedding planners to help pull your final details together!