The Major Item You’re Forgetting in Your Wedding Schedule

So there is a lot you have do for your wedding. Finding your wedding vendors, coming up with your design, figuring out the logistics, managing your wedding party and of course, creating your wedding schedule. 

All of it can be difficult, but your schedule is one of the trickiest.  Why? 

Because it will dictate how things flow on your wedding day.

And whether you’ll have enough time or not enough time for things like dancing.

And everyone wants enough time for dancing!

Now you may be able to get started creating your schedule with help from your venue, your caterer or photographer. 

But, in the end the schedule is up to you. 

So, you want to make sure you’ve created a good one.  One where you won’t feel stressed or have to give something up last minute. 

And there is one major thing you’re likely forgetting in your wedding schedule…

Buffer time. 

Weddings inevitably always run late.

Hair and makeup takes longer than expected because your bridesmaid keeps changing her mind…

Your mom wants a few more extra last minute photos…

A large number of your guests don’t arrive on time…

Your caterer doesn’t get the food out fast enough…

The DJ/Emcee screws up the order of the program…

And the list goes on and on.

There are so many people and variables that go into a wedding. And one of those variables will inevitably make you late.

But, if you build in buffer time, it gives you some cushion. 

And it can actually naturally make up for the time you fall behind without you having to do anything!

Brilliant right?

So, here’s how you add in buffer time.

You don’t just want to add on an hour or a half hour somewhere.  You want to build a little extra time into every major activity.

So, for example, if hair and makeup is supposed to be done by 2pm, and then the bride gets dressed, have her dressed by 2:40 or 2:45pm.  It won’t actually take that long to get dressed, but if hair and makeup goes long, you’re covered.

If your photographer said he/she needs 15 minutes to get the family photos, give him 20 instead.  If you’re running late or your niece has a meltdown or your mom decides to tack on an additional photo or two, you’re ok. 

Each toast is only going to be 2-4 minutes, but when you make each 5 minutes, you have a few extra minutes to utilize if needed.

When you tack on a few extra minutes here and there to every activity, it adds up. And it can really help you if you fall behind somewhere.

Which ALWAYS happens.

Now of course, this won’t be as helpful if something goes majorly wrong or something or someone is majorly behind, but it will help with most normal delays that come with weddings. 

And when you have that buffer time, you can be relaxed on your wedding day when something inevitably gets delayed.

Need some help creating your schedule and all the things?  Become a Passport to Joy member here!