5 Wedding Day Timeline Mistakes You Need To Avoid

Sep 18th

by: ELD Team

5 Wedding Day Timeline Mistakes You Need To Avoid

Janice Carnevale of Bellwether Events

Hey there! Thanks for stopping by today! My name is Janice Carnevale and I’ve had my event planning company, Bellwether Events, since 2006, and I’ve been working on events in the Washington DC area since 2002. Its safe to say I’ve written hundreds of wedding day timelines, and today I am here on Every Last Detail to share the top 5 mistakes I see on wedding day timelines!

If you want to skip everything below, here are the Cliff’s Notes: pad everything. Everything you do will take longer. Everything your team will do will take longer. No one sticks to the limits you place on them for their toasts.

Mistake #1: Not planning enough time for getting ready.

For the bride(s), I personally allot an hour for hair, and hour for make-up and an hour to get dressed. If this sounds crazy to you, consider this: would you rather be ahead of schedule or behind? My clients are always happy when I tell them that they are running on time or ahead of the timeline, especially so early in the day. If you fall behind early on, it has a terrible snowball-rolling-downhill effect.

Extra tip: plan a break for lunch, and make sure you have some protein!

Mistake #2: Not planning enough time for travel.

Buses take more time than you might think. They cannot always park right in front of the pick-up location. They have to load up your wedding guests. They have to drive more slowly and take more caution than you or I would in our personal cars. Then they have to unload. I’ve allotted 15 minutes for a drive that was just a few blocks. I would allot 30 minutes for a drive that would usually take 10 minutes. And when a drive would usually take 45 minutes, I allot an hour.

Mistake #3: Not planning enough time for group photos after the ceremony.

You seriously need to plan for 3-4 minutes per group. I?ve watched this process many times. Wrangling guests. Setting them up. Taking the photos. Making them leave the space (yes, it’s a thing!) I try to encourage my clients to have less than 5 family groups if they have to do photos after the ceremony. This will allow you to enjoy the majority of your reception. And I implore my clients to do a first look so that we can accomplish couple portraits and wedding party portraits before the fun begins.

Mistake #4: Not planning enough time for food service.

You can estimate that each plated course will take 30 minutes to serve, eat and clear. If you offer a choice-in-advance entree, allot 45 minutes for this course. Family style meals will be similar in timing. If you plan on a buffet, try to have 1 buffet line per 75 guests, and assume that it will take at least 45 minutes to get everyone through the lines.

Mistake #5: Toasts almost ALWAYS go longer than we planned.

If you want your besties to speak for a limited time, know this: people, on average, speak 130 words a minute. If you want to keep your toasters to 4 minutes or less, ask them to write a 400-word speech. They will likely go over a little bit, but it will be somewhat reigned in.

Haven’t started your wedding day timeline yet? That is OK! ELD has this fabulous wedding timeline basics post to get you started!

Are you working on your wedding day timeline already? Do you have any pressing concerns that are weighing you down? Email me and let me know how I can help!

5 Wedding Day Timeline Mistakes You Need To Avoid via TheELD.com

About The Author

Janice Carnevale, Bellwether Events

www.bellwetherevents.com

Janice has been a wedding and event planner in the DC area since 2002. Bellwether Events include modern, chic weddings; amazing theme parties; and heartfelt milestone celebrations.

Colorful Mosaic Inspired Idaho Wedding Ideas

Category: INSPIRATION, MEMBER FEATURES 0 Comments

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Sep 17th

by: Lauren

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If you are stuck on where to start for inspiration for your wedding, let your venue be the guide. V List planner Red Letter Event Planning got together an amazing team to create a shoot inspired by the mosaics in the unique Idaho wedding venue, The Jacklin Arts Center. The location is a former church with stained glass and cathedral windows, so their mosaic glass inspiration was born. Wonderfully blending modern detailing with the classic old world setting, this shoot is full of inspiring details. We are obsessed with the lush teal hue that makes such a statement, especially paired with the orange blooms by Roses and Lace Florist. But the cake by Sweets Geeky Cakes steals the show. The stunning modern mosaic design is a must pin! Keep scrolling to see all the fab inspo captured by Emily Wenzel Photography.

From Red Letter Event Planning:

The Jacklin Arts Center is a former church turned Idaho wedding venue. The beautiful ballroom maintains the stained glass and cathedral windows that echo it’s past while also being a bright, white space. Our team took this neutral space and added glass elements and bright hues to make the space pop with color! We used unique elements like stained glass panels, broken pieces of glass and acrylic to bring the vision to life.

Vendors Who Made It All Happen…

Planner/Stylist: Red Letter Event Planning // Photographer: Emily Wenzel Photography // Venue: The Jacklin Arts Center // Model: Amanda Dotts // Florist: Roses and Lace Florist // Rentals: Event Rents, Patina Rentals // Hair + Makeup: Rachel Jordan Beauty // Cake: Sweets Geeky Cakes // Calligraphy/Invitations: Crimson Calligraphy // Dress + Accessories: Cloud Nine Bridal // Straws: Toma Glass Straws

Click here to see more Colorful Weddings & Inspiration!

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Colorful Mosaic Inspired Idaho Wedding Ideas
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What Does a Wedding Planner Do?

Category: MEMBER FEATURES, WEDDING PLANNING 0 Comments

Sep 16th

by: Modern Vintage Events

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The thought has probably crossed your mind before… what does a wedding planner do? Well, we have some insight on this topic today thanks to Becca + Jessie of Modern Vintage Events…

Have you gotten to the point in wedding planning where these wedding details are daunting and are totally getting in the way of date nights? You may or may not be sort of over all.the.details. This is usually the point where you ask yourself, what can I do to take some of this work (and stress) off me?

Well… in steps a wedding planner! Ta-da! There isn’t an easy button to press to make all the details go away but a wedding planner is definitely a step in that direction. A wedding planner is fully vested in your wedding from the very beginning; sometimes before there is even a venue booked.

What Type of Wedding Planner is Best For You?

First, you have to think about what type of planning you want and what your budget will allow. Many planners have different packages ranging from full or partial planning to wedding design or event management/month of coordination. Some offer day of planning but that can be a bit tricky if you haven’t met with them before the wedding day.

Jen and Chris Creed Photography

Full Planning + Design

If you hire a planner for full planning and design they will be with you every step of the way. This means they get to know you and your wedding from the beginning. They help you come up with a look and feel that is unique to you and then suggest vendors to make this come to life. They work alongside you for the creative elements but also tackle and take over all the behind the scenes elements like building a floor plan and flow that works within your venue or determining how much power the band needs. A planner will help you with the big things like catering, photographer and flowers while also managing other elements like hotel room blocks and transportation for both you and your guests. They are your companion in this crazy wedding ride.

Some planners do both planning and design while others are more planning and logistic focused. Both of these are very valuable. Some planners have that creative side to be able to help you come up with new and fun ideas to make your wedding stand out while others are killer with the checklists and speadsheets to keep you on track. Both can help you accomplish the wedding of your dreams while still maintaining the other aspects of your life. (You do still have a job for the next year!) All planning companies are different and handle the process in different ways. You can find one that best fits your style and communication.

Partial Planning

Partial planning is a step down from full planning and a little less inclusive. Typically with partial planning a planner is helping you with some aspects of the wedding but not all of them. For instance, they may be taking over the logistics and details of certain vendors while you handle the others. This is a good option for you if you have a great handle on certain aspects of the wedding but would like some guidance and help in other arenas. If you are really detail focused but not sure where to go with design or you have a great handle on creative but monotonous details are just not your thing, this could be a good package for you.

Partial planning might mean bringing someone on to ensure you have a cohesive design or to handle the checklists while you handle the creative. A partial planner is still going to make sure your wedding day runs smoothly and coordinate with all the vendors, even the ones you have been communicating with through the planning process. While not as inclusive, this can be a more cost effective option if your budget is tight.

Event Management/Month of Coordination

Your budget may not allow for a planner to walk you through every step but having someone to run your wedding day is very important. You, your wedding party and your mom will be busy getting ready and enjoying the day and you will not want to have to break to set up the tables or centerpieces. This is where a coordinator steps in. They will take over logistics and communications in the busy weeks leading up to your wedding and then ensure that the wedding day runs smoothly.

A coordinator can come in and review your contracts, details and needs. They can point out any holes in the planning and assist you in fixing those before wedding day arrives. Your coordinator can manage the little logistics and free you up to enjoy time with your family and friends.

CK Photo

How Much Does a Wedding Planner Cost?

Price wedding planners in your area and see what kinds of services they offer and what their range in price is then start meeting with them. Unfortunately there isn’t a standard in pricing and this will truly range depending on what your are looking for and what part of the country you are in. A full planner may be anywhere from $5,000 to $12,000 +.

A good rule of thumb is to estimate about 10-15% of your wedding budget for a planner. (this may sound like a lot but they will be doing a lot for you!) In the case of a planner you typically get what you pay for. The higher priced planners are priced that way because they have years of knowledge and are going to give you a more detailed, tailored experience. That doesn’t necessarily mean the lower priced planners don’t know what they are doing so do your research. Some specialize in more budget weddings and some have a particular style that they can help you accomplish.

Meet with a planner (or two) before you book them. This can be in person, through the phone or even Skype. You will be spending a lot of time with your planner over the next year so make sure you connect well with them. They are going to be your guide, your coach, your cheerleader and sometimes your counselor. (Everyone gets to that ledge and a planner can definitely talk you down!)

Planners are advocating for you. They are working with you to make sure you are booking the vendors that will bring your wedding vision to life. (They will also set expectations if your wedding vision involves acrobats and pyrotechnics but your budget just doesn’t have the space for that kind of display…)

So, What Does a Wedding Planner Do for You?

Your planner will spent about 100-200 hours helping you plan your wedding (those are man or wo-man hours you don’t have to spend, yay!)

Remember that at the end of the day a planner is helping you plan YOUR wedding so don’t hesitate to be honest and open about what your want from that day. Let them know if you feel uncomfortable with anything or don’t like an idea they throw out. It will never hurt their feelings and you can talk through some of the reasons and details behind the decisions.

Jen and Chris Creed Photography

Whether it is with or without the help of a planner, enjoy the planning process. It might be a bit stressful leading up to the day but once the wedding day arrives it is amazing and fun and spent with the people you love.

High Fives and Happy Planning!

xoxo, Becca + Jessie of Modern Vintage Events

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An Elegant Green & Navy Southern Wedding

Category: MEMBER FEATURES, REAL WEDDINGS 0 Comments

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Sep 12th

by: Lauren

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Well, if magnolias and monograms aren’t the definition of a Southern wedding, I don’t know what is! When we saw the wedding of Kalie and Patrick, planned by Plan It Event Design & Management, it took our breath away! It is absolutely the epitome of Southern Charm. A custom monogram and sweet magnolias were the main focus of this wedding decor, accenting the hunter green and navy blue color palette perfectly.

And the most exciting part of this Central Florida wedding? The bride, Kalie, is one of our amazing readers! We are SO excited to have the honor of sharing her wedding day with you. She’s here with us today sharing her insight- we can’t wait for you to see everything that JP Pratt captured!

What (or who) helped you most in your planning process and/or on your wedding day?

I was definitely that bride that has known what she wanted for her wedding since she was little. I very much had the design and details in mind before even getting engaged. My planner, Kristi, definitely listened to those design ideas and helped me make them a reality. We continued to bounce ideas and details off of each other to make the wedding everything I dreamt it would be. I think there was a point in the planning where Kristi was the person I was texting the most! (Sorry Patrick).

What was the most important thing to you when deciding who to work with for your wedding?

Definitely their style and personality. As I assumed, our vendors turned out to be like family to Patrick and I. From the beginning, I knew we wanted to be able to have great relationships with our vendors. We still text them and are setting up double dates to continue our relationships. I may be biased, but our vendors were just incredible.

What was your inspiration for your wedding details and/or design?

Patrick and I were raised in very similar homes rooted in faith, family, hospitality, and good ole Southern tradition. We wanted our wedding to be a combination of all of these things. We used a combination of magnolias and hydrangeas for our florals. I fell in love with hydrangeas as they lined the driveway of my grandmother’s South Carolina property. I have always loved the magnolia and how it represents the south and all of its purity. The rich green of magnolia leaves inspired the main color, which Patrick did not protest and often referred to as “Masters Green” throughout the planning process. We added in navy and dusty blue to give an extra pop of color, while keeping the design clean and classic. If you know me, you know that navy is my signature color, so it was only fitting!
To honor our families and traditions, we had countless numbers of heirlooms throughout the wedding. From my pearl necklace that was given to my mother on her wedding day, to the silver candle stick holders on the cake table that Patrick’s grandmother and grandfather received as a gift at their own wedding 60 years earlier. Patrick’s grandmother also gave the sweetest toast to us that serves as a tradition in her family, dating back to the 1800’s. We also used my great-grandmother’s Bible as the ring bearer pillow. She was the one who most likely prayed the hardest throughout my life for my future husband. We consider it no coincidence that she passed on only one day after Patrick and I officially began dating. Her work was done, her prayers were answered. The same great-grandmother gave me a miniature ceramic frog prince statue and told me to pray for my future husband whenever I saw it. I carried that little frog with me in my bouquet down the aisle to my soon to be husband that I prayed so hard for.
One of my absolute favorite details of the entire wedding was our bespoke monogram designed by the oh so talented Margaret of Do Tell Stationery & Designs. Our wedding represented us becoming one and our monogram symbolized that. We used our monogram on everything. From linen napkins, table runners, place cards, pillows, and cups, to the bespoke corn hole boards and 5′ cut outs that Margaret made from wood and then handpainted; our monogram was never far out of sight. My favorite part: we now have all of these items as keepsakes to remember our favorite day.

What was your favorite thing about your wedding?

The fact that we had everyone we loved in one room for probably the only time in our lives. We had over 200 guests in attendance and each one had a special place in our lives. Some of these people have known us since birth, some of them have only known us a short period of time, but most of them have prayed fervently over our lives. And for that we’re forever thankful. Despite being a large wedding, we wanted to make our wedding feel intimate and show them that Southern hospitality that we love so much. Hosting is one of my favorite pastimes, so I wanted our wedding to feel as if it was a big dinner party. Margaret at Do Tell created cards for us, which we used to hand write special notes to all of our guests. Through these notes, we were able to reflect on our favorite memories and show our deepest gratitude to all of our guests for what they’ve meant to us individually and as a couple.

What is your best piece of advice for other couples?

I know it’s said a million times, but it truly goes by so fast. Try to enjoy it and soak it all up. We took a tip from The Office wedding of Pam and Jim Halpert and made sure to take mental snap pictures throughout the day.
OH! And skip dinner for golden hour pictures. So, so worth it! You can eat later, but you cannot get that lighting back.