5 Mistakes That Can Make Your Wedding Run Late

So, you've been planning your wedding for what feels like an eternity—ever since the proposal, or maybe even from childhood, you've envisioned every little detail: the perfect dress, the flowers, the music, and even the perfect moments you’ll share with your loved ones. It’s easy to get lost in these dreams, especially when the excitement is so high. But as you know, things don't always go as planned. The weather may not cooperate, something may go wrong with the vendor, or even your own nerves might get in the way. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to learn a lot about weddings—not just the glamorous moments, but the behind-the-scenes challenges that can arise. And while no amount of planning can fully prevent these hurdles, there are definitely things you can do to prepare, so you're ready to face whatever comes your way with grace and confidence. From setting realistic expectations to finding ways to stay grounded when the stress builds, I’ve gathered a few tips that I think will make a big difference on your big day. I hope they help you navigate any bumps in the road, so you can still have the beautiful, memorable wedding you’ve dreamed of.

1. Hair and makeup - I like to think of this as an artistic process. Wedding makeup and hair is a whole new experience, plan accordingly. The bridal look will take much longer than you think. Talk to your stylist while planning out your day. They will have a good idea of how long they will need. It can take 90-120 minutes for a full service of hair and makeup. Just a side note: having the products they use on hand for touchups is something you should definitely think about. Our stylist, Jacey with The Vanity, will provide you with touch up products.

2. Seating- At a larger wedding, getting everyone seated can take a bit. Think about this when you put your arrival time on your invites. Give your hosts ample amounts of time to seat everyone. Remember, people tend to trickle in, try to seat them as early as possible. Perhaps your wedding is to start at 5:30, but your invite says 5:00. It's ok if your guests think you are running late.

3. Organization- Being very well organized can help you avoid a lot of mess and confusion. I have seen brides hand out packets with precise instructions to those participating in the wedding. This is a great idea! Make sure to gather everything you need the night before. Our coordinator, Jenna with Milestones Planning, will help things run smoothly so you can enjoy every moment.

4. I always tell family to come early. All too often, a family member will stroll in nonchalantly as the bride is walking down the aisle. I have also seen weddings run behind because the matriarch of the family isn't there yet. Hiring a day of coordinator or wedding planner will help with organization. Our coordinator will be sure to help everyone to be where they need to be and when they need to be there.

5. Last-minute photo requests for the photographer. In my line of work, I see this one quite often. You are doing your bridesmaid shots and start thinking about poses you want to do and start asking for more poses. My suggestion is to plan for this by allowing yourself additional time to shoot photos. Feel free to speak with me about the images you want. That way, we can prepare accordingly. These are just a few of the many issues I have seen over the years. Also, if you want the glamourous photos you see in magazines, we need time to create those.

I hope this helps you. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me! I am happy to help.

XOXO,

Amy