Why You Shouldn’t Share Your Entire Wedding Timeline with Family + Wedding Party

Photo: PJ Van Photo

When it comes to wedding days, the phrase “expect the unexpected” couldn’t be more true. Things happen behind the scenes—hair and makeup may run long, a vendor might be delayed, or a boutonniere could mysteriously go missing (it happens more often than you’d think!). As a wedding planner, I always tell couples: keep the detailed master timeline between your planner and vendors only.

Why? Because too much information can actually create unnecessary stress for your wedding party and family. If Aunt Linda knows the cake cutting was supposed to be at 7:42 p.m. and it happens at 7:57 p.m., she may think the night is “off schedule”—when really, everything is running beautifully.

Instead, I create what I call an “I-Do Crew Itinerary.” This streamlined version is perfect for your wedding party and immediate family. It highlights only the essentials they need to know, such as:

• Transportation pick-up/drop-off times

• When hair + makeup starts

• What time they should be dressed and ready

• Family + bridal party photo time

• Ceremony start time

• General reception timeframe (for example: 6–10 p.m.)

  
  

This way, everyone stays on the same page without being bogged down by every tiny detail. Your crew feels confident and relaxed, while you and I handle the behind-the-scenes magic to keep everything flowing smoothly.

At the end of the day, your loved ones should be focused on celebrating with you—not checking their watch. Trust me, the less they know about the nitty-gritty, the more fun they’ll have (and so will you).