Wedding planning comes naturally to schedulers, project planners and a type-A personality. After all, a wedding schedule is just a well mapped out sequence of events that celebrate the union of marriage. Getting married and just starting to map out your wedding schedule? Use these scheduling tips to help you simplify the planning process.

1. Book the Venue Before Choosing a Date

Many engaged couples make the mistake of choosing the date before the venue. Unless you are planning to get married on a date significant or meaningful to you, wait. Most popular wedding venues need to be booked in advance, perhaps even a year in advance. If you're flexible, you could very well squeeze your wedding in without paying a peak premium. Once the venue is set, everything else has a much easier time falling into place.

2. Take Photography Into Consideration

Ok, I’ll admit, I’m a bit biased, but this one is a good one. You'll, of course, want to set aside some time for photographs. You'll need some time to get pictures of everything from wedding prep and the first look to the “I dos” as well as the reception. Above all, consider determining what aspects of the day are most important to you and dedicate time to capture it beautifully from your photographer. Also, reach out to them, they might have some key pieces of insight (fifteen minutes at sunset is magical)! I usually have several conversations with the couples I photograph specifically about timelines and what’s most important to them!

3. Schedule Tanning, Hair, Makeup Early

Be ready for wedding pics early enough to capture plenty of shots. Make sure you schedule prep vendors such as makeup artists and hairstylists many hours in advance or at the very least, do a trial run! Not only will you see what a mockup will look like, but you’ll also get a little insight into the timing of the prep. For bonus points, combine your trial run with your engagement session and it’ll change everything! And remember, you can always have a touch-up before walking down the aisle.

4. Add Some Buffers to Be On the Safe Side

It's best to be on the safe side by adding in a few timeline buffers. In order to allow for unforeseen circumstances, I’d recommend adding a few extra minutes when there is a need for guests to transition or gathering family. Another good time to add a buffer is when traveling is involved. Traffic varies, and minutes can disappear if you’re trying to get a bunch of people from one location to another.

5. Tack on 10-15 Minutes to the Start Time

The last thing you want is someone showing up late and disrupting your vows. Put a start time that is actually about 10-15 minutes before the actual start time to make sure everyone is ready to go when you make that aisle walk.

These 5 steps to wedding scheduling should make things simpler and easier for brides and grooms beginning the planning process. Keep our tips and tricks in mind when creating the blueprint for your wedding timeline.