A micro wedding is exactly what it sounds like, a very small intimate wedding. There are typically no rules associated with them. But, a micro wedding consists of less tradition, fewer guests, less stress, and more adventure. One thing a micro and traditional wedding have in common is a timeline. Even if you have a more laid-back wedding, it’s always a good idea to have one, that way, people don’t have an excuse for being late (*cough* Aunt Ester). Here are five tips for building your micro-wedding timeline.

Tips for building your timeline.

1. It’s always a good idea to work backward on your timeline. Start with your exit (or send-off) and work back to when you wake up. If you are planning on doing a first look, makes sure to include that in your timeline. For more information on first looks, check out this article.
2. Add wiggle room to your timeline. It’s always a good idea to add some buffer times; this way, when your maid of honor forgets to plug in the curling iron, you don’t have to stress because you have extra time fixed into your timeline later in the day.
3. Another reason it’s a good idea to add buffer time… photos, of course! Ensure you have enough time to get ALL the photos you want. The best time for photos is sunset or sunrise if you are an early riser.
4. Don’t forget what’s important to you. When sketching out your timeline, make sure to include what you want to do. This is YOUR day, so do what makes you and your partner happy. Need a little breathing room, schedule some time for just you and your boo in a quiet, remote spot.
5. Don’t forget to schedule your day after the photography session. Check out this article on why day-after sessions are important. But basically, they add a little extra spice to your wedding photos.

The dreaded P word… PLANNING.

Now let’s talk planning. When to start. How to get it done. What to include. Argh!!! So much information. Don’t worry, your pretty head. Just keep reading.

Since we kind of already answered the what to include, let’s just skip to the when to do it. The sooner you start planning, the easier it will be to create your timeline. Wedding planners suggest that couples start planning their wedding 8-10 months in advance. This way, you can ensure you get all the activities you want to do on your big day. And you have more time to reserve that hot air balloon. If you are curious about fun activities to do on your wedding day, check out this article.

Examples of a micro-wedding timeline.

Or a more inclusive version…

6:30-7:30 am – Sunrise hike and photos with the crew.

9:00-11:00 am – Wake up, breakfast, yoga, and most importantly… COFFEE!!

11:00 am – Bridal party gets sent away to get hair and make-up done.

11:30 pm – The photo team arrives to get ready photos.

3:45 pm – The bride is in her dress, and the groom and groom’s men have their getting-ready shots.

4:00 pm- Brides maid’s photos

4:20 pm- Groomsmen photos

4:30 pm – Live music artist or DJ shows up for set up and practice.

4:40 pm – Bridal portraits

5:00 pm – The bride has tucked away in the bridal suite to relax and hide from

her groom.

5:30 pm – Guests make their way to the ceremony location.

6:00 pm – Ceremony starts.

6:20 pm – Ceremony ends, full wedding party photos.

6:30 pm – Family & group photos.

6:45 – 7:45 pm – Cocktail hour.

6:50 pm – Bride and Groom photos at sunset

7:30 – 7:50 pm – Bride and Groom entrance & dinner

8:30 pm – Cake cutting, champagne toast.

8:40 pm – Couple’s first dance followed by your choice of an exit.

Whatever you choose, just remember one thing. This is your day, this is the beginning do the rest of your lives together. Make sure you choose activities that reflect who you are as a couple and that YOU both want to do. Cut out a little alone time together. And most importantly, be authentically you while having as much fun as you possibly can.

Are you ready to book yet? Check out my profile in the Knot!