Vendor Timeline(s) - Do They Need Them?

You're dj should have when you want the dances, cake lady should just have a time to drop off and set up. Officiant, time to show up and when to start. You really can't give too many directions for some of this.

Michelle, so you're saying... I may be overthinking this... yes?

My planner created one timeline and gave to all the vendors.

Check your contracts with your various vendors. That should say the start and end times for each. If anything has changed on your end, let the vendors know -- if it affects them.

As the officiant, I don't need to know what time the photographer is arriving to do "getting ready" pics, but s/he needs to know what time I expect to start the ceremony.

Nancy, would you prefer to have something on a piece of paper, catered to your duties, specifically? Would it bother you either way?

I think you're slightly over thinking this.... but it's ALSO CROSSED MY MIND... so we're kind of in the same boat! HAHA.

Then again, whatever makes you feel more secure, then I say, do it. I just don't think it's necessary if your vendors have done lots of weddings and especially if they have done lots of weddings at your venue already.

I will do one main timeline for everyone and that's what people need to reference if they have an issue.

I will most likely zone out and enjoy my time as a bride once that timeline reaches everyone's hands. I will say "use the timeline, don't ask me." LOL.

I would go with a piece of paper catered specifically to each vendors duties. Like one for the DJ, telling he/she what time cocktail music starts/ends, dinner music starts ends (if they are different) announcement of toasts, BP dance, garter toss, etc. etc. One for the photographer may be good too outlining what shots you'd like to get before the ceremony etc. etc.

I plan to do one for my DJ just so he knows approximately what and when certain things should be happening. I know nothing is going to stay on schedule, but at least it'll give him a better idea.

RusticBride, I'm an overanalyzer by nature so it's VERY possible that I'm overthinking this, but I've also found myself becoming obsessed with the wedding planning process, just very OCD/semi-paranoid about EVERYTHING. Not. Good.

My main timeline is almost done, I just feel like there's information missing for each vendor. That's why I wanted to do a timeline for each of them.

^^ That's exactly where I'm at, Mrs_M To Be. I TOTALLY agree with the DJ having his own.

I actually already sent my photographer all of the "must-have" photos that I wanted. So I guess I'm good there. :-)

My venue needed one for room changing. My caterer needed one for when to switch from apps to dinner. My DJ needed on to know when to play what song, etc. My photographer needed one to know when to take what pictures.

My coordinator and I created a VERY DETAILED timeline for me and her to have, then we recreated a simplified timeline that I gave all of my vendors - aka the Vendor Timeline, it only noted what time each vendor is arriving/leaving and the location to be. Each vendor got the same sheet.

(I created a song timeline that lists the length and name of each song for the DJ that I gave with the vendor timeline)

My bridal party is getting a very simple version of the detailed timeline - basically listing where to be and when, who picks up who and what, as well as contact names and numbers of everyone to call other than me. Some might consider this overthing, I like to believe it's making every effort to be sure people have their sh** together

One timeline to every vendor. The same timeline. It's important that we are all on the same page. We need to know what time the dj is going to announce cake cutting so we can be in the right place at the right time. If you do them separately, and one gets changed for any reason, we won't know.

As an officiant, it would not bother me one way or another if I received a timeline. There is a local planner who e-mails me the whole thing. I can ignore about 90% of it (all the reception details, for example).

It does seem that whenever a wedding starts late, the MUA or the photographer is blamed for it (true or not). So, make sure they know that if they cause you to be late, there could be overtime fees charged by other vendors. If you are late, that's less time to enjoy the reception, too.

I gave our photographer a timeline, but everyone else no.

I just discussed timelines with each indivdual vendor. Some had to time their arrivals based on others, but other than agreeing to a come or be set up by a certain time, I'm not giving them a whole written timeline.

So yes, you may be overthinking it, but if you already have the timelines all set up, it certainly couldn't hurt to pass them out. Better over-prepared than under-prepared!

I have a timeline for my vendors.

My MOH created the day of timeline and shared it with all of the vendors. The DJ kept everything moving in coordination with the caterer. It all flowed very smoothly. I think it's best if they all work from one general timeline. As stated above, they do this for a living.

I gave our DJ and photographer a timeline of when I would like things to happen. I reviewed with everyone else what time they need to be there. With Officiant I was like so the ceremony starts at 6, and his response I will be there around 4:45.

My Hair/MUA I told what time I wanted to be ready and she gave me her timeline.

I'd much rather over do it on the instructions than under do it. Providing a timeline is great and they can just go through and highlight the part that apply to them if need be.

I get very detailed timelines from planners and occasional couples. All I need to know is when you're going to start the ceremony. I'm easy.

When I write timelines, I only have one. BUT I also color-code things so vendors can easily view which times pertain to their job. This might be a good option for you.