5 Tips to Make your Ceremony run Smoothly

The timeline of events immediately before ceremony and after are so crucial (and telling) for how the day of your wedding will go! It's important to avoid makeup and hair running late because that will then put you behind on photos, which could create a longer stretch of time spent finishing portraits during cocktail hour, ultimately delaying dinner (and dancing!). Even in the early hours of the day when the time before going down the aisle seems endless, it is crucial to stay within 5 minutes of the timeline to ensure a smooth and stress free ceremony! Below, are 5 tips for ensuring your ceremony allows you to focus just on your partner, and not about how to catch up from being behind!

1. It all starts with the rehearsal

   
   

   Before your alarm even goes off on wedding morning, your rehearsal the day before has already set the tone for how the ceremony will run. A great rehearsal lays the foundation for a smooth, confident processional and ceremony flow.

   
   

   Our top 3 rehearsal tips:

   • Rehearse at your venue if you can: This helps everyone get a real sense of the space, timing, and distance of their walk.

   • Assign a ceremony coordinator: If you don’t have a wedding planner, choose a reliable person to manage lineup order, cue entrances, and keep the rehearsal moving. (Your DJ or officiant is not the best person for this!)

   • Practice with your music: Whether you're using a live musician or a playlist, rehearse the key songs. If your processional is timed to music, practice when to walk so you’re not halfway down the aisle before the chorus begins.

   
   

   Pro tip: Record the rehearsal or create a visual walkthrough for anyone in the wedding party who’s prone to forgetting details.

2. Line Up for the Ceremony 20 minutes before Start Time

   
   

   Don’t wait until five minutes before go-time to start gathering the crew. Getting everyone lined up 20 minutes before the ceremony ensures you’ll start right on time, and gives buffer for any last-minute fixes—touch-ups, bathroom breaks, nerves, you name it.

   
   

   When everyone is in place early, you’re less likely to feel rushed or frazzled in those final moments, and your guests won’t be left waiting in their seats wondering what's going on.

   
   

3. Do a final Ceremony-Ready Checklist

   
   

   Right before lining up, go through this mini-checklist to avoid any ceremony-day “oops” moments:

   • Who has the rings? (Maid of honor, best man, officiant, or ring bearer)

   • Do you have your vow books?

   • Is your veil (if wearing one) securely in place?

   • Does everyone know where they’re standing or sitting?

   
   

   You’d be surprised how many times couples realize someone’s missing an essential item just as the music begins. A two-minute check can save you a big headache.

   
   

4. Late Guests

   
   

   It’s inevitable—someone is going to be late. And while that’s okay, they shouldn’t interrupt your ceremony. Ask your planner, coordinator, or venue staff to hold late guests at the back until after the processional is complete and the bride is down the aisle.

   
   

   Letting late guests wander in during the ceremony can not only break the emotional flow, but also disrupt photos and video. A kind but firm sign or instruction from your planner ensures everyone respects the moment.

   
   

   Pro tip: Want to be extra clear? Include a note on your invitation or wedding website about your ceremony’s start time and when doors will close.

   
   

5. Breathe! And take your time walking!

   
   

   We've talked with so many brides after the wedding that have said they don't remember their walk down the aisle... or much of their wedding at all. It all goes by in such a blur, that it's so important to take your time walking down the aisle. It's better to walk too slowly rather than too quickly to allow yourself to fully take it in!

   
   

   It’s easy to go into autopilot from nerves or excitement, but this is your moment. Walk slowly, breathe deeply, and take it all in. Make eye contact with your partner. Listen to the music. Feel your bouquet in your hands.

   
   

6. Bonus tip number 6: Hire a wedding planner!

   
   

   Hiring a professional planner means you’re not the one worrying about who has the rings, where the vow books are, or whether Aunt Linda is blocking the aisle. A planner builds a realistic timeline, troubleshoots issues before they happen, and keeps everyone on track—all while letting you stay emotionally present.

   
   

   Here’s what a planner can help with:

   • Creating a custom timeline that actually works

   • Managing vendors, guests, and wedding party logistics

   • Solving last-minute issues (missing boutonniere, vendor stuck in traffic, etc.)

   • Being the go-to person for questions so you don’t have to be

     
     

   In short: a planner gives you the freedom to fully experience your wedding day. And that’s priceless.