You’ve planned every detail.
You’ve double-checked the timeline.
You’ve confirmed with vendors and walked through the entire day with your couple.

But when the wedding day finally arrives, it’s not just about what’s on paper — it’s about how you manage it all in real time. Learn how to handle wedding day logistics like a pro!

And here’s the truth:
Something will go wrong.

Whether it’s a late hair and makeup team, surprise weather, or a boutonniere that won’t pin, wedding day curveballs happen. What separates a good planner from a great one is not avoiding every issue — it’s handling them with calm confidence so the couple never even knows there was a hiccup.

After 14+ years of coordinating weddings, I’ve developed a simple rhythm that helps me manage the chaos, stay cool under pressure, and keep everything (and everyone) on track.

Here are a few of my favorite tips that let me handle wedding day logistics:

✅ Build in Buffer Time

Always pad your timeline with buffer blocks — especially before key moments like the first look, ceremony, or grand entrance. That 10–15 minutes can save the entire schedule if someone’s late or something runs behind.

✅ Confirm with Vendors (Again)

The day before the wedding, send a quick group text or email to all vendors. Include:

• Venue address
• Their expected arrival time
• Your contact info (even if it’s already on the timeline)

It’s a small step that prevents a lot of day-of confusion.

✅ Highlight Key Handoff Points

Print out the final timeline and highlight major transitions — cake delivery, bouquet arrival, DJ setup, bar opening, etc. These are the moments where things tend to bottleneck if they’re not watched closely.

✅ Assign a “Runner”

Have a designated go-to person (maid of honor, parent, or assistant) to help you round up wedding party members when it’s time for photos, processional, or toasts. This saves you from running in heels.

✅ Feed and Hydrate the Couple

Make sure your couple has snacks, water, and — if possible — a quick bite before the ceremony. You’d be surprised how often nerves + no food = fainting at the altar. (Yes, really.)

Want my full wedding day checklist?

If you want to see exactly how I manage the entire day — from arrival to exit — I’m sharing the exact checklist I use at every wedding.

Click Here to shop our Wedding Day Checklist.

It’s the same system I’ve refined over hundreds of weddings — and it’ll help you walk into every event with total clarity and confidence.

xo, Terrica