WEDDING PLANNING
Congratulations on your big day, and thank you for letting me be a part of this special time. I desire to partner with you and your Wedding Coordinator to help ensure the day is smooth and stress-free. Your wedding day should be a day that is marked by celebration, joy, and hope for the the future. A solid timeline with flexibility helps ensure the day goes as you envisioned and you get the photos you desire. The most important thing is for you to have fun and enjoy your day.
So, with that being said, let's explore wedding timelines, with or without a first look, to help you plan your wedding day.
WEDDING TIMELINE TIPS
Before we dive into the specific wedding timeline samples, consider these essential tips to tailor your timeline according to your ceremony time, party size, and travel requirements:
Adjust Portrait Time for Larger Parties: The size of your wedding party matters when allocating time for portraits. A larger group may require more time, typically around 30-45 minutes.
Golden Hour Couple Portraits: Reserve a moment before sunset for intimate golden hour couple portraits. Not only will you capture breathtaking photos, but you'll also enjoy some precious one-on-one time.
Consider a First Look: If you're struggling to find time for portraits, think about having a first look. This unconventional but intimate moment before the ceremony allows for more couple portraits and quality time with guests during the cocktail party.
Incorporate Travel Time: Always account for travel time between locations, whether from your preparation area to the ceremony or from the ceremony to the reception.
Allocate Ample Time for Hair and Makeup: Don't rush your hair and makeup preparations; allocate sufficient time to ensure a relaxed start to your day.
Ceremony Duration: Seek an estimate from your officiant regarding the ceremony's duration. Different ceremonies may vary in length, and this knowledge will help structure your timeline.
Groom's Side Photos: Don't forget about the groom! Capture candid moments with the groom's parents, such as helping him with his jacket or pinning on his boutonniere, for cherished memories.
WEDDING DAY TIMELINE Example 1
Example Timeline: This is just a a guide to help you start thinking about your special day. None of this is written in stone or has to be followed verbatim. We just provide this so that you can start thinking about how you want your day to flow. The most important we want for your day is for you to ENJOY IT.
Getting Ready
11:30am: Photographer Arrives
12:00pm: Flatlays + Detail Shots
1:15pm: Bride Getting Ready Shots + PJ Photos with Bridesmaids
1:30pm: Bride Steps into dress (mom with bride, first look with bridesmaids)
5:30pm: Wedding Ceremony
6:00pm Newlywed photos
6:30
First Look
1:45pm: Bride + Dad First Look
2:00pm: Bride & Groom First Look + Couple Photos
Bridal Party + Family Photos
3:00-4:00pm: Bridal Party
Bride + Bridesmaids + any additional wedding party members
Groom + Groomsmen + any additional wedding party members
Group Shots of the entire wedding party.
4:00pm: Bride & Groom Immediate Family
4:30pm: Done with photos (photographer captures venue and guest arriving)
Ceremony
5:30pm: Wedding Ceremony
6:00 pm: Couple eats alone
6:45pm: Newly Wed Photos
Reception
7:00pm: Couple Announced, first dance, father/daughter dance, mother/son dance, cut the cake, speeches, open dance floor, bouquet toss, garter toss.
10pm: Grand exit with sparklers, bubbles, confetti, or glow sticks.
Something to consider: Will you have a fake exit? If so, what time?
WEDDING TIMELINE Example 2:
Example Timeline: Time starting at 11:00AM and ending 9:00PM.
11:00am: Details (have ready in a box)
11:45am: Bride & bridesmaids getting ready (have all hair and make-up done)
12:00pm: Bride steps into dress + mom + bridal photos
12:30pm: Bride Reveals to Bridesmaids
12:45pm: Bride reveals to dad
1:00pm: Groom getting ready (suite & boutonnière on)
1:20pm: Bride & Groom first look + portraits
2:05pm: Wedding party be ready with flowers (have someone who can help the guys)
2:10pm: Bridesmaids
2:30pm: Full wedding party
2:40pm: Groomsmen
3:00pm: Brides Family
3:30pm: Grooms Family
4:00pm: Bridal Party Rests before the ceremony
5:00pm: Ceremony
6:00: Reception (Candid Reception Photos with friends & extended family)
7:00 Couple breaks away for sunset photos
9:00pm: Fake Exit
USING WEDDING TIMELINE SAMPLES AS A TEMPLATE
Feel free to use these wedding timeline samples as templates for your big day. Customize them based on your ceremony start time and work backward from there. Don't hesitate to reach out anytime if you have questions or need anything.
WEDDING TIMELINE Example 3 (Without a First Look)
Example Timeline: Time starting at 10:30AM and ending 6:30PM.
Getting Ready
10:30am: Photographer arrives, capturing bridal detail photos (dress, shoes, invitations, etc.).
11:45am: Bride dresses, with bridesmaids and mom already prepared.
12:15pm: Bridal portraits.
12:30pm: Groom's "getting ready" photos, candid shots with groomsmen, and parents assisting with boutonniere and jacket.
1:00pm: Bride and bridesmaids' portraits, along with immediate family photos.
1:40pm: Groom and groomsmen's portraits, plus immediate family photos.
2:15pm: Head to the ceremony location, with the photographer capturing detail photos, setting up lights, and candid shots of guests.
Ceremony
3:00pm: Ceremony begins, lasting 30-45 minutes.
Portraits
3:30pm: Family portraits and cocktail hour; inform family to stay for photos.
Portraits with the entire wedding party.
Bride and groom portraits during the golden hour just before sunset.
Reception
5:00pm: Candid reception photos.
6:30pm: Grand exit with sparklers, bubbles, confetti, or glow sticks.
USING WEDDING TIMELINE SAMPLES AS A TEMPLATE
Feel free to use these wedding timeline samples as templates for your big day. Customize them based on your ceremony start time and work backward from there. Don't hesitate to reach out anytime if you have questions or need anything.