Wedding Day Timeline

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PLANNING A WEDDING

Planning your wedding day can be overwhelming, but don't worry, I am here to help you create the perfect timeline. I have been helping couples plan their day for years and am excited to help you plan yours! From the morning preparations to the ceremony and reception, I will make sure that every moment is accounted for and runs smoothly. You might be asking yourself why a wedding photographer would be helping you plan your wedding day timeline, and here is the answer: I don't want to miss a shot. It is my job to capture all of the most important moments on your wedding day. In order to do that, I need to ensure that all of those moment happen. If I am working with you, I am in your corner. I want to help make your wedding as stress-free and as beautiful as possible. We will work together to determine the ideal start and end times for each activity, such as hair and makeup, photos, ceremony and the grand entrance. By creating a detailed timeline, you can relax and enjoy your wedding day, knowing that everything is carefully planned. Let me help take the stress out of your hands and create a timeline with you that will make your wedding day as carefree as possible.

Wedding Timeline Options

I have two general outlines for wedding day timelines and they generally revolve around the idea of the first look. If you haven't heard about the first look, it is what we call the moment in time where the groom lays eyes on the bride for the first time on there wedding day. Usually it's the brides goal to make the groom sob and melt into a million pieces at her sheer beauty... and hey, sometimes that happens. First looks really have the power to shape the flow of the entire wedding day and here is why. If a couple decides to do a first look and does one earlier in the day, their entire schedule is now free to take photos and enjoy time with friends and family at whatever rate they like. Couples who choose to do a first look generally have a more laid back and relaxing experience on their wedding day. The other option is a bit more traditional and happens when the groom first sees the bride when she is walking down the isle. While this is likely how you imagined your wedding day, choosing the more traditional first look style definitely complicates your wedding day time line. Remember, there is only so much time in a day and if you choose to do your first look during your 4pm ceremony, that means you spent most of your wedding day avoiding almost everyone at your wedding including the love of your life. This results in couples feeling like they have to cram a lot in between 4pm and 10PM on their wedding day. HOWEVER, that does not have to be the case if you decide to do a traditional first look. Below I have outlined the different day of schedules and have optimized option two for couples who are more traditional. Pick one that works for you and work with me and your family to customize it to meet your needs!

Option One:

8AM to 12PM Getting Ready

Believe it or not, but girls always take longer than you would expect to get ready on wedding days! Guys usually need from 11am to 12pm to get ready.

12PM Lunch

Lunch is usually quick on a wedding day, but hey! If you finish getting ready fast then you will have more time to eat!

12:30PM to 1:15 PM First Looks

First looks are usually between the bride and groom. They can also be between a bride and her father or a groom and his mother. Pictures are usually taken at this time.

1:30PM to 3:00PM Bridal Party Photos

During this time we will take photos of the bridal party and the bride and groom. This is usually the time in which a party bus or limo gets involved but not always.

3:30PM to 4PM Freshen Up

This is the time prior to the ceremony. Couples usually use this time to freshen up prior to the ceremony. If you are religious this is also often a time of prayer.

4PM Ceremony

's show time! Typically ceremony's are around 30 minutes long, but this is dependent on your officiant. Talk to your officiant prior to the wedding date to get an idea of how long he or she plans to take.

4:45PM Family Photos

It is best to have a shot list prepared in advanced and given to Reyna. This will help family photos move along quickly. I also like to have the officiant make an announcement for family members to stay close after the ceremony concludes so that they can be in family photos.

5:15 Cocktail Hour Starts

This is when the wedding guests head back into the reception hall. At this time drinks and appetizers are usually served .

5:45PM Bridal Party Announced

After the ceremony, the bridal party is either mingling with guests, riding in the party bus or doing a few more photos. The party is usually announced around 5:45 to 6PM. This should be coordinated with your Venue and DJ.

6:15PM Toasts, Prayers and Food

Around this time prayers, speeches and toasts are made. It is also nice to have food being served simultaneously.

7:30PM First Dance

The bride and groom traditionally share a first dance. Sometimes the groom and his mother or the bride and her father also share first dances.

Happily Ever After

There are a lot of other traditions that take place during receptions. Talk with your DJ regarding making the best timeline for the reception.

Option Two:

8AM to 12PM Getting Ready

Believe it or not, but girls always take longer than you would expect to get ready on wedding days! Guys usually need from 11am to 12pm to get ready.

12PM Lunch

Lunch is usually quick on a wedding day, but hey! If you finish getting ready fast then you will have more time to eat!

1PM Ceremony

It's show time! Typically ceremony's are around 30 minutes long, but this is dependent on your officiant. Talk to your officiant prior to the wedding date to get an idea of how long he or she plans to take.

1:45PM to 2:30PM

It is best to have a shot list prepared in advanced and given to Reyna. This will help family photos move along quickly. I also like to have the officiant make an announcement for family members to stay close after the ceremony concludes so that they can be in family photos.

2:30PM to 4:30PM

During this time we will take photos of the bridal party and the bride and groom. This is usually the time in which a party bus or limo gets involved but not always.

4:30PM to 5:00PM

This is the time prior to the ceremony. Couples usually use this time to freshen up prior to the reception.

5PM Bridal Party Announced

It's time to make an entrance!!

5:15 Toasts, Prayers and Food

Around this time prayers, speeches and toasts are made. It is also nice to have food being served simultaneously.

6:30PM Mingle

At this time you will have a chance to talk to your guests and spend time with the people there to celebrate you!

7:00 Cake Cutting

The bride and groom traditionally share a first dance. Sometimes the groom and his mother or the bride and her father also share first dances.

Happily Ever After

There are a lot of other traditions that take place during receptions. Talk with your DJ regarding making the best timeline for the reception.

So which Wedding Day Timeline Is Right For Us?

Ultimately the choice of how you will create your timeline is and should be unique to you. If you know that you will need longer to get ready than most, then plan for that! If lunch is super important to you, then give yourself extra time for that too! I recommend using these sample timelines and a framework for putting together your own timeline. If you have any questions, you can always shoot me a message and we can discuss your specific timeline too!

Some final thoughts...

You can have a wonderful and beautiful wedding no matter what schedule you choose. HOWEVER, keep in mind that if you are going to opt for option two (the more traditional wedding style) then it is crucial that you stay punctual! If punctuality isn't your specialty, then I would highly recommend you consider option one for you wedding!

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