Your Guide to Wedding Timelines

Thinking about the timing of your wedding day can feel like an impossible task. You’ve never planned an event like this before, so how are you supposed to know how long a First Look takes, or how much time to leave for Family Photos. I created this Timeline Template to ensure you have enough time to really enjoy your wedding and be fully present with your partner and loved ones. This is a once in a lifetime memory, so planning ahead and anticipating changes in your timeline can make things run much more smoothly.

 

 

Timeline With First Look

A day with two photographers, a first look, and no travel.

Couple listed as Partner One (P1) and Partner Two (P2)

10:30 | Photographer arrives

– Second photographer to P2’s location

11:00 | Getting ready photos (outfits, shoes, details)

12:20 | P1 hair & make-up complete (if applicable)

12:30 | P1 gets dressed

12:40 | P1 portraits

1:00 | P1 & photographer leave for first look (P2 already there)

1:05 | First look

1:15 | Couple’s portraits

1:50 | Wedding party/family arrives ready for portraits

1:55 | Wedding party/family portraits

2:15 | Couple out of sight from arriving guests

– Photographers takes photos of ceremony set-up & arriving guests

2:30 | Ceremony begins

3:00 | Ceremony ends/Cocktail hour begins

– Photographers photographs reception details/couple’s portraits

3:30 | Couple join cocktail hour

4:00 | Guests seated for dinner

4:05 | First dance & special dances (parents)

4:30 | Dinner served (photographers take break & eats when guest eats)

5:00 | Toasts & speeches during dinner

5:30 | Cake cutting

5:45 | Sunset portraits

6:00 | Sunset

6:30 | Dancefloor opens

7:30 | Coverage ends

 

Traditional Timeline

A day with two photographers, a first look, and no travel.

Couple listed as Partner One (P1) and Partner Two (P2)

10:30 | Photographer arrives

– Second photographer to P2’s location

11:00 | Getting ready photos (outfits, shoes, details)

12:20 | P1 hair & make-up complete (if applicable)

12:30 | P1 gets dressed

12:40 | P1 portraits

1:00 | P1 & photographer leave for first look (P2 already there)

1:05 | First look

1:15 | Couple’s portraits

1:50 | Wedding party/family arrives ready for portraits

1:55 | Wedding party/family portraits

2:15 | Couple out of sight from arriving guests

– Photographers takes photos of ceremony set-up & arriving guests

2:30 | Ceremony begins

3:00 | Ceremony ends/Cocktail hour begins

– Photographers photographs reception details/couple’s portraits

3:30 | Couple join cocktail hour

4:00 | Guests seated for dinner

4:05 | First dance & special dances (parents)

4:30 | Dinner served (photographers take break & eats when guest eats)

5:00 | Toasts & speeches during dinner

5:30 | Cake cutting

5:45 | Sunset portraits

6:00 | Sunset

6:30 | Dancefloor opens

7:30 | Coverage ends

 

Creating Your Timeline

Good light really does make all the difference.

Opt for the bistro lights over your reception table, and get ready in rooms with lots of window light, and don’t schedule your ceremony too close to sunset. Lighting is an often overlooked aspect of the planning process, but it helps to create a beautifully warm atmosphere that will make your photographs look lovely and dreamy.

 

Timeline Tips

Taking time to enjoy every moment together.

Your wedding day is going to be the best day of your life, and I believe you should be fully present for it. You already have your timeline of events, but make a mental note of stepping back and taking it all in. It may sound corny, but using the technique of thinking about all of your senses in the moment will help you to better remember everything going on around you.

You should remember the sounds of the music you played, the smell of your bouquet, and the sight of your first sunset as a married couple. Try to slow down and take your time, because this is a once in a lifetime thing after all.

Back Up Your Images

To be safe, keep your images in three locations – cloud, hard drive, and off-site hard drive.

Share With Guests

Invite loved ones to revisit your special day through your photographs. Galleries are easy to send and allow guests to find and purchase photos of themselves as well.

Order An Album

There really is no better way to experience your memories than through print. See available options through my store here.

You’ve got this, and you’re going to have an amazing day!

You now have the considerations to make your wedding day picture perfect. Trust in your photographer and make a conscious effort to be fully present and really take in the magic that unfolds around you as you partake in your new adventure together. It’s going to be the best day ever.