Where To Begin With Planning Your Wedding Day Timeline.
You’re newly engaged, you’re booking vendors, and you’re trying to figure out how many hours to book your photographer for. What all can you realistically include in the amount of time you book them for?
Friend you are not alone! I’ve been there and thousands of others have too!
Here is where I would recommend starting, when trying to figure it all out:
Decide: First look before or during the ceremony?
If you said BEFORE then this allows for a majority if not all of the formal photos to be completed before the ceremony.
If you said DURING, then this means you will have to push all photos that you both are in, to after the ceremony.
You can do what-ever-you-want! I do not appreciate couples feeling pressured from others to do something opposite of the way they wish to do it.
Now that we have that figured out, it's important to remember that your wedding day is all about you and your partner. You should plan your day in a way that feels true to your personalities and reflects your unique love story. Don't worry about what other people think or what's traditionally done. Instead, focus on what matters most to you both.
Let's dive into some practical tips for planning your wedding day timeline. I’ll even give you the recommended amount of time to allow for each event on your day, just keep reading!
1. Start early
It's never too early to start planning your wedding day timeline. In fact, the earlier you start, the better. This will give you plenty of time to make decisions, coordinate with vendors, and adjust your plans as needed. Aim to start planning your wedding day timeline at least six months before your wedding day.
2. Determine your priorities
Before you start creating a wedding day timeline, sit down with your partner and determine your priorities. What are the most important elements of your wedding day? Is it the ceremony, the reception, the photography, or something else? Once you know your priorities, you can start allocating time accordingly.
And if you keep reading, I’ll give you the amount of time I always recommend for each item on the day… 🤫
3. Start with the ceremony and work away from it
The ceremony time is a great starting point. No matter when you decided to have your first look, start with a ceremony time (considering sun, if it’s outdoor) and use my sample timelines and estimated times for each event that I include further down on this post to build a timeline off of the ceremony!
4. Consider your wedding venue
The location of your wedding will play a big role in your wedding day timeline. If you're having an outdoor wedding, for example, you'll need to plan around the natural lighting and weather conditions (e.i. such as what time the heat of the day is, what direction the sun will be shining, etc.). Also, if you're getting married at a large venue, you'll need to factor in travel time between different locations on the property. Make sure to discuss your wedding venue with your photographer, as they will be able to provide valuable insights on how to plan your timeline around the venue's unique features.
5. Be realistic
When planning your wedding day timeline, it's important to be realistic about how much time you'll need for each activity. If you already have booked your photographer, consider the amount of hours your contract is for. Don't try to cram too much into one day, or you'll end up feeling rushed and stressed. Leave plenty of buffer time between activities, and be prepared to adjust your timeline as needed.
Here is a general guide on what you can fit into a photography package of these sizes.
6. Communicate with your vendors
Your vendors, including your photographer, caterer, and DJ, will play a big role in your wedding day timeline. Make sure to communicate with them early and often, so they know what to expect and can plan accordingly. Ask them for their input on how much time they'll need for their services, and be open to their suggestions. If feel like you need more help, I always like to sit down to plan out and go over a wedding timeline with my couples. This way both them and I, walk away feeling more prepared and confident that the timeline is the best option for their specific needs! This also allows me to give recommendations that will benefit their photography experience.
7. Don't forget about travel time
Travel time is often overlooked when planning a wedding day timeline, but it's important to factor it in. Make sure to leave plenty of time for getting from one location to another, especially if you're traveling during peak traffic hours. It always seems to take longer than you think.
8. Plan for downtime
Finally, don't forget to plan for downtime. Your wedding day will be a whirlwind of activity, and you'll need some time to decompress and enjoy the moment. Schedule in some time for quiet moments with your partner, or for hanging out with your bridal party. This will help you stay relaxed and present throughout the day.
I have found that a GREAT time to do this is 20-30 minutes before the ceremony begins. This allows you to get set for the highlight of the day and enjoy the last moments with your partner or bridal party before you are married!
Now, probably what you’ve been waiting for, here are the times I recommend for the specific events of the day:
Detail Photos - 30 mins
First Look with Bridesmaids - 10 min
First Look with Groom - 10 min
Groomsmen Photos - 15 min
Bridesmaids Photos - 15 min
Full Bridal Party Photos - 15 min
Family Photos - 30 min
Sunset Photos - 30-45 min
Here are some sample timelines:
8 Hour Package:
1:00 pm - Getting Ready, Hair, Makeup, Dress (First looks with bridesmaids/parents) Detail Shots
3:00 pm - First Look with Groom
3:15 pm - Bride and Groom Portraits
3:45 pm - Bridal Party Photos
4:30 pm - Pre-Ceremony Hide-Away
5:00 pm - Ceremony
5:30 pm - Family Photos
6:00 pm - Cocktail Hour
6:30 pm - Reception, Dinner, First Dances, Cake Cutting, Open Dancing
1 HR Before Sundown - Sunset Photos
10 Hour Package:
1:00 pm - Getting Ready, Hair, Makeup, Dress (First looks with bridesmaids/parents) Detail Shots, Travel Time
3:00 pm - First Look with Groom
3:15 pm - Bride and Groom Portraits
3:45 pm - Bridal Party Photos
4:30 pm - Pre-Ceremony Hide-Away
5:00 pm - Ceremony
5:30 pm - Family Photos
6:00 pm - Cocktail Hour
6:30 pm - Reception, Dinner, First Dances, Cake Cutting, Open Dancing
1 HR Before Sundown - Sunset Photos
11:00 pm - Send-Off
I get it. I remember how stressful it was planning my wedding. How are you supposed to know where to start when this is the first time you’ve ever had to even think about such a big event let alone one that evolves around you!
My hope is that these tips will prevent you from that infamous wedding-planning-headache as you are trying to balance 1000 things at once!
I sit down with each of my couples to create their timeline that perfectly fits their desires. All the important moments, like that first look with dad or the cutting of the cake is baked right into the timeline!
We all need a little guidance from those who have gone before us once in awhile! There are so many details to keep track of; choosing a venue, finding the perfect dress, choosing what tasty treats to have at your reception, etc… the list may seem endless, but hopefully after this, you’ll leave knowing where to start with one of the biggest items on your list. This timeline is basically a director for the day, guiding you, your vendors, your family, your bridal party and it is THE BIGGEST thing in order to keep your day running as smoothly as possible! Scheduling too little time for any event of the day could lead to you feeling rushed or extra stress that just isn’t necessary. So go create that wedding day timeline that will ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible. YOU GOT THIS!
I can’t wait to see you check it off your list!
