The Ultimate Wedding Day Timeline Guide
You're planning a wedding, and you're probably wondering how to time out the events. I get it! I have been there. As a wedding photographer, I am with you from the very beginning until the very end, and after years of photographing weddings, I have decided to come up with a guide to help YOU with your timeline. This is a long post, but worth the read! You can view a condensed timeline by clicking here.
It all starts with details... 45 minutes
Every bride cherishes those exquisite photographs highlighting her bridal details. It's a crucial aspect of the narrative, and I relish the opportunity to capture moments with the dress, shoes, jewelry, invitations, and more. These initial shots serve as a warm-up for the rest of the day, and I typically allocate a minimum of 45 minutes for this session. PRO TIP: Have all your details set aside in a bag or box for me to grab and get started on upon my arrival. While focusing on the details, I also seize moments of the you and your besties as you prepare for the celebration!
Candids of getting ready...30 minutes
Following that, I'll document candid moments during the getting ready phase. If you have matching robes or PJs, it's an excellent opportunity to capture some charming shots. I typically allocate 30 minutes for these candid moments. To ensure a smooth schedule, I advise against having the bride go last for hair and makeup, as these processes can sometimes run behind. Instead, I recommend the bride going somewhere in the middle - starting with hair and then moving on to makeup, providing a polished look that translates well in photos. Otherwise, you'll have rollers or hair clips in your hair for the final touches of your makeup 🙈. There's something about having your hair done for those final touches, that add to the elegance.
Dress going on...20-40 minutes
Following the completion of photographing the details and getting ready candids, the focus shifts to the pivotal moment of getting into the dress. It's a significant and emotional part of the day! Typically, I coordinate with the mother of the bride and all bridesmaids to be dressed by the time you are ready to step into your gown. This ensures a cohesive and polished look in the images. Once you are in your gown, I capture additional portraits as you add your jewelry, veil, shoes, and other finishing touches. PRO TIP: If your dress requires special lacing or buttoning, I suggest having someone in the wedding party attend your final fitting for a lesson on how the dress works and how it will need to be put on. There's nothing like struggling during that moment! A crochet hook works perfect if you have a lot of small buttons!
If your partner chooses to have some getting ready photos, I will set aside time to head to their getting ready location (if it's not at the same location). If your package comes with a second photographer, then I will send the other photographer there. Not including drive time, it will take me around 40 minutes for their getting ready photos. If you have any important letters or gifts to exchange, this is usually the perfect time to do so! I love photographing these exchanges, since emotions and excitement tend to be high during the getting ready phase.
First Look... 30 minutes
If you've decided on a first look this one is for you! I take the initiative to discover the ideal location for the First Look before the getting ready phase. No need to worry at all! I ensure that the chosen location is private and as secluded as possible for an intimate and special moment. I suggest 30 minutes for a first look, this gives us enough time to sneak in some photos after the first look.
If you do not want to do a first look, that's okay! Couples in the past have opted for a first touch, read their vows in private but still not able to see each other, a first look with their mom, dad, wedding party... there are so many ways to incorporate a first look! Just let me know and I can incorporate it into the photo timeline :)
Ceremony Details...10 minutes
Before the ceremony starts, I like to arrive a little early to get some photos of the ceremony setup prior to guests arriving. I concentrate on all the small elements that contribute to making your ceremony distinctive and special. These images play an important role in narrating your unique love story but don't require an extensive amount of time. Once I complete documenting the ceremony details, the ceremony is typically about to start, and I take this time to candidly capture the guests as they arrive.
The Ceremony...30 minutes
Depending on your unique situation, your ceremony time may differ. I generally see ceremonies last about 30 minutes. During the ceremony, I will walk up and down the aisle and down the sides to candidly capture the ceremony as it unfolds. I use multiple cameras with different lenses to ensure a variety in the images. I try to stay unobtrusive and to "blend in with the crowd", as to not hinder with the ceremony events.
Family Photos...30 minutes
The time allocated for this stage may vary based on the number of groupings outlined in your family photo list (yes, we do create a list!). Typically, it takes around 30 minutes. I'll bring the list and mark off names systematically to ensure we capture every planned group. I recommend designating a "point person" to assist in locating any family members who may have wandered off. To prevent potential delays, it's beneficial to inform those on the list that they should stay at the ceremony location post-ceremony for family photos. I generally begin with individuals facing mobility issues and young children to prioritize their needs.
"Just married photos" followed by wedding party photos...1 hour - 1.5 hour
It's important to incorporate any potential drive times here. I am always open to exploring and going somewhere that has a beautiful landscape or a location that has sentimental meaning to the two of you. I will ask you this very question on the "wedding day questionnaire" that I send to you about 6 weeks prior to your wedding. If you need help with location ideas, let me know because I know some AMAZING spots, that make a beautiful backdrop. I will generally start with photographing you as newly weds, which takes about 40 minutes. For the remainder of the time I will photograph the wedding party as a whole, and the two of you with each bestie that stood by your side. Depending on your wedding party size this can take 20-40 minutes.
Reception Details...20 minutes
If the reception is at the same location as the ceremony, I will try to get these photos prior to the ceremony. However, if that can't be achieved prior to the ceremony, I will capture the reception details during cocktail hour. After I am done, I will candidly capture guests mingling!
Reception begins!
The reception – the eagerly anticipated celebration! Organizing the events of the reception can vary widely, given the unique nature of each situation. Here's my preferred order of events, and I'll explain why.
Witnessing a couple entering their reception brimming with excitement, with family members joyfully applauding in their seats, is a moment I love. As you enter, you can choose to roll right into your first dance or take your seats. Once you and your wedding party (if you have one) have taken your seats, it's an ideal time for any speeches. At this point, every guest is fully attentive, and the tables are clear of any food (eliminating distractions, lol). This creates a polished look for the wedding gallery as I capture candid moments throughout the entire speech, including your loved ones' reactions to the emotional and sometimes humorous elements. PRO TIP: Have someone pour a drink for you and your wedding party or have your drinks ready at your table in preparation for toasts!
Once speeches have conclude dinner will be announced by your DJ. There should be a system of how guests will get their food, and it's best for the DJ to give these details over the microphone so the guests know what to expect-whether it be a plated dinner served to them or buffet style where tables will be dismissed in order to get their food.
Once food is enjoyed by all, I find it is a perfect time to cut the cake or share a dessert of your choosing. I will usually walk up to you after dinner and ask if you're ready to slice into some sweetness :)
If you did not do your first dance upon entering your reception, it's best to do this after cutting the cake. I will usually touch base with the DJ, so he can prepare guests and let them know that you will be sharing your first dance together, along with any other special dances like the father/daughter dance or the mother/son dance.
After the special dances, opening dancing begins! This is where I become one with the dance floor and get those amazing dance party photos!
Sunset Photos...15 minutes
If the time, and season allow us, we can sneak away for some sunset photos. This is a perfect time to step outside of the reception, just the two of you, and soak in all that the day had to offer. I try not to keep you away from your loved ones too long, and usually take about 15 minutes!
Sample Timelines!
Sample Timeline: 10 Hours w/o First Look
-11:00 am Photographer arrives at bride's getting ready location (starts with details)
-11:45 am Candidly capture getting ready photos
-12:15 pm Dress on
-12:30 pm Quick bridal portraits
-12:45 pm Photographer leaves to gentlemen getting ready
-1:00 pm Guys getting ready photos (if groom has any details (shoes, cufflinks, cologne, tie) have those put aside for the photographer.
-2:00 pm Leave for ceremony location
-2:10 Arrive at the ceremony location, will start capturing ceremony details once I am done with that I will candidly capture the guests as they arrive.
-2:30 pm Ceremony starts
-3:00 pm Ceremony concludes
-3:15 pm Start family photos
-3:30 pm Leave for photo location (bride and groom portraits and wedding party portraits)
-3:45 pm Start with bride and groom portraits
-4:15 pm Wedding party portraits (if you have a large wedding more time will be needed here)
-4:45 pm Leave for reception
-5:00 pm Arrive at reception
-5:15 pm Grand entrance
-5:30 pm Speeches
-6:00 pm Dinner begins
-7:15 pm Cut cake
-7:30 pm First dance- special dances to follow (example: mother/son, father/daughter)
-8:00 pm Opening Dancing begins
-8:30 pm Sunset photos (optional)
-8:45 pm Candidly capturing the reception and dancing
-9:00 pm Photographer leaves
Sample Timeline: 10 hours with First Look
Tend to start 1 hour earlier than a timeline with no first look. you need to be ready earlier in order to incorporate a first look prior to the ceremony.
-10 am Photographer arrives at bride's getting ready location (starts with details)
-10:45 am Candidly capture getting ready photos
-11:15 pm Dress on
-11:30 pm Quick bridal portraits
-11:45 pm Photographer leaves to gentlemen getting ready
-12:00 pm Guys getting ready photos (if groom has any details (shoes, cufflinks, cologne, tie) have those put aside for the photographer.
-1:00 pm Leave/meet for first look
-1:15 pm First look, followed by bride and groom portraits.
-1:45 pm Leave for ceremony location
-2:00 pm Arrive to ceremony location and will start with ceremony details and move on to candidly capturing the guests arrive.
-2:30 pm Ceremony starts
-3:00 pm Ceremony concludes
-3:15 pm Start family photos
-5:00 pm Arrive at reception
-5:15 pm Grand entrance
-5:30 pm Speeches
-6:00 pm Dinner begins
-7:00 pm Cut cake
-7:15 pm First dance- special dances to follow (example: mother/son, father/daughter)
-7:30 pm Opening Dancing begins
-7:45 pm Sunset photos (optional)
-8:00 pm Photographer leaves
