Contrary to the ceremony-cocktails-dinner-dancing timeline that we all know and love, there's actually a lot more - logistically speaking - that needs to be considered when you're planning out your wedding day timeline. Your timeline is the one thing that allows you to make sure your day flows. It can be communicated with your wedding party, family, guests, etc. so everyone knows what they should be doing, when and where. It also means you'll know what's going on and you'll be able to relax knowing that things are on track.
Every wedding is different, so I like to ask my clients these three questions before planning anything out:
- How many hours of wedding photography coverage is booked?
- What time is your ceremony taking place (and how long will it be)?
- Are you having a first look?
Go over the timelines below. You'll see how these questions feed into each unique scenario and how much coverage can change the time allotted for each part of the day. I've also included a few wedding day timeline tips at that every future bride/groom should have in their arsenal as they navigate the waters of wedding planning!
6 Hours of Coverage, No First Look
3:00 Detail Shots/Wedding Party Preparation
3:30 Bridesmaid Portraits
3:45 Groomsmen Portraits
4:00 Ceremony + Reception Details
4:30 Ceremony
5:00 Newlywed Portraits
5:30 Family + Wedding Party Portraits
6:00 Invitation to Dinner
6:15 Grand Entrance + First Dance
6:30 Welcome Toast + Dinner Begins
7:30 Sunset Photos
7:45 Dessert + Newlywed Address
8:00 Champagne Tower/Cake Cutting
8:15 Special Dances (Bride + Father, Groom + Mother)
8:30 Open Dance Floor
9:00 Photography Departs
8 Hours of Coverage, No First Look
1:00 Detail Shots
1:30 Wedding Party Preparation
2:30 Bridesmaid Portraits
3:00 Groomsmen Portraits
3:30 Ceremony + Reception Details
4:00 Ceremony
4:30 Newlywed Portraits
5:00 Family + Wedding Party Portraits
5:30 Remainder of Cocktail Hour
6:00 Invitation to Dinner
6:15 Grand Entrance + First Dance
6:30 Welcome Toast + Dinner Begins
7:30 Sunset Photos
7:45 Dessert + Newlywed Address
8:00 Champagne Tower/Cake Cutting
8:15 Special Dances (Bride + Father, Groom + Mother)
8:30 Open Dance Floor
9:00 Photography Departs
9 Hours of Coverage, With a First Look
12:00 Detail Shots
12:30 Wedding Party Preparation
2:00 First Look
2:15 Newlywed Portraits
3:00 Wedding Party Portraits
3:30 Ceremony + Reception Details
4:00 Ceremony
4:30 Family Portraits
5:00 Cocktail Hour
6:00 Invitation to Dinner
6:15 Grand Entrance + First Dance
6:30 Welcome Toast + Dinner Begins
7:30 Sunset Photos
7:45 Dessert + Newlywed Address
8:00 Champagne Tower/Cake Cutting
8:15 Special Dances (Bride + Father, Groom + Mother)
8:30 Open Dance Floor
9:00 Photography Departs
A few extra tips...
I highly encourage you to implement these tips to create an even more seamless day!
- Share your schedule with your vendors, parents, planner, and MOH a week or two before your wedding day.
- Make it as simple as possible. If you have "venue" listed in your timeline, make sure that venue has an address associated with it somewhere in your document.
- Create buffers. This is especially helpful for unforeseen circumstances, such as hair/makeup going late, or running into traffic.
- Have an emergency contact the day of, especially if you aren't working with a wedding planner or day-of coordinator. This person will ground you and make sure things stay on track on your wedding day!
I hope ALL of this was helpful. Feel free to save one of the below infographics (and adjust as needed) as you begin to plan your own wedding day timeline.
