Sample Wedding Timeline
With First Look
Your wedding day will be here before you know it! Itโs time to start working through your wedding day details including your wedding day timeline! Wedding timelines are important, not only for the schedule of the day but how much time is accounted for photos, catering, and ultimately having a stress-free day.
We wanted to give you a sample timeline to start out with! This doesnโt have everything for your wedding in it, nor is it a set of hard and fast rules. Your photographer, wedding planner, makeup artist, caterer and venue will have tips as well. Of course, Weโd say make sure the photographer looks over the timeline if you care about having lots of photos! This is important! Plus, you donโt want to feel rushed throughout the day. As we say in my about section, if itโs between details (getting ready/ceremony/reception) or people (you and your partner, wedding party, family photos, dancing, etc.), choose people every time!
Either way, this will be a great place to start planning! If you have 8 hours of coverage from your photographer and are planning a first look, this timeline will be almost perfect!
If youโre not sure what a first look is or whether or not itโs right for you (short answer: do it!!!) check outย our post about the first look here.
Sample
Wedding Timeline
2:00 pm โ Final Details & Getting Ready Photos
3:00 pm โ First Look with your partner! And a few portraits of course!
3:30 pm โ Wedding Party (Bridesmaids & Groomsmen) Photos
4:00 pm โ Family Photos. This is optional but if you want to have your entire cocktail hour taking portraits at sunset or with your guests, you can do family photos before the ceremony!
4:30 pm โ Couple in hiding/final pre-ceremony prayers, traditions, ketubah signings, etc.
5:00 pm โ Ceremony!!! (You can adjust everything after this based on how long your ceremony is! For some of my couples, itโs an hour, for others, itโs only 12 minutes!)
5:30 pm โ Cocktail Hour Begins โ Photographer with Bride & Groom for Portraits.
6:30 pm โ Cocktail Hour Ends. Guests are seated for the reception.
6:45 pm โ Introductions, first dance, toasts.
7:00 pm โ Dinner
7:30 pm โ Dancing & other traditions!
9:45 pm โ Last call
10:00 pm โ Last dance. Reception Ends.
Family Photos or โFormalsโ
Most photographers (including myself) do not need a โshotlistโ before the wedding. If youโve looked over their full galleries before booking, seen a lot of their portfolio, you should have a wonderful day! BUT, when it comes to any family photos or important people in your life, you can totally have a list. Just remember, more people=more time needed for photos. I estimate about 3 minutes per photo combination. This helps have buffer time throughout the wedding day.
Also, whenever we shoot family formals, we try my best to go from the biggest group to the smallest. This helps older folks get to sit earlier rather than waiting while keeping everyone else attentive so this can go smoothly.
Hereโs a sample list of
family formals to add to your wedding timeline!
- Bride + Groom + Both Immediate Families
- Bride + Groom + Bโs Immediate Family
- Bride + Groom + Gโs Immediate Family
- Bride + Groom + B & Gโs Parents
- Bride + Groom + Gโs Parents
- Bride + Groom + Bโs Parents
- Bride + Bโs Parents
- Bride + Brideโs Mother
- Bride + Brideโs Father
- Groom + Gโs Parents
- Groom + Groomโs Mother
- Groom + Groomโs Father
Family Situations to Be Sensitive To
This section is important and a great note to avoid any awkward situations on the wedding day! Whether itโs a divorce, death, or just two family members who donโt get along, tell your photographer & vendors. Many wonโt need it, but your photographer will thank you for it! Itโs also okay if this section is blank.
We hope this helps brides, grooms and couples when planning their big day! Wedding days shouldnโt be stressful or rushed. Our couples with all-day coverage receive 40-60% more photos from their wedding. Wedding photos arenโt just for one day, theyโre for life!