Creating A Wedding Day Timeline – As the couple

Prepare a Seamless Wedding Day Timeline

Typically, creating a wedding day timeline is the responsibility of the planner (and sometimes the photographer). But I highly recommend starting a draft and working alongside your vendors to make sure it fits how YOU want the day to run as the bride!

As a bride, you’re about to embark on a thrilling journey – celebrating one of the most important days in your life! One key aspect that can make or break this day is the timeline. A well-thought-out plan not only ensures your photographer captures all the special moments, but it also helps the day flow smoothly, reducing stress for everyone involved! Here’s how you can create a wedding day timeline that sets you up for success!

Pre-Wedding Questionnaire: The Foundation of Your Timeline

Before the big day, ask your photographer if they have a timing questionnaire for you to complete. This often includes questions about the ceremony and reception venues, desired photo locations, family photo groupings, special traditions or events, and any unique requests. This information will serve as the backbone for creating the perfect wedding day timeline. In terms of timing, I’d recommend starting the timeline at least 3 months before the wedding day with your photographer, but definitely sooner if you are concerned about timing with your ceremony and evening sunset (more on this further down!)

Worried your photographer is missing something? Here are some top questions I always like to ask my clients:

1. During getting ready would you like to do a first look with any family or friends?
2. Will you be having a receiving line after your ceremony?
3. What is the most important thing to you photographic wise on your wedding day?
4. Are there any specific details that I may not see that you would like photographed? (for example, something meaningful sewn into your dress?)
5. Are there any family situations that I should be aware of? (this is very helpful to know for your photographer to ensure a smooth, stress-free time during family formal photos!)

Key Elements to Include in Your Wedding Day Timeline

1. Getting Ready Photos:

Start the day by capturing the excitement and anticipation as you and your partner prepare for the ceremony. I recommend allocating about 1.5 – 2 hours for this part of the day, ensuring your photographer has enough time to not only photograph your moment in the makeup chair and getting dressed, but also all the details and flatlays.

2. Sunset Time and First Look, Pre-Ceremony Photos:

One of the first big questions in timing your day is if you would like to do a first look. If so, then many of the portraits can be taken before the ceremony – saving you time afterwards, meaning you get to enjoy cocktail hour! A first look can also help alleviate some of the nerves before the ceremony and allow for more relaxed wedding portraits. Be sure to also consider the sunset time when planning this part of the day, especially for winter weddings. If the sun is setting earlier, but you really want outdoor family formals, then a first look might be the right choice for you.

3. Ceremony:

Allocate enough time for the ceremony! Don’t short change yourself, thinking it will only be 15 minutes of exchanging rings. Remember it takes several minutes just for the wedding party to walk in. If you have any specific rituals or traditions taking place, or readings from family members consider the length of those too!

4. Family and Wedding Formals:

Plan specific times for family photos, and ensure you have a list of groupings. Allocate about 30 minutes for these photos, and be sure to communicate this info to your family BEFORE the wedding day. You don’t want your aunts & uncles wandering off to cocktail hour!

5. Couple Portraits:

Set aside time for your portraits after the ceremony too. A sweet spot for these on a wedding day is about 30-45 minutes total (if you can get it). Or this may be split up into a few different times in the day (15 minutes at family photo time, 10 – 15 minutes after the ceremony for some just married photos, 10 minutes at sunset, etc.)

6. Reception:

I find that 2.5 – 3 hours is the perfect sweet spot for most wedding receptions. It gives you just the right amount time for all the reception activities/traditions to happen, about 45 minutes of dancing, and time for an end-of-the-night photo or fun exit.

Often Overlooked Elements of a Wedding Day Timeline

1. Travel Time:

Factor in travel time between locations to avoid rushing and establish a relaxed atmosphere.

2. Buffer Time:

Include buffer time between events to account for any delays or unexpected moments. I feel like I am a broken record, when it come to buffer time with my clients! I can not stress enough that everything takes a little longer then normal on a wedding day. Leave yourself enough time to soak it all in!

3. Receiving Lines:

Most people don’t realize how long receiving lines actually take! If you’re not careful, they can quickly throw off the perfect wedding day timeline you have worked so hard to create and cut into your family formal photo time. Receiving lines normally take 1 minute per every 3 guests. If you want to do a receiving line, I typically recommend that you either have a delay before the cocktail hour starts or plan for a longer cocktail hour.

It is so important to make sure that you and your photographer are on the same page and you have a plan for the big day. So be sure to have a call with them to review all these details about two weeks before your wedding!