Crafting the Perfect Wedding Day Timeline

Navigating your wedding day with grace and joy begins with one key element: a meticulously planned timeline. We’ve spent years capturing breathtaking moments for countless couples. Our passion lies in capturing these precious memories, whether they unfold during your vows or the fun moments shared during your engagement photos.

Planning a wedding timeline might feel like an intricate puzzle, but fret not! We’re seasoned wedding photographers who are here to guide you through every step. When creating a the perfect wedding day timeline, there are three factors to consider: the sunset time, the decision of a First Look or not, and the possibility of moving between multiple locations throughout the day.

Prefer a more traditional approach and want to wait to see each other until the ceremony? Rest assured, we can keep the two of you apart, capturing essential group shots before the ceremony and saving the rest for the cocktail hour.

Sample Wedding Day Timeline

Because every wedding is unique, your timeline will be influenced by several factors but we offer this timeline as a starting point, then we’ll tailor it to your specific needs. In this example the couple has opted to do a private first look with a ceremony time of 5:00 pm and the sunset time for the day is 6:35 pm.

Ceremony Time: Generally we want 1 hour of light remaining once the ceremony is over. Given that detail, we like to back into the ceremony time from the time of the sunset… with the 6:35 pm sunset time, the ceremony should be over by 5:30 pm and assuming a 30 minute ceremony duration, the ceremony should start at 5:00 pm.

Bride & Groom Details (1:30–2:00 PM)

We will skillfully capture the intricate details of your dress, shoes, jewelry, and other features, giving you a selection of the finest shots to preserve. We take immense pleasure in dedicating time to capturing these elements before the whirlwind of the big day ensues!

The time required for this can vary based on how many details are provided. We advise allocating a minimum of 30 minutes for this.

To add a touch of elegance, a few floral accents can be a nice compliment to your details. We’ll coordinate with your florist to request a few loose stems for the photos.

While flowers might not top your list of priorities, their impact on your photographs can be profound. Our photographers can incorporate them in various settings, enhancing details shots, reception highlights, and of course, the bride and groom portraits. Flowers have the power to infuse vibrant charm into various facets of your wedding, taking your images to another level.

Getting Ready (2:00–2:50 PM)

It’s the moment to slip into your dress! Now is the time your mother and bridesmaids are dressed and ready to assist you in stepping into your wedding gown and add those final touches. Our affordable wedding photographers will capture candid images showing the love between you and your party.

If a second photographer is present, they will be there to capture your groom’s preparations alongside his all the guys. The beauty of our team covering this, is you’ll be able to see what your groom and his guys did prior to meeting you on wedding day.

Now, let’s discuss chat about where you’ll be getting ready at. As an experienced photographer, I often recommend considering an Airbnb over a hotel for your getting-ready shots. It’s a perfect match for achieving that Pinterest-worthy aesthetic!

Why, you might ask? Well, let me tell you… They usually come with a more reasonable price tag and offer superior amenities, while also ensuring a tidier, more intimate environment for capturing those pre-wedding photographs.

First Look (2:50 PM)

This, without a doubt, stands as our team’s favorite moment of the day!

Your photographer will carefully choose a location with the perfect light that will capture the essence of your connection. The moment when you set eyes on each other for the very first time on your wedding day is one no one forgets, making nailing it on the first try absolutely essential.

Here’s why embracing a first look is worth considering: It allows you to spend more of your wedding day with each other instead of hiding from each other. A first look gives your photographer time to get a greater variety of images for the two of you. it also allows for a more intimate and personal moment between the two of you, hidden from the pressure of an audience. A thoughtfully crafted wedding day timeline and a first look allows you to join cocktail hour or choose more of a quite time just for the two of you. And last but not least, a first look also means more time to enjoy with your family and friends.

If your feeling uncertain about a first look? We have another blog post dedicated to the Pros and Cons of a First Look, it will help you decide what’s best for the two of you.

Bride & Groom Portraits (3:00–3:30 PM)

Once you’ve soaked up the emotions of that first look on your wedding day, we’ll take some times for your Bride & Groom portraits. These images will capture the essence of your relationship together – from the romantic to the chill, even a touch of playfulness.

While every image on your wedding day is significant, the images from this part of the day are the ones our couples enjoy the most.

These photographs are some of our favorites, as we allow you both the freedom to be yourselves, interact with each other and simply enjoy the time! AND they always turn out amazing!

Family & Bridal Party Photos (3:30–4:30 PM)

Strategically planning the family and bridal party photos in advance ensures that everyone can fully enjoy the cocktail hour and engage in entertaining the other guests.

During this time, we’ll create images with the ladies and men separately, as well as creating the group photos. This is a fun session that goes by quickly but we get a ton on images.

We also create photos of your immediate families. Including grandparents in these photos adds an extra layer of sentimental value. Anticipate a fun time during these, there’s often a lot a laughter.

Prep for the Ceremony (4:30–5:00 PM)

Now’s the time to return to the bridal suites for a quick refresh and final preparations as the ceremony time approaches. Making sure you have your vows and the rings are in the right hands.

Our photographer will capture the details of the ceremony space and document the arrival of some guests. If your reception takes place in the same venue, we’ll photograph it once it’s fully set.

This allows us the opportunity to photograph the reception space before the guests enter and settle into their seats.

Ceremony (5:00–5:30 PM)

The time arrived, this is what yo’ve been waiting for! Guests have taken their seats, and the music begins. The bridal party proceeds down the aisle, one at a time… and now, it’s your turn – a straight path towards the person you wish to spend the rest of your life with.

This is what you’ve dreamt of. You and your partner share vows, committing your futures in a single promise and sealed with a kiss. Hand in hand, you embrace your role as husband & wife.

Ceremony Length: Most ceremonies span around 30 minutes, yet church-based ceremonies are often longer. Factor this in when planning your schedule. Your ceremony will sweep by like a breeze, so keep your focus on the love that binds you.

For tips on creating beautiful ceremony photos, review our post that highlights some tips for Amazing Ceremony Photos.

Extended Family Photos (5:40–6:00 PM)

For those considering extended family photos, we typically would do one for each of the bride’s and groom’s sides. This photo session is ideally scheduled right after the ceremony, ensuring everyone is present.

The extended family photos should ideally wrap up within a 10-minute window allowing them to get to cocktail hour quickly.

TIP: To expedite this process, we suggest designating one or two family members from each side to communicate with family memebers on when and where they need to be for the photo.

Just-Married Photos (6:00–6:30 PM)

The magical “golden hour” offers the absolute best light of the day. The sun bathes everything in a warm, radiant glow during this time which is why we refer to it as the Golden Hour… the hour just before sunset.

The images captured during this time usually become the couple’s absolute favorites from the entire day, so you won’t want to miss out on these photos!

Dinner Reception (6:45 PM)

Once you’ve crafted a wedding day timeline that’s both realistic and stress-free, you’re ready to dive into the most exciting (and perhaps slightly wild) segment of the day: the dinner reception! It’s time for good food, celebration, and dancing with your family and friends.

From here forward, we align with the wedding planner’s and/or DJ’s schedule, moving towards a more photojournalistic approach. We become part of the party, capturing spontaneous moments as they unfold.

Rest assured, even those who choose not to dance won’t be left out. We’ll actively seek them out, doing our best to capture the majority of your guests.

As for reception coverage, ensure you’ve allocated sufficient time for your photographer to capture your grand exit, whether it’s sparklers, glow sticks, bubbles, or even cold sparklers if you fancy a unique touch. This final chapter of your wedding day deserves to be captured with the same creativity and professionalism that the earlier parts of the day did.

Final Thoughts on Wedding Day Timelines

A perfect wedding day timeline not only guarantees stunning photographs but also ensures a seamless flow throughout the entire day.

P.S. Explore further tips and resources on wedding and engagement photos!