How to Create the Perfect Wedding Day Timeline
Planning your wedding timeline may seem complicated at first, but when you try these insider tips, it will become a breeze to organize every detail seamlessly.
After planning my own wedding, I quickly realized just how incredibly daunting it can be to plan an entire day of activities. From organizing vendors to timing hair and makeup just right, I was completely overwhelmed! Soon enough, I recognized the potential of merging my expertise in wedding photography to craft an ideal timeline. Not only was my timeline carefully planned, but it also prioritized wedding photography and videography. You don't need an intricate minute-by-minute playbook. The key is to let your wedding day flow organically with your timeline serving as a gentle guide.
“I got married at Shepherd’s Hollow in Clarkston, MI. It was such an amazing experience and I am so thankful to have amazing photos and videos to cherish the memory forever. ”
Ceremony
Firstly, let’s establish the duration of your ceremony. Your ceremony's start time and duration will serve as the cornerstone of your wedding day timeline, as it's usually one of the few fixed points that won't change. Before selecting your ceremony time, consider the time of year and sunset. Summer weddings will typically have the most flexibility with late afternoon and evening ceremony times. In contrast, couples planning an autumn or winter wedding must be particularly mindful of the limited daylight hours. Once you establish your ceremony time, we can quickly incorporate the other puzzle pieces of your timeline.
For example, let’s say you are planning for a summer wedding with a 5PM ceremony start time. You can maximize this walk through by plugging in your own ceremony start time. Let’s start!
Pre-Ceremony
Now that we know your ceremony begins at 5PM, it immediately becomes easy to determine when you need to be ready to walk down that aisle! However, there are a few additional moments to consider. Are you planning on having a first look with your loved ones? Or getting a head start on portraits? Answering these questions first will help shape your timeline.
For example, let’s say you are planning a first look and would like to get a head start on portraits. Here’s what your timeline may look like pre-ceremony:
Since we now know the bride needs to be in her dress at 1PM, we can notify hair and makeup to be complete by 12:30PM allowing for a 30-minute buffer, which is also great for a quick pajama toast/portrait. If you would like “getting ready” portraits of the groom, those would typically happen prior to the bride or congruently if there is a second photographer/videographer.
Additionally, please keep in mind your media team will need a minimum of 30 minutes of set up prior to the ceremony to ensure a professional coverage.
Post Ceremony
If your ceremony begins at 5PM with a 30-minute duration, it immediately becomes easy to determine cocktail hour and grand entrances. Cocktail hour will immediately follow the conclusion of your ceremony and will typically last 1 Hour. Your cocktail hour will run congruently with an hour of Wedding Party/Family Portraits.
Reception
It’s now time for the party to get started! After cocktail hour, it will be time for grand entrances. Your media team will be sure to coordinate with the DJ to ensure your “must have” moments happen prior to our departure. It is crucial for the DJ to touch base with the media team prior to any announcements. Your media team will need time to set up audio and lighting to ensure professional coverage.
Full Sample Timeline (with First Looks) Overview:
Full Sample Timeline (without First Looks) Overview:
Keep in mind First Looks happen fairly quickly, therefore you can expect an additional 30 minutes of flexibility added back to your timeline if you plan to exclude a First Look. You can still maximize your timeline by continuing with a separate portrait session (without your spouse) prior to the ceremony.
Key Points and Other Tips:
Timeline Guideline: You don't need an intricate minute-by-minute schedule. The key is to let your wedding day flow organically with your timeline serving as a gentle guide.
Ceremony: When planning your wedding timeline, select your ceremony time and duration first. Your ceremony time will set the foundation for your wedding day.
Buffer Time: Include “Buffer Times” in your wedding schedule. Wedding timelines very rarely go exactly according to plan, thus creating buffer times will allow for your schedule to flow organically and alleviate stress from unplanned events.
Family Photo List: A family photo list is a must. Prior to your wedding day organize a family photo list for your media team to reference throughout the wedding day. If you find it necessary, it may be helpful to discuss this list with your parents.
Prep Time: Your media team will need time to set up equipment, so be sure to consider their set up time in your schedule.
Photo vs Video (Vendors): Your wedding day is a team effort, so it’s important that everyone is on the same page. If hiring separate photo and video teams, as a couple it is important to make sure all parties know they are equally valued.
DJ: Your media team will need prep time to ensure professional coverage, which can include audio and lightning set up. As a couple, it is important to communicate to the DJ the importance of notifying your media vendors prior to any announcements.
Sunset Portraits: If time allows, sunset portraits are a nice bonus. The lighting will be perfect and it’s a great time to sneak a private moment as newlyweds.
Private Moments: If time allows, schedule a few private moments for you and your spouse throughout the wedding day. Consider a private first cocktail, first look, moment prior to grand entrances, or a moment at sunset. Your media team will be able to help you schedule moments throughout your day.
Wedding planning can often feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be a source of stress. I hope the tips provided here prove helpful in navigating the details of your special day. When you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to remind yourself of the true significance behind your wedding day. Let it serve as a grounding force to realign your priorities and ease any anxieties.
I am so excited for you to begin crafting your wedding day timeline. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are ALWAYS happy to help!
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