Planning out your wedding timeline

Creating a wedding day timeline can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s just about mapping out how you want your day to unfold so you can relax and enjoy it. This is your chance to design a day that feels like you! How do you want it to feel? Really take a moment to think about what you want your day to look like and how you can make it unique to you. Grab a pen and paper and just start writing out things you want to incorporate into your day.

As a documentary wedding photographer, I’ve found that a relaxed, well-paced timeline makes all the difference. The more intentional your timeline, the more you’ll be able to soak in the day without feeling rushed.

Morning activity

Are you planning anything fun before you start getting ready? A yoga class, sound bath, mountain biking, or a morning walk? If you have time, adding a little activity in the morning can help set the tone for a relaxed and fun day.

Getting ready

Will both you and your partner want getting ready photos? Are you getting ready together or separately? For a more documentary feel, a photographer may be there for most of the process.

Typically, one to two hours is plenty of time to capture all the moments. And don’t forget to set aside time to eat! If you’re getting your hair and makeup done, your artist will create a schedule based on how many people need services and how many artists are available. On average, hair and makeup each take about an hour per person, but be sure to confirm with your artist.

• 30 minutes – for detail photos with anything important you want photographed
• 1 hour – makeup per person (check with your HMUA)
• 1 hour – hair per person (check with your HMUA)
• 30 minutes for fun or group photos before you get dressed
• 30 minutes – for getting dressed and final details

Portraits

Really think about how much time you want to spend on the photography portion. Do you want to keep it short and sweet or are there multiple locations that you think would be a cool backdrop? A typical time for couples pictures is about 30 minutes to an hour, but if you only want to set aside 10 minutes or 2 hours, it’s your day!

Are you doing a first look?

Will you be seeing each other before the ceremony? A first look is a great way to get the ‘formal’ photos done so you can enjoy the cocktail hour and soak in the celebrations after the ceremony.

If you’re not doing a first look, the ‘formal’ photos will usually take place right after the ceremony. Is there anyone else you want to do a first look with? A parent? Your friends? Your dog? Your first look can be as informal or formal as you want!

Wedding party photos

If you’re having a wedding party will you want group photos with them? Think about if there’s a backdrop you want for your wedding party photos. This can take place either before or after the ceremony depending on your timeline.

• Wedding party photos – 30 minutes

Family photos

Think about who you want in your family photos – usually, we’ll focus on immediate family photos and different groupings. Do you want family photos with and without your partner? Do you want any extended family photos? Make a list of the different groupings you want. These will take place either before or after the ceremony.

• Family photos – 30 minutes

Ceremony

Is your ceremony going to be short and sweet or are you having a longer, more traditional religious ceremony? Be sure to account for the time before the ceremony when your guests are arriving if you don’t want your guests to see you.

Also, don’t forget to add a little extra time after the ceremony. Whether it’s for hugs, celebrating, or even sneaking a quiet moment alone with your partner, this time can be a special time of the day.

• Ceremony – 30 minutes
• Religious ceremony – 1 hour

Cocktail hour

If you didn’t do your ‘formal’ photos before your ceremony you may opt to do your photos during the cocktail hour. If you want to be present during your cocktail hour, consider doing them before the ceremony. The cocktail hour is a great time to get more casual photos and candids with different friend groups.

• Cocktail hour – 1 hour

Dinner

Are you planning a 5-course meal, a buffet, a family-style dinner? Each type of dinner may have different time requirements so be sure to talk to your caterer or event venue about how much time is needed.

• Dinner – 1 hour

Reception

Think about the traditions or fun events you want to include at your reception – cake cutting, toasts, first dances, etc.? There are a number of different ways to set this up for the flow of the reception. Talk with your DJ or venue for more precise times.

Sunset photos

are a great opportunity to pop away for a few minutes usually during your reception and one of the best times to take advantage of perfect lighting for photos. Google ‘location-date-sunset time) to give you a better idea of sunset.

• Sunset Photos – 10-15 minutes

Special exit

Does your venue have a curfew, or is there a set time you need to wrap things up? Do you want to do a fun exit or are you having an after-party? I like to work backwards and have the ‘open dance floor’ start about 2 hours before your exit or curfew.

Do you want any downtime?

It’s your day, so don’t forget to carve out a little time for yourself! Whether it’s a quiet moment alone with your partner or just taking a minute to soak in the celebration, a little downtime can help you recharge. Consider adding a short break during transitions between events. It’s a nice way to pause and enjoy the day before jumping into the next thing!

Do you need to add in travel time?

Is everything happening on one property, or do you need to account for travel time between the locations? Factor in a little extra time for potential delays or just to give yourself a moment to breathe before jumping into the next part of the day.