It is finally here, your wedding day…do you have a plan? If you answer is “NO,” please STOP what you are doing and make a plan. Your wedding vendors will thank you.
Not sure how to make a good wedding day timeline? Don’t worry, I am here to help get you started. As a wedding photographer I can confirm that without a good timeline the day can get very chaotic. Regardless of the size of your wedding, a timeline will be the difference between you being calm or stressed out on your wedding day
Think of your timeline as the road map for your day. It is the way to make sure everyone knows how the day should progress. On your wedding day, you will need to ensure coordination between all your vendors:
- The Wedding Party,
- You Family and Friends,
- Your Venue
- Your DJ/Band
- Florist
- Photographer
A timeline can be a life saver for your vendors when things start to fall behind. If, for example, your photographer runs behind during family photos because “Uncle Ron” got lost on the way to the church, or the limo gets stuck in traffic. Any number of things can throw a wrench in to the best of wedding timelines. Your team needs to be prepared! But, with a well thought out timeline, your vendors can adjust and get you back on time. However, if you don’t have one, the whole day can rapidly go off track.
One of the best ways to make sure you have a well-coordinated timeline is to work with a wedding planner. They have the experience and knowledge knowing what each vender needs on a wedding day. They can help you come up with a timeline that allows you to have the wedding of your dreams!
However, if you don’t have planner to help? I have put together a sample timeline you can use that you may tweak to your needs.
This sample photography timeline is for a ceremony at 6pm. It also assumes that the ceremony and reception are all at the same location - and the couple is also getting ready in the same location.
1:30 - 2:00 Wedding Details
2:00 - 2:45 Bridal Prep
2:45 - 3:00 Parent First look
3:00 - 3:30 Groom Prep
3:30 - 4:15 First-look and couple portraits
4:15 - 4:45 Wedding Party
4:45 - 5:30 Family Pictures
5:30 - 6:00 Bride Hidden/ Reception Details
6:00 - 6:30 Ceremony
6:30 - 7:00 Complete Family Pictures
6:30 - 7:30 Cocktail Hour
7:30 -11:00 Reception
Timelines can vary depending or your specific needs. Remember, with a well-planned timeline, your wedding day can run smoothly and allow you and your partner to enjoy time with friends and family.
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