Planning the perfect wedding day timeline >> Timelines – this is my secret sauce. This is information I usually only give out to couples AFTER they book me. Ultimately it’s a huge piece of the value I offer my clients. While I’m not giving you my exact sample timeline I send out and I’m not offering you a timeline personalized specifically to your day, I am going to give you my recommendations! Read on to see how to plan the perfect wedding day timeline and maximize your time with your photographer!
Everyone’s wedding is different and every couple chooses traditions to do or not to do. Ultimately, your timeline will look different from every other couple’s timeline. This is a general guide meant to give you an idea of how much time each piece of your day will take. This should help you plan out your wedding day timeline. Not only will it make your day run smoothly, but it will also help in maximizing the time you have certain vendors, specifically your photographer.
Getting ready
First, you should ask your hair and makeup artists how long it will take them to complete each person. Try to set up a schedule ahead of time so you know who will be sitting for each artist at a time. This should avoid the same person being scheduled for both things at the same time. I always recommend the bride go toward the beginning of each (that way if something goes wrong and time gets cut short, the most important person is finished). Even if your photographer isn’t there while you’re actually getting your hair and makeup done, they can take “mock” photos of both. In my experience, I’ve found the mock photos to be far better, because then your makeup looks nice for your “hair” photos and your hair looks nice for your “makeup” photos.
I always recommend at least 15 minutes for putting on your dress and another 15 minutes for jewelry, veil, and final touchups. I know, this might seem excessive, but all those little buttons on the back or making sure your shoes are hooked on the right buckle? That all takes TIME! Plus you want to make sure everything is PERFECT before you see your husband for the first time!
Detail Shots – 30-45 minutes
If you have everything prepared for your photographer ahead of time (see my blog here on how to set your photographePutting on your dress – 30 minutesr up for success with detail shots), it should only take them 30-45 minutes. They’ll most likely be grabbing photos of your dress, flat lays of your invites and rings, your shoes, and jewelry. This can take place while you’re having your hair and makeup done.
First look and couple’s portraits – 60 minutes
These are the most important photos from your day. These are the photos you’re going to put up on your wall and give to your grandmas and moms. You’ll set these as your profile picture and your background on your phone. We want enough time where you won’t feel rushed!
Not planning a first look?
You don’t want to see each other before the ceremony and that’s totally ok! What you should do is schedule about 30 minutes for bridal party photos before the ceremony . This will give you15 minutes for bride/bridesmaids and 15 minutes for groom/groomsmen. After the ceremony, do your family photos, then 15 minutes of FULL bridal party photos. Allow for 45-60 minutes of couples photos. This allows the larger groups to head toward the reception to get things set up or interact with guests!
Bridal party portraits – 30-45 minutes
If you’re having 5 or fewer attendants on each side, you can get away with 30 minutes. More than that, and I would suggest closer to 45. Your photographer will get photos of the whole group together, photos of you and your girls, and him and his guys. Additionally, I always take individual photos of each of you with each of your respective members. Don’t forget to include the little people! Make sure their parents know what time they need to be there and be dressed to be included in these photos!
Family portraits – 30-45 minutes
With your family, you’re probably going to have lots of different groupings and you may be including children and elderly relatives. Getting a larger number of people to look at the camera at the same time all with their eyes means lots of photos! Additionally keeping children’s attention, and moving grandparents in and out of photos all takes up time. Think about the people you’re planning on including in these photos and consider if more time will benefit you! I generally recommend about 2 minutes per grouping (make a list of family photos for your photographer!). Keep in mind that on the day of, there may be some additional shots you forgot or that a relative might want!
Break before the ceremony, or “cool down” as I call it – 30-45 minutes
After you’ve wrapped up your pre-ceremony photos, you’re going to want to a bit of time. This will give you a chance to hide away before your guests arrive, freshen up, and take care of any last minute details (using the restroom, etc.) This also acts as a buffer in case things ran behind earlier in the day. The one part of your wedding you don’t want to be late for is your ceremony!
Ceremony – 30-90 minutes
This is really where the type of your ceremony makes a difference. If you’re having a really simple, short ceremony, I recommend still scheduling at least 30 minutes. On the other hand, if you’re planning a full Catholic Mass, stick to the longer suggestion!
Receiving line – 15-45 minutes
This depends on a couple of things. First, your number of guests. More people = more time. The type of receiving line you choose also changes how long it will take. Having your ushers dismiss each row with you greeting everyone at the back of the church takes a little longer. If you, the couple, dismiss the rows yourself, people are less likely to stand and talk. They don’t want all those eyes of the people still sitting watching them! Alternatively, some couples opt not to have a receiving line and instead choose to go around and greet everyone at their reception.
RECEPTION
Bridal party entrance – 15 minutes
It just takes a bit of time once you get to your reception for the dj to come out, talk to you, get everyone lined up, make sure names are correct, etc.
Dinner – 60-75 minutes
The timing depends mostly on the amount of guests you have. It also matters if it’s buffet style or plated and served, and how many wait staff are serving. Ask your caterer how long they thing dinner will take from start to finish!
Cake cutting – 15-30 minutes
Cutting the cake itself doesn’t take a lot of time, but everyone standing in line for cake can disrupt the flow of your reception. If you want to keep things moving, I recommend cutting your cake when you first enter your reception or toward the beginning of dinner. This allows your guests to get up and grab dessert as they please instead of all standing in line at the same time. It’s especially frustrating for couples when they want to get their first dance started, but there’s a line of people across the dance floor.
Toasts – 15-20 minutes
How many people are giving toasts? How long will each toast take? Think about both these things before scheduling out this piece! If you’re stretched for time with your photographer, schedule this toward the end of dinner while your guests are finishing up eating.
First dance/parent dances – 15 minutes
I recommend scheduling 5 minutes per dance!
Bouquet/garter toss and other reception events
Even though a lot of couples are choosing to not do bouquet or garter tosses anymore, there might still be some other events taking place at your reception. If you want those events photographed, make sure you communicate to your dj! Those events should be done toward the beginning of open dance while your photographer is still there.
Travel – 5-??? minutes
Think about your different locations throughout the day and when you’ll need to be changing areas. Are you getting your hair done at a salon, then putting your dress on at your parent’s house? Taking portraits at a park, but getting married at a church? Having your reception at a hotel? Look up how long each of those drives will take, then add 5 – 10 minutes buffer. This extra will allow you time to gather your things, get in the car, and account for the possibility of traffic. Plan these travel pieces into each portion of your day when you’ll be changing location!
Talk to your photographer
Ultimately, ask your photographer what they recommend! Each professional has little things they prefer doing differently. Run your timeline by your photographer to make sure they think you’ll have enough time! They want your day to go as smoothly as possible!
Not sure how much time you need to book your photographer for? Check out my blog post here for more information on that!
Planning the perfect wedding day timeline | Emily Kowalski Photography
