sample wedding day timeline

Sample Wedding Day Timeline

One of the first things I talk with my Brides and Grooms about is their wedding day timeline. This is a look at a timeline without including a first look for the more traditional couple. Allowing time needed for all aspects of your day can really make or break your photography experience and results; just chat to a past bride that didnt allow enough time!

This sample timeline outlines an ideal wedding day working off a 2pm ceremony during daylight savings. I know this is alot of reading but this is super important, so take the time to read through it, remember that all wedding days are different and your timeline may differ due to travel times etc.

Based on my years as a wedding photographer, I feel confident estimating how much time I’ll need for aspects of the day to produce the kind of photos you see on my website and blog, but to ensure we’re on the same page, here’s a breakdown of what I’ll need to document everything perfectly:

 

60 minutes – Details

Travel time

30 minutes – Groom Prep

Travel time

60 minutes – Bridal prep

Travel time

10 minutes – Ceremony Decor Photos (before guests arrive)

30 minutes – Family Photos (if you have large extended families, it may take longer)

Travel time

15 minutes – Bridal Party Photos

Travel time

15 minutes – Bridal Party Photos

30 minutes – Bride + Groom Photos

Travel time

30 minutes – Reception Decor Photos (before guests are welcomed in)

30 minutes – Creative artistic/sunset Photos

 

This is a sample timeline based on a March wedding which is in daylight savings – remember when the sun sets is key!!

 

11:15am Photographer arrival // Photographer photographs details like dress, invitations, flowers, shoes, jewellery, etc

12:15pm Travel to Groom

12:20pm Groom prep

12:40pm Travel to bride

12:45pm Bridesmaids get dressed // Photographer photographs last-minute hair and makeup touch ups

12:55pm Bride gets dressed

1:45pm Travel to Ceremony

1:50pm Photographers photograph Ceremony decor

2:00pm Ceremony

2:45pm End of Ceremony // Congratulations from guests

3:10pm Family formals

3:40pm Travel to location

3:50pm Bridal party photos

6:00pm Travel to reception venue

6:10pm Photographers photograph Reception decor before guest are welcomed

6:40pm Guests invited to enter Reception and find their seats

6:50pm Grand Entrance

7:15pm Sunset photos of bride and groom (optional)

7:30pm Dinner

7:45pm Speeches

8:15pm Cake cutting

8:25pm First dance

8:30pm Father // Daughter & Mother // Son dances

9:00pm Sparklers or after dark images

9:20pm Bouquet/garter toss

9:30pm Open dancing

10:15pm Photographers leave

sample wedding day timeline

Nat + Jace Bode’s wedding party – one of my favourite weddings for so many reasons.. xx