How to make a wedding timeline
Figuring out how to make a wedding timeline can be an overwhelming process. There are so many details to consider and tasks to complete. One helpful way to stay organized and on track is to create a wedding timeline. A wedding timeline is essentially a schedule of all the important events and tasks leading up to your wedding day. I have some great tips I’ve learned as a photographer and as a bride to be myself!
Here are some steps to help you plan your wedding timeline:
Determine your wedding date and venue: The first step in creating your timeline is to choose a wedding date and venue. This will help you determine the overall timeline for your wedding planning. You’ll then want to check what time sunset is. I always recommend doing a first look so you have most photos done then do a few after the ceremony at the end of cocktail hour at sunset.
Create a calendar or spreadsheet: When I photograph weddings I don’t typically stay until the very end. When all the important events are done and we have great dancing photos it’s usually a great end time. When I make a wedding day timeline I usually work backwards from the end of the night. For example, if your cake cutting is at 9:00pm and you book eight hours of photography your start time would be 1:00pm. I usually like to start getting ready photos when your hair and makeup is almost complete. I’ll get photos of details and makeup final touch ups.
Here is a simple wedding day timeline to give you an idea.
1:00pm Photography starts. Have details gathered for the couple so they can be photographed.
1:30pm Get dressed and get group photos with wedding party.
2:15pm First look followed by wedding party photos and couple portraits.
3:30pm Family portraits.
4:00pm Couple hides away as guests arrive. Photographers get ceremony details.
4:30pm Ceremony begins.
5:00pm Cocktail hour. Get some sunset photos near the end of cocktail hour before the reception.
6:00pm Reception starts .
7:00pm Dinner starts. Ask your venue to feed your photographer when guests eat.
7:30pm Speeches begin.
8:00pm Dancing!
8:55pm Cake cutting.
9:00pm Photography ends.
I hope this has been helful and happy planning!
