How to Build a Traditional Wedding Timeline
Creating A Wedding Timeline
One of the hardest and most important pieces to planning a wedding is creating the perfect timeline. I can tell you now, there is no such thing as a “perfect” timeline. Things don’t always go to plan and adaptation is necessary. But knowing this and creating buffers can help a wedding run smoothly despite all the moving pieces.
I’ve worked weddings where the Bride was two hours behind and I’ve seen timelines executed flawlessly. A lot of this depends on the care and attention taken to creating the time frames used during the wedding day.
First and foremost, a wedding day is about maximizing the special moments that the two of you want.
You deserve time together to just be. This is your special day and you have the right to require time be utilized as you see fit. Don’t let anyone remove that toast to each other in the quiet moment between ceremony and reception if you really want it to happen.
But Kat, do I even need a timeline?
No, we can always improvise. And some elopements certainly lend itself to spontaneous adventures. But if you plan to have a traditional wedding, a timeline is so helpful to keep everyone else on track around you. That way you can sit back and relax knowing the day is taken care of. Keep scrolling and I’ll help you determine timelines that lend itself to photography.
Ideal Timelines for Your Wedding Photography
Rings, Dress, Shoes and Details
Ideal Time - 30 minutes
Ideal Time of the Day – Morning
Ideal Location – Bridal Suite or Hotel Suite
Considerations – Sometimes a hotel room is too crowded or simply unappealing so I have to take the dress all the way down to the lobby or even outside. This can take some time, but as you can see from the results, it’s well worth the additional work.
Preparation
Ideal Time – 60 minutes
Ideal Time of the Day – Morning or Early Afternoon
Ideal Location – Bridal Suite or Hotel Suite
Considerations – During this time, I am getting close ups of the makeup and hair being applied as well as candid moments between everyone getting ready. Keep in mind that these are some of the most emotional and fun times of the day, so you don’t want to cut it out.
Individual Portraits
Ideal Time – 30 minutes
Ideal Time of the Day – Morning or Early Afternoon
Ideal Location – Bridal Suite, Hotel Suite, Venue Lobby, or Venue Garden
Considerations – Right after preparations is the best time for individual portraits of the bride and groom done separately. Besides makeup and hair being completely fresh, the day hasn’t gotten hectic yet so we can take our time and breathe together before it’s go time.
I like to position near a window where the sunlight is streaming in, especially if there isn’t much lighting in the space.
First Look and Daytime Couples Session
Ideal Time – 45-60 minutes
Ideal Time of the Day – Morning or Early Afternoon
Ideal Location – Venue Garden, Empty Venue Hallway (shaded areas with natural light)
Considerations – This moment is for just the two of you to spend some time together seeing each other for the first time on such a special day. No one should be present while you drink each other in and take a moment to just relax together. Afterward, we take a short adventure together to grab a few special moments before the rest of the day gets away from us.
Wedding Party
Ideal Time – 45-60 minutes
Ideal Time of the Day – Morning or Afternoon
Ideal Location -Venue Lobby, Venue Garden, Beach, Park, Off-site Location
Advice – The wedding party should include a variety of sets such the group for each side and the full party together. I grab the traditional shots and then we move on to more creative sets. I also always like to get individuals of each party member with the Bride or Groom.
Immediate Family
Ideal Time – 30-45 minutes
Ideal Time of the Day – Morning or Afternoon
Ideal Location -Venue Lobby, Venue Garden, Beach, Park, Off-site Location
Considerations – It’s important to have images with your parents, grandparents, and siblings beyond the basic family extended formals (see the section below).
Plan on 3 minutes per group. For example, if you have 10 groups, schedule a 30 minute time slot.
Ceremony Details and Venue
Ideal Time – 30 minutes
Ideal Location – Ceremony Site
Ideal Time of the Day – Morning or Afternoon
Considerations – Before everyone gets seated, I like to capture the space in its raw format. Getting all of the details you put together is super important to me.
Extended Family Formals
Ideal Time – 45-60 minutes
Ideal Time of the Day – Morning or Afternoon (Post Ceremony)
Ideal Location – Ceremony Site
Considerations – Formals depend on the size of your family and the number of guests. Plan on 3 minutes per group. For example, if you have 10 groups, schedule a 30 minute time slot.
I also recommend being very organized, with a list of groups and helpers from each side of the family to help round people up. We can gather the list before the wedding day to help with the organization.
Couples Session - Sunset
Ideal Time – 1 hour
Ideal Time of the Day – Late Afternoon (Sunset)
Ideal Location – Venue Garden, Beach, Hotel Lobby, Park
Considerations – Couple session should take place ideally 30 to 45 minutes before sunset. It’s the best timing for lighting.
This is when I can get some awesome scenic shots with colorful skies. If your wedding is in downtown or in an area with tall buildings, it’s not as important for us to have this specific time frame (although it still helps).
However, if you booked your venue because of the spectacular view of the mountains or other scenery, it’s essential to follow this advice in your timeline.
Reception Details
Ideal Time – 30 minutes
Ideal Time of the Day – Early Evening
Ideal Location – Reception Site
Considerations – Similar to the ceremony details, this is the only opportunity I have to capture the beauty of the reception room prior to the guests arrival. I love making sure I get photos of the effort you took to make the space look beautiful for your guests.
Reception Events
Ideal Time – Various
Ideal Time of the Day – Evening
Ideal Location – Reception Site
Considerations – This time can include any if not all of the following: grand entrance, first dance, daddy-daughter dance, mother-son dance, money dance, cake cutting, garter toss, bouquet toss, table shots, toasts, etc.
Sample Wedding Timeline
Here’s a sample wedding timeline for a full formal day.