PHOTOGRAPHER + EDUCATOR
My goal with every single shoot is to preserve your unique relationship in its most authentic and adventurous form, creating memories that resonate and stories that last a lifetime. After all, you only get one life, so fucking live it 🤘🏼
But my passion doesn’t stop there. I also love sharing my expertise and insights with fellow photographers, helping them grow and elevate their craft. Whether it’s through mentorship, behind-the-scenes guidance, or sharing tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years, I’m here to support others in capturing moments that matter just as much. Let’s create, learn, and live boldly—together.
Planning your wedding timeline can feel overwhelming, but getting it right is essential for a smooth and memorable day. A well-organized wedding timeline ensures you have ample time to savor every moment and enjoy the company of your loved ones without feeling rushed. Let’s walk through a sample wedding timeline together and share some key tips to make sure your big day is as relaxed and enjoyable as possible.
Let’s create a timeline for a summer wedding with a 3 PM ceremony. The couple has chosen to do a first look and complete wedding party photos beforehand, allowing them to spend more time with guests after the ceremony.
11:15 AM – Photographers Arrive at Groom’s Location | Start capturing candid shots of the groomsmen getting ready. Allocate 20 minutes for getting ready shots and help with boutonnieres. |
12:15 PM – Photographers Arrive at Bride’s Location | Getting ready shots of the bride and bridal party. Robe photos with a champagne pop. Allocate 15-20 minutes for these shots, making sure to capture some fun, relaxed moments. |
12:30 PM – Bridesmaids Get Dressed | Capture the finishing touches and details of getting ready. |
12:45 PM – First Look with Bridesmaids | Allow 15 minutes for the bride to show her look to the bridesmaids. |
1:00 PM – First Look with Dad | Allocate another 15 minutes for this emotional moment. |
1:15 PM – First Look with Groom & Private Vows | Give the couple 30 minutes for a private first look and sharing their vows. |
1:45 PM – Wedding Party Photos | Allocate 45 minutes for a mix of full wedding party shots, bridesmaids, and groomsmen photos. |
2:30 PM – Guests Start Arriving | The bridal party goes into hiding as the groom greets guests. |
3:00 PM – Ceremony Begins | A basic ceremony without long readings, estimated to last around 30 minutes. |
3:30 PM – Ceremony Ends & Congratulations | Allow 5-10 minutes for guests to give their congratulations and hugs. |
3:40 PM – Family Photos | Allocate 30 minutes for immediate family photos and a big group shot of each side. This wraps up at 4:15 PM. |
4:15 PM – Cocktail Hour Starts | Guests enjoy drinks and appetizers while the couple mingles and takes a quick breather. |
5:30 PM – Wedding Party Entrance | Allocate 15 minutes for the wedding party entrance and kick-off to the reception. |
5:45 PM – Dinner Begins | With about 100 guests, give around 45 minutes for everyone to get their food and start eating. |
6:30 PM – Speeches Start | Allocate 5 minutes per speech, totaling about 6 speeches in 30 minutes. |
7:00 PM – First Dances | The couple’s first dance, followed by separate dances with each parent. This takes about 15-20 minutes, wrapping up by 7:20 PM. |
7:20 PM – Cake Cutting | A quick cake-cutting ceremony before stepping out for golden hour photos. |
7:30 PM – Golden Hour Portraits | Allocate 20 minutes for the couple to enjoy some quiet time together and capture stunning photos in the best light. |
7:50 PM – Couple Returns to Reception | Guests enjoy dessert and continue mingling while the couple takes a breather before rejoining the party. |
9:00 PM – Sparkler Exit | It won’t be dark enough for sparklers until around 9 PM in July, so this timing works well to cap off the night. |
By following these tips and planning out your timeline thoughtfully, you can focus on enjoying your wedding day without worrying about what comes next. Wishing you a day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories!
I hope this guide helps you feel prepared and excited for your big day! If you’re looking for a comprehensive solution to take the stress out of planning, our Ultimate Wedding Timeline Guide on Etsy is the perfect tool to keep your celebration running smoothly.
With 15 detailed pages, customizable templates, and print-ready options, it’s designed to help you map out every moment from start to finish!
Why Choose It?
Whether you’re a bride planning your dream day or a photographer offering extra value to your clients, this guide ensures everyone knows where to be and when. It’s easy to personalize with your unique wedding details, making it the ultimate planning companion for a seamless, unforgettable celebration.
For a perfectly organized, stress-free wedding day, check out our guide on Etsy and start planning with confidence!
✨ Want More Tips and a Behind-the-Scenes Look?
If you’re a visual learner or prefer a more detailed walkthrough, I’ve got you covered! Head over to my YouTube channel for the vlog version of this guide, where I dive deep into creating a timeline that works for your wedding day.
You’ll get extra tips, examples, and a closer look at how to customize your timeline for a stress-free experience.
Don’t miss it! 🤘
PHOTOGRAPHER + EDUCATOR
My goal with every single shoot is to preserve your unique relationship in its most authentic and adventurous form, creating memories that resonate and stories that last a lifetime. After all, you only get one life, so fucking live it 🤘🏼
But my passion doesn’t stop there. I also love sharing my expertise and insights with fellow photographers, helping them grow and elevate their craft. Whether it’s through mentorship, behind-the-scenes guidance, or sharing tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years, I’m here to support others in capturing moments that matter just as much. Let’s create, learn, and live boldly—together.