I know that timeline planning can feel overwhelming! That is one of many reasons I highly suggest you hire a wedding planner or a day of coordinator. I know not every budget can accommodate this, however. If you are feeling stressed or just need some reference, I got you. I know you have probably never done this before. But, don’t worry! I have, and I have some tips for you.
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I can’t talk about timelines without talking about the First Look. I highly suggest you do a First Look for lots of reasons… A First Look gives you both an intimate moment to see each other without the pressure of walking down the isle and without the eyes of a full audience. Another perk is that you get the majority of your posed photos with the Bride and Groom and Bridal party out of the way before the ceremony. Also, when you do a First Look, you get a lot more time with guests after the ceremony. Every wedding I have done with a First Look ran very smoothly. (I know some people like to stick to tradition and see each other for the first time as she walks down the isle, and I totally get it! Below I will include a Timeline without a First Look as well.)
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So here is an ideal 8 Hour Timeline with a First Look. (Your time will vary depending on the length of the ceremony, travel time, how many locations you will need to go to, the time of year and when the sun sets, etc. Some people like to go from 2-10, it just depends on how long you have the venue for and when dinner is. But this will give you an idea of how much each part of the day typically takes.) :
1:00-2:00 Getting ready photos and detail photos. The Dress, the shoes, the rings, invitations, guys hanging out taking a shot, girls in robes on bed, etc.
2:00-2:15 Bridesmaids and MOB help Bride put on dress, shoes, and jewelry.
2:15-2:45 First Look and posed photos of Bride and Groom. (I will get more photos at the sunset hour when the light is best.)
2:45-3:15 Bride and Bridesmaid’s Photos (This can take more or less time depending on the size of your Bridal Party)
3:15-3:30 Groom and Groomsmen’s Photos (This can take more or less time depending on the size of your Bridal Party)
3:30-3:45 Full Bridal Party Photos (If you have a large group, I suggest a bit more time here.)
3:45-4:30 Bride and Groom take a moment and relax. Get your last minute touch ups and hide from guests as they arrive. During this time, the photographers will get detail photos of the ceremony and get our camera setting dialed in.
4:30-5:00 Ceremony
5:00-5:20 Family Photos
5:00-6:00 Cocktail Hour
5:20-5:45/6:00 Golden Hour Bride and Groom Photos (This will depend on how long family photos took and how far you have to walk or drive for posed photos. For example, some venues will take you on a golf card and drive you to ideal spots for your couple portraits.)
6:00-6:15 Announcement for guests to be seated and Bridal party prepare for introductions.
6:15-6:30 Bridal Party Introductions and First Dance
6:30-7:15 Dinner It is best if the Photographers eat at the same time as you so we can return quickly to capture any moments of you mingling before toasts.
7:15-7:30 Toasts. I highly suggest you eat before toasts! It helps to calm the nerves of the speakers and everyone is much more focused after they have eaten. If alcohol is served, it will also give your speakers a chance to soak up some of their delicious drinks with food.
7:30-7:45 Special dances with Parents or someone special
7:45 Open Dancing.
8:00 Cut the Cake
8:30 Bouquet and Garter Toss
9:00 Photographer(s) pack up and call it a night.
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Here is the timeline without a First Look:
(You will see the end of the night is a tad bit more crammed and there is a 30 minute gap between when cocktail hour is over and when you join the party at the Bridal Party Introductions. The timeline is a bit more tight, but it is definitely doable.)
1:00-2:00 Getting ready photos and detail photos. The Dress, the shoes, invitations, the rings, etc.
2:00-2:15 Bridesmaids and MOB help Bride put on dress, shoes, and jewelry.
2:15-2:45 Bride and Bridesmaids Photos.
2:45-3:00 Photos of Bride with Immediate Family
3:00-3:15 Groom and Groomsmen Photos
3:15-3:30 Photos of Groom with Immediate Family
3:30-4:30 Last minute touch-ups while photographers get detail photos of the ceremony.
4:30-5:00 Ceremony
5:00-5:20 Family photos
5:20-5:40 Bridal Party Photos
5:40-6:30 Bride and Groom Portraits
5:00-6:00 Cocktail Hour for guests
6:30- Announcement for guests to be seated and Bridal party prepare for introductions.
6:30-6:45 Bridal Party Introductions and First Dance
6:45-7:30 Dinner It is best if the Photographer(s) eat at the same time as you so I can return quickly to capture any moments of you mingling before toasts.
7:30-7:45 Toasts. I highly suggest you, your guests, and your vendors eat before toasts! It helps to calm the nerves of the speakers and everyone is much more focused after they have eaten. If alcohol is served, it will also give your speakers a chance to soak up some of their delicious drinks with food.
7:45-8:00 Special dances with Parents or someone special
8:00 Open Dancing.
8:15 Cut the Cake
8:30 Bouquet and Garter Toss
9:00 Photographer(s) pack up and call it a night.
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