We can imagine you are currently diving into the whirlwind of wedding planning! One thing we always advise is crafting a wedding day timeline that keeps you both relaxed and photo-ready. Your special day should be about love and celebration, not stress and clock-watching!

Understanding the Key Elements of Your Wedding Timeline

Every wedding is unique, but there are common threads that weave through most celebrations. A typical wedding timeline includes preparations, the ceremony, and the reception. Laying these out makes planning your day much more manageable and helps ensure you don’t overlook any critical moments.

Bridal prep portrait

Starting with the Preparations

This is where your special day begins! Whether it’s getting your hair done or sharing a toast with your bridesmaids or groomsmen, all these moments are precious. We love capturing these authentic, behind-the-scenes shots. Allocate enough time for bridal prep so you’re not rushing around and getting all hot and bothered. Typically, 2-3 hours is a good estimate to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Timing the Ceremony

Your wedding ceremony is the heart of your day. A sweet spot for the length is usually around 30 minutes – not too short, not too long. This allows enough time for those must-have family and couple shots afterward, without your guests waiting too long or becoming ‘hangry.’ If your ceremony includes unique elements like cultural or religious traditions, make sure to adjust the timing accordingly.

wedding ceremony at shustoke farm barns

Allocating Time for Creative Portraits

Now for the couples’ portraits! This is where we get those dreamy, romantic shots of just the two of you. Allocating time for portraits will vary from photographer to photographer and will depend on their personal approach to shooting weddings. We would recommend setting aside at least 30 minutes, which can be split into 2x 15 minute intervals if necessary. We usually spend around 15 minutes taking portraits after group photos and before the grand entrance and then again later in the evening just before sunset. This gives you enough time to get a variety of shots without missing your cocktail hour or party! To stay relaxed, enjoy each other’s company and focus on the moment rather than the camera.

Church wedding ceremony portrait silhouette of bride and groom

The Reception Schedule

Receptions are where all the fun happens! From your grand entrance to the cake cutting and first dance, we’ll plan to capture it all. A typical reception timeline might include:

  • Grand Entrance
  • Speeches
  • Wedding Breakfast
  • Cake Cutting
  • First Dance
  • Dancing

Having a structured yet flexible timeline ensures you can enjoy each part of the evening.

Building in Buffer Time

Always add some buffer time to your schedule. Whether it’s traffic or a small makeup fix, it’s completely normal to expect some delays. By building in extra time, you won’t have to worry about it eating into your photo time or party time. For example, adding 10-15 minutes between major events can help keep everything on track.

Communicating with Your Photographer

Never hesitate to discuss your timeline with us! We’d love to help and offer any advice or insights on the best lighting for your photos and how to arrange your day for the smoothest experience. Topics to cover include preferred shot lists, key moments you want to capture, and any specific timing concerns.

The Final Touch: Flexibility

While planning is crucial, it’s essential to remain flexible. From our experience, some of the best moments often happen unplanned! If things shift a little on your day or don’t unfold exactly as planned, just roll with it. Your wedding is a celebration, not a military operation.

So there you have it – a quick and simple guide to creating a wedding day timeline that’s relaxed and ensures you’re photo-ready at every moment. Remember, it’s all about enjoying your day! If you need a little help or are looking for someone to capture your day with all its love, laughter, and tears, don’t hesitate to reach out or head over to our blog for more useful tips. We’d love to be a part of your wedding journey!

Happy planning!

Nat & Lizzy x