Wedding days can be stressful. Things run behind, people are late, you run out of time for things. But the easiest way to avoid this is to have a detailed wedding timeline in place to help the day run smoothly! Yes, things can still run behind, but as long as you schedule in plenty of extra time for everything you need, you should be fine! Each of my wedding packages comes with a custom wedding timeline, but if you’re trying to create your own, here’s how to do it!

1. Figure out when the sun will set

Before doing anything else, check what time the sun will set on your wedding day! You don’t want to mistakenly schedule your ceremony after the sun sets. And while a sunset ceremony sounds romantic, that leaves zero time afterwards for photos in daylight. So it’s best to schedule your ceremony at least an hour and a half BEFORE sunset if you’re having a first look, two hours if you’re not. And keep in mind that the sun sets much earlier in winter months.

2. Decide if you want a first look or not

First looks are popular right now and for good reason! They allow the bride and groom to see each other for the first time on their wedding day alone in an intimate setting. It also allows us to get a majority of your photos done before the ceremony, which means your guests aren’t left waiting while we rush to squeeze in photos before the reception! If you prefer to go the traditional route, that’s fine too! Just be sure you include plenty of time for photos after the ceremony in your timeline.

3. Choose a Ceremony Start Time

Now that you know the sunset time and whether you’re having a first look, time to choose a ceremony start time! Most ceremonies last 15-30 minutes, unless you’re having a religious mass. So plan accordingly!

4. Work Backwards from there

After you decide your ceremony time, work backwards from there to determine how the rest of your day will unfold. I’ve included some sample timelines below to help you get an idea of how long everything takes!

Tips

1. Don’t forget to schedule in drive time if you have multiple locations on your day! It takes time to gather everyone up and drive to the chapel or to the reception venue. So be sure to schedule that in.
2. Hair & makeup ALWAYS takes longer than you think. It is the number one thing that runs behind on wedding days, so be sure to schedule plenty of time for that. It’s better to be ready way too early than to be stressed and running late.
3. Talk with your photographer before making any final decisions about your timeline. They can help you plan out your day to get the most out of your photography coverage!

 

Sample Timelines

Every wedding day is different, and because of that, I work with my couples individually to come up with the best timeline to fit their day. But I do start with a base template for most weddings. Below are two sample timelines for a wedding where the ceremony and reception are taking place at the same venue. These are also based on a sunset time typical of spring/early summer in Texas.

 

Wedding With a First Look (8 hours):

2:30-3:30 Photographer photographs bride’s details and getting ready shots

3:30-4:00 Bride gets into dress

4:00-4:15 First Look

4:15-5:00 Bride & Groom Portraits/ Individual Portraits

5:00-5:30 Bridal Party Portraits

5:30-6:00 Family Portraits

6:00-6:30 Bride & Groom Rest & Retouch

6:30-7:00 Ceremony

7:00-7:30 Bride & Groom Sunset Photos

7:30 Reception Grand Entrances

8:00pm Sunset

7:30-10:30 Reception

 

Wedding Without a First Look (8 hours):

2:30-3:30 Photographer photographs bride’s details and getting ready shots

3:30-4:00 Bride Gets into Dress

4:00-4:30 Bride individual portraits/Bride with Bridesmaids

4:30-5:00 Groom individual portraits/Groom with Groomsmen

5:00-5:30 Bride & Groom Rest & Retouch

5:30-6:00 Ceremony

6:00-6:30 Family Portraits

6:30-6:45 Full Bridal Party

6:45-7:30 Husband & Wife Portraits

8:00pm Sunset

7:30 Reception Grand Entrances

7:30-10:30 Photographers at Reception