How to Create a Stress-Free Wedding Timeline

Whew, you have no clue how many times every wedding photographer all over the world has been asked about a wedding timeline, or asked to weigh in on when things should be done. This makes complete sense, we are the peeps taking the photos, so we’re putting one in to help you out.

This could be one of those things you didn’t know that you needed. What you’ll find below is a wedding timeline breakdown for some of the most common event times, photography time blocks, and sample timelines. Let’s break it down!

Weddings are a beautiful and special event, but they require a lot of planning and organization. One of the most important aspects of planning a wedding is creating a wedding timeline. A wedding timeline is a schedule that outlines the order of events and activities that will take place on the day of the wedding.

Here are some tips to help you create a successful wedding timeline:

Start Early

Begin creating your wedding timeline at least six months before the wedding. This will give you plenty of time to make adjustments and modifications as needed.

Determine the Ceremony Time:

The ceremony time is usually the first thing that is set, as it is the centerpiece of the day. Once you know the ceremony time, you can work backward and determine the start time for other activities.

Consider the Venue

The location of the ceremony and reception will also impact your timeline. For example, if the ceremony and reception are in different locations, you will need to factor in travel time for the bridal party and guests.

Be Realistic

It’s important to be realistic when creating your wedding timeline. Make sure to allocate enough time for each activity and leave room for unexpected delays or changes. Add a 15-minute buffer at the big events.

Delegate Responsibilities

Assign tasks to different members of the bridal party or family members to ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day of the wedding.

Communicate the Timeline

Make sure to communicate the timeline to all vendors, hair and make-up artists, members of the bridal party, and anyone else involved in the wedding. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page and knows what to expect. Let your families know what time family photos start and even tell them to be 15 minutes early so that we get started straight away.

Budget time to do nothing

This could be a key element in how you feel about your day. Give yourself time to just enjoy the moment with your partner. The day will go by so fast, and you will cherish those moments you had together in the midst of the chaos.

6 Core Elements to Include in Your Wedding Timeline

Before you create your wedding day timeline, familiarize yourself with the general time it takes for each activity. Here, we break down approximately how much time you’ll need to allow for everything from the first look photos to the parent dances.

Some examples of activities that should be included in your wedding timeline are:

Hair and makeup for the bride and bridal party
Photographs with the bride and groom separately and together
The ceremony
Cocktail hour
Reception activities such as speeches, dances, and cake cutting
Last dance and departure

Wedding Photography Timeline Time Blocks

To give you an idea of how much time to allow for each event, we will also list some of the time blocks we use when creating timelines for our own couples. These blocks are the amount of time we try to allow in timelines. Keep in mind that each time block can be altered to fit your wedding plans—this will simply help you figure out how long everything should take.

GETTING READY + DETAILS: 1.5-2 HOURS

FIRST LOOK / COUPLE PORTRAITS: 45 MINUTES-1HR

WEDDING PARTY PORTRAITS: 30 MINUTES

FAMILY PORTRAITS: 30 MINUTES

CEREMONY: 30 MINUTES

COCKTAIL HOUR: 1 HOUR

DINNER + TOASTS: 1 HOUR

GOLDEN HOUR/SUNSET PORTRAITS: 15 MINUTES

RECEPTION: 1+ HOURS

Intiman Mountain Wedding in Coeur D'Alene

Wedding Photography Timeline Examples

As your wedding day approaches, your planner and/or photographer will begin to reach out via email to discuss your wedding day timeline to ensure that they understand your priorities.

Whether you’re wanting to do a first look or go the traditional route, we’ve gathered two sample timelines to guide your planning.

The Traditional Timeline (without first look)

9: Hair and makeup begin

1: Detail photos, finishing touches of getting ready

2:30: Bride gets into dress; Groom puts on suit jacket/tie/boutonniere

3:30: Photos of Bride and Bridesmaids

4: Photos of Groom + Groomsmen

4:30: Photographers take ceremony and reception details

5:30: Ceremony

6: Ceremony ends and officiant announces family to stick around for photos

6–6:30: Family formal portraits

6:30–6:40: Entire wedding party

6:40–7:15: Newlywed photos

7:30: Bride and Groom introduced toreception

7:35: First dance

7:40: Toast(s)

7:45: Dinner served

8:30: Cake cutting

8:35: Father/Daughter dance;Mother/Son dance

8:45: Open dance floor

10: Send-off

The First Look Timeline

9: Hair and makeup begin

1: Detail photos, finishing touches of getting ready

2:30: Bride gets into dress; Groom puts on suit jacket/tie/boutonniere

3: First Look with Bride and Groom

3:15: Wedding Party finishes getting ready

3:30–4:30: Wedding party portraits

4:30: Photographers shoot ceremony/reception details

5:30: Ceremony

6: Ceremony ends and officiant announces family to stick around for photos

6–6:30: Family formal portraits

6–7:30: Cocktail Hour

6:30 –7:15: Newlywed photos

7:30: Bride and Groom introduced to the reception

7:35: First dance

7:40: Toast(s)

7:45:Dinner served

8:30: Cake cutting

8:35: Father/Daughter dance; Mother/Son dance

8:45: Open dance floor

10: Send-off

Spokane Wedding Photographer

Creating a wedding timeline may seem like a daunting task, but it is an essential part of ensuring that your wedding day runs smoothly. By following these tips and being realistic with your expectations, you can create a timeline that will help you and your guests enjoy your special day to the fullest. We hope these tips help you create the stress-free wedding day of your dreams!