Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, especially when it’s your first time diving into all the details. But don’t worry—I’m here to help you navigate the process! There are so many things to consider when planning your big day, and I’ve got the inside scoop on how to make it all run smoothly, especially when it comes to your wedding day timeline!
One of the biggest things that can make or break a wedding day is the timeline. I’ve seen poorly planned timelines throw off an entire day, and I’ve seen well-thought-out timelines save the day when unexpected things happen. If you want to focus your energy on one key aspect of your planning, make it the timeline! Trust me, this is where you’ll see the greatest impact.
Let’s Talk About the Timeline!
I’m going to walk you through an ideal wedding day timeline based on a 4:00 pm ceremony time and a First Look (which 90% of my couples choose to do!). Of course, every wedding day is different, and your timeline may vary due to travel times or unique situations, but this sample timeline will give you a great starting point. So, let’s dive in!
How to Create the Perfect Wedding Day Timeline | Wisconsin Wedding Photographer
Bridal Details: 12:30-1:15 PM
We’ll kick off the day by capturing all those beautiful bridal details—think dress, shoes, jewelry, invitations, and more! These shots are such an important part of your story, and I love taking the time to get them just right. Plus, it gives me a chance to warm up for the rest of the big day! While I’m snapping these detail shots, I’ll also grab some candid shots of you and your bridesmaids getting ready. If the groom is nearby, my second photographer will start capturing the guys as they get dressed—about 40 minutes before the First Look!
Bridal Prep: 1:15-1:45 PM
After the details are captured, it’s time for you to slip into your dress! This is such a special moment, and I usually ask the mother of the bride and bridesmaids to be dressed by this time so they’re photo-ready for those precious moments. Once you’re in your gown, I’ll capture some gorgeous bridal portraits before we move on to the First Look!
First Look: 2:00 PM
Ah, the First Look—one of my absolute favorite parts of the day! I’ll find the perfect, private location with beautiful natural light, so you and your partner can have an intimate moment before the whirlwind begins. Don’t worry about the location—I’ve got it covered!
Portraits: 2:15-2:45 PM
After the First Look, we’ll jump right into capturing some romantic portraits of the two of you! I love this time because the excitement and emotions are still fresh, making for some truly magical photos. I’ll find the best spots based on the light that day, and then we’ll be ready for the bridal party to join us!
Bridal Party Portraits: 2:50-3:20 PM
Now it’s time for the bridal party shots! To keep things running smoothly, I recommend designating someone to handle the boutonnieres before the groomsmen arrive for portraits. I’ll make sure we capture both group shots and individual moments with your bridal party.
Bride in Hiding: 3:30-4:00 PM
After the bridal party portraits, it’s time for you to go into hiding while the guests start arriving. This ensures that no one sneaks a peek before the ceremony! During this time, I’ll also capture some untouched reception details if the ceremony and reception are in the same location.
Ceremony: 4:00-4:30 PM
It’s time to get married! Most ceremonies last about 30 minutes, but if yours runs longer, we’ll make sure to adjust the timeline accordingly. These are the moments you’ll cherish forever, so soak it all in—it goes by so fast!
Family Portraits: 4:40-5:10 PM
Family formals usually take place right after the ceremony. This is the best time because all of your family members will be present. We’ll need about 30 minutes for these portraits, and I’ll send you a questionnaire beforehand so we can plan the specific shots you want. I love shooting these portraits outdoors if possible to capture that natural, timeless look!
Reception Begins: 6:00 PM
Let the party begin! Once the bridal party is introduced, it’s time to celebrate. By this point, the timeline isn’t as strict, and I’ll be focusing on capturing all the fun and emotion of the evening.
Sunset Portraits: 7:15-7:30 PM
Golden hour is magical, and it’s the perfect time for a few more “Just Married” portraits. This time of day gives us that beautiful, glowy light that makes everything look extra dreamy!
The Exit: 10:30 PM
If you want your exit photographed, we can either extend coverage or plan a “Controlled Exit” with just your bridal party. This option is a blast, and it ensures the party never has to stop!
So, there you have it—a sample timeline that will help ensure your wedding day is as smooth and stress-free as possible! Remember, every wedding is unique, so feel free to adjust this timeline to fit your specific needs. If you have any questions or need help planning your timeline, I’m always here to help. Let’s make your wedding day everything you’ve dreamed of and more!
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