Oftentimes, the best way to a perfect and carefree wedding day is by putting extra care into your wedding timeline ahead of time.
What Is A Wedding Day Timeline?
A timeline is a presentation of a chronological sequence of events. So, your wedding timeline serves a schedule of your wedding day. We’ll follow your timeline as closely as possible on the day of so it goes smoothly, and everyone is aware of what’s happening next.
Why Do You Need A Wedding Day Timeline?
The key to a flawless wedding day is planning ahead. So, breaking down your entire day will keep you organized, stress-free, and on time. It’s important to have a detailed, hour-by-hour timeline. That way, your wedding vendors, wedding party, and even family members know what to expect, where they need to be, and when they need to be there.
Who Needs Your Wedding Day Timeline?
It’s especially important that your team of wedding professionals have a copy of your timeline to help them better collaborate toward your wedding vision and avoid any hiccups. A wedding timeline provides a quick and easy reference, which prevents others from barraging the couple with questions on the day-of. Consequently, the more specific and thorough you make your timeline, the better it will be for you!
Questions to Answer to Build Your Personalized Wedding Day Timeline:
How many hours do you have your photographer and videographer for?
Note this at the top of your timeline for easy reference.
What are your priorities for photo and video?
For instance, do you want more photos at the beginning of your day when you’re getting ready? Do you want full reception coverage until send off? You may need to shift your timeline accordingly if you have limited photography hours.
When is sunset?
Do you prefer sunset photos for your ceremony or couple’s portraits?
Where do you want to take photos?
Note the locations and types of photos you want at each, such as first look on the lawn; couple’s portraits in the garden; family photos outside the church; wedding party downtown; etc.?
What time will the ceremony start and end?
How will you commute to and from venues?
What’s the driving distance/time to and from location(s)?
When will the reception begin and end?
Will you do a cocktail hour?
Wedding Day Timeline for Photos & Events
These are the approximate lengths of time for each major wedding day event and traditional wedding photos:
Getting Ready — 60-90 minutes of photos
First Look – 15 minutes
A first look can include: first look with a parent(s), first look with wedding party, or even a “first touch” where the couple holds hands around a door without peeking.
Ceremony – 30 minutes to 1 hour
Family Photos – 30 minutes
Wedding Party – 30 minutes
Couples Portraits – 30-45 minutes
Wedding Reception Timeline
Most wedding receptions are approximately 4-5 hours, although it varies. Here’s the breakdown for a traditional wedding reception:
Cocktail Hour & Hors D’oeuvres/Appetizers – 1 hour
Dinner – 45 minutes
Toasts – 5 minutes each
First Dance – 5 minutes
Father/Daughter – 5 minutes
Mother/Son – 5 minutes
Cake Cutting – 5 minutes
Dance floor – 20+ minutes
Photojournalistic Wedding Photography with Tammi Camp
Tammi Camp is a destination photographer based in St Louis, Missouri. She photographs everything from multi-day events to elopements around the globe. Her passion lies in creating photographs that document all your special moments with a lasting aesthetic that lives beyond the wedding day. Tammi’s style of photography is honest and intentional with a twist of fashion — think Vogue-meets-photojournalism. Learn more about the Tammi Camp Experience, and contact Tammi today to reserve your date.
