Wedding Timelines
When it comes to planning a wedding, timeline building is a crucial aspect that requires careful consideration. A wedding timeline is a detailed schedule that outlines all the key events and activities that will occur on the big day. It is essential to create a comprehensive timeline in advance to ensure that everything runs smoothly and on time. A good wedding timeline takes into account everything from hair and makeup to photography and reception details. It is important to allow adequate time for each activity and build in some buffer time for unexpected delays or issues. Having a great wedding timeline can really help you keep your day running smoothly!
As a wedding photographer one thing that I create for every wedding client is a photo timeline for their day based on the information they give me. I like to do this for my clients to help them know photography-wise what their day will look like and help them plan for that. Every timeline is custom to each clients day so no timeline looks alike.
Because I have 3 All-Inclusive package options I will primarily focus on what those timelines look like for my clients, however I do make custom timelines for my custom package clients as well. Timelines can look different depending on what events you have planned for your wedding day. If you are doing a first look with your partner or your wedding party. Or if you have a cocktail hour or bar hopping planned. All of these things will change up and shape your photo timeline.
Timeline Examples:
6 hour photo timeline with first look, long ceremony, receiving line, and a location change:
Coverage Starts 12 PM
Details 12 PM
Getting Ready Start 12:15
Dress on12:30
First look/ Portraits 12:45
Bridal Party 1 PM
Pictures done 1:30
Ceremony 2
Ceremony end 3
Receiving Line until 3:30
20-minute drive
Family Formals 4:15
Reception Start 5
Coverage ends 6
Here is an example of an 8 hour photo timeline where the bride and groom got ready together, did a first look with her sister and had a few location changes
Coverage Starts 12 PM
Details 12 PM
Getting Ready 12:30 PM
First look with sister 1:15 PM
Drive to venue 1:30PM
Ceremony 2 PM
Ceremony ends 2:30 PM
Family Formals 2:45 - ceremony
Drive to reception 3:15
Bride and Groom Portraits 3:45 PM
Friend Formals 4:45
Reception Begins 5 PM
Grand Entrance 5:30
Sunset Photos 7 PM
Coverage Ends 8 PM
And finally an example of a 10 hour photo timeline:
12 PM Coverage Starts
Details
Getting Ready
12:30 PM Dress On
Bride Portraits
1PM parents/Daughter First Look Mother/Son First Look
1:30 PM A+T First Look
Bride and Groom Portraits
2PM Food Break/head to church
2:30 PM Family Formals/Church Formal Images
3:30 PM Pictures Done
4 Ceremony
Ceremony Ends 5
5 PM Head to Park
5:15 Bridal Party Photos
Social hour 5:30
10 Minute Drive
7 PM Reception
Dinner
8 PM Speeches Start
8:30 Sunset Pictures
9 First Dances
Coverage Ends 10 PM
As you can see in the varying timelines, every wedding day will look slightly different (and not every wedding starts at noon, my examples that I used from recent weddings just happen to work that way ahah) depending on what events you have planned or your day. Almost every wedding photographer would love to assist you with building your timeline and answering your wedding day questions. Hopefully this blog post helps clear up some timeline confusion and gives you a rough idea on what your timeline could look like!