Sample Wedding Day Timeline Bridal Resources
As you are planning your special day we know figuring out the photography timeline can be stressful, but we are providing this helpful resource, so it doesn’t have to be. This week I wanted to highlight sample timelines of a Wedding Day, both with and without a First Look. And to also include how much time we usually need for each important portion of your day. These are general guidelines and can be adjusted for your unique situations because every wedding day is different. Also, please keep in mind this may not be your exact wedding ceremony or reception start time, we can design a photography timeline with your timetable in mind!
Based on our years as wedding photographers, we feel confident estimating how much time we’ll need for each aspect of the day and here is a breakdown of that.
Details and Preparation – 1.5 –2 hours (Depending on specific needs)
First Look (Bride Groom/Father Daughter)- 15 minutes
Ceremony Décor – 10 minutes
Reception Décor Photos– 10 Minutes
Family Formals – 20-30 minutes (Depending on amount needed)
Bridal Party Formals– 20-30 minutes
Bride Groom Formals -20-30 minutes (The more the better!)
With the approximate time needed for each portion of the wedding day here is a sample timeline without a first look:
1:45pm Vinluan Photography is on sight and ready to begin
2:00pm Detail Photos (ie. Dress, shoes, jewelry, invitation, etc.)
2:30pm Staged Hair and Makeup Photos
2:35pm Bridal Slumber Party Photos
2:50pm Bride and Bridesmaids gets dressed
3:00pm Bride staged getting dressed photos
3:15pm Bride with bridesmaid in preparation room photos
3:25 pm First Look with Dad followed by immediate family portraits
3:40pm Bride with Flower Girls and any other important shots requested
3:55pm Bridal party lines up for Ceremony
4:00pm Ceremony
4:30pm Ceremony Ends/ Guests head to cocktail hour
4:30pm Formal Family Photos Begin
4:50pm Formal Bridal Party Photos
5:10pm Formal Bride Groom Portraits
5:35pm Photos of Reception & Cocktail Hour
5:45pm Reception Grand Entrance
5:50pm First Dance
6:00pm Welcome Toast/Prayer
6:10pm Dinner
7:00pm Father/Daughter & Mother/Son Dances
7:10pm Open Dancing
7:45pm Toasts followed by Cake Cutting
8:20pm Bouquet/garter toss
8:30pm Open Dancing
10pm The Exit
Here is a Sample Timeline with a Bride Groom First Look Included:
1:45pm Vinluan Photography is on sight and ready to begin
2:00pm Detail Photos (ie. Dress, shoes, jewelry, invitation, etc.)
2:30pm Staged Hair and Makeup Photos
2:35pm Bridal Slumber Party Photos
2:50pm Bride and Bridesmaids gets dressed
3:00pm Bride staged getting dressed photos
3:15pm Bride with bridesmaid in preparation room photos
3:25 pm First Look with Dad followed by immediate family portraits with Brides family
3:40pm Bride with Flower Girls and any other important shots requested
3:45pm Groom Departs for the First Look
3:55pm Bride Departs for the First Look
4:00pm First Look
4:20pm Formal Bridal Party Photos
4:45pm Formal Bridal Groom Portraits
5:15pm Bride & Groom are tucked away before Ceremony
5:25pm Bridal party lines up for Ceremony
5:30pm Ceremony
6:00pm Ceremony Ends/ Guests head to cocktail hour
6:00pm Formal Family Photos Begin
6:30pm Sunset Bride Groom Portraits (optional)
6:45pm Photograph Reception Décor & Cocktail Hour
7:00pm Reception Grand Entrance
7:10pm First Dance
7:20pm Welcome Toast/Prayer
7:30pm Dinner
8:15pm Father/Daughter & Mother/Son Dances
8:30pm Open Dancing
9:15pm Toasts followed by Cake Cutting
9:45pm Bouquet/garter toss
9:55pm Open Dancing
10:30pm The Exit
You many notice the Groom’s timeline isn’t included this is because Jake generally follows the same getting ready timeline with the guys.
We hope this offers insight on how to plan your wedding day around the photography, but if you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We will be reaching out before your wedding to go over your specific timeline needs. We can’t wait!
