Wedding Day sample timeline

Don’t cram in too many things into a tight schedule, because guess what?! There’s always something that will go wrong on your wedding day. That’s just how it goes. I haven’t been to one wedding (and I’ve been to ALOT) where everything goes according to plan. Plan for things to take longer than you think for this reason, as well as making sure everyone can feel relaxed and not rushed all day long. A fast paced tight schedule will always result in stress!

Here is a sample timeline of what an 8 hour day would look like and I’ve put together timing tips for each part of the day:

8:45AM | BRIDESMAIDS HAIR + MAKEUP BEGIN

I typically don’t take photos of anyone getting ready until they’re almost completely ready because let’s be honest no one wants photos of themselves with their hair half curled and one eye makeup done.


10:45AM | BRIDE’S HAIR + MAKEUP BEGIN

I recommend giving yourself extra extra time to get ready so you aren’t stressing about running close on time. Like I mentioned above, once you’re almost done with hair and makeup I’ll get a few shots of the last touches to your final look.


1:15PM | GROOM BEGINS GETTING READY

It doesn’t take long for guys to get ready unless they forgot how to tie a tie so make sure a few of them know how to properly tie one or clip-on ties are great too!


1:45PM | PHOTOGRAPHY COVERAGE BEGINS / WEDDING DETAILS

This is where I’ll grab the detail box and your wedding gown to get a few shots. I’ll document the area like the scenery of your wedding location and photos of the venue. I’ll also use this time to capture some casual shots of the bride and groom getting ready.


2:45PM | PUT ON DRESS (TOTAL TIME TO PUT ON DRESS = 30 MIN)

This is a magical moment for you so give yourself plenty of time to not feel stressed! This is where we’ll find an open window for natural lighting and clear the room of any clutter.


3:15PM | FIRST LOOK WITH YOUR MOM + DAD OR BRIDESMAIDS

These first looks can be really sweet when your parents or bridesmaids see you for the first time.


3:30PM | FIRST LOOK BRIDE + GROOM (TOTAL TIME FOR FIRST LOOK = 15 MIN)

We’ll go to a secluded spot where no one is around to allow an intimate, quiet space for you both. You can also read your vows to each other during this time.


3:45PM | WEDDING PARTY PHOTOS (TOTAL TIME FOR WEDDING PARTY PHOTOS = 30 MIN)

All the bridesmaids and groomsmen will know to be ready for group shots. Popping champagne or taking tequila shots makes for a fun moment in these photos!


4:15PM | FAMILY PHOTOS (TOTAL TIME FOR FAMILY PHOTOS = 30 MIN)

This is where your list of 10 family groupings will come in handy. If everyone is present and cooperates I’ll have your family photos finished in 30 minutes or less!


4:45PM: BREAK BEFORE CEREMONY / CEREMONY + RECEPTION DETAILS (TOTAL TIME FOR CEREMONY + RECEPTION DETAILS = 30 MIN)

After all the photos, you both will need this 30 minute break to freshen up and prepare for the ceremony. Trust me, you’ll want this down time. I’ll also use this time to photograph details of your ceremony and reception without any guests present so you have photos to look back on how everything looked.


5:15PM: CEREMONY BEGINS

Ceremonies vary from 15-30 min depending if you want it to be short and sweet or need extra time for vows, etc... Definitely let me know if you’re doing something special at this time.


5:45PM: CEREMONY ENDS

Hug everyone you love after your ceremony!


5:50PM: COCKTAIL HOUR BEGINS

Enjoy yourselves, have a drink, and hang out with the people you love.


6:15PM: COCKTAIL HOUR ENDS / RECEPTION BEGINS

Guests can make their way to their seats.


6:20PM: GRAND ENTRANCE INTO RECEPTION

Up until this point of your wedding you will typically chat with your wedding planner or DJ on how you want the rest of your evening to flow. The following are just some examples to get an idea.


6:25PM: DINNER IS SERVED

If I’m shooting for 8 hours or longer, myself and my second shooter (if present) will use this time to eat our meal while you both are eating.


6:45PM: NEWLYWED PHOTOS BEGIN (TOTAL TIME FOR NEWLYWED PHOTOS = 45 MIN)

I’ll sneak you two away for some photos now that you’re married AF!


7:30PM: SUNSETS

Always note when the sun will set at the time of your wedding date to know when to take newlywed photos. You can find out when the sun sets on your Weather App or google search “sunset on [Month/Date/Year] at [Location]”.


7:45PM: TOASTS & SPEECHES

This is where having those string lights and candles will be super helpful!


8:00PM: FIRST DANCES (HUSBAND/WIFE, FATHER/DAUGHTER, MOTHER/SON)

Same as above, the string lights will be perfect for this moment.


8:15PM: OPEN DANCE FLOOR

I’ll definitely be dancing with you all capturing your grandma getting it down on the dance floor and everyone getting litty. Haha!


9:45PM: NEWLYWEDS EXIT / PHOTOGRAPHY COVERAGE ENDS

I’ve seen sparklers, confetti bombs (biodegradable), fireworks, lantern send off in the sky, smoke bombs, stargazing, or a last go-all-out-dance with your family and friends to your favorite song to end the night! Some couples will do a “fake exit” if their night continues past our contracted photography hours. So in this case, 9:45pm would be my time to wrap up, we can do a “fake exit” for photos then afterwards you and your guests go back to the dance floor to party the night away or you’re welcome to have me stay longer at an additional fee per hour.