Organizing the timeline can be the most intimidating part of wedding planning. No stress…I’ve done it for you!! I know this isn’t the most fun part of the wedding planning, but it can make or break your photography!
I have outlined an ideal wedding day working. This also includes the First Look. 90% of my couples choose to do a First Look.
Please remember that that the sun sets at different time throughout the year. I highly recommend scheduling your day so we can take portraits outside an hour before the sun sets. Remember that all wedding days are different, and your timeline may differ due to travel times and unique situations.
APPROXIMATE TIMES:
- Details & Prep : 1.5 HOURS
- First look & Portraits : 30-40 MINS
- Luncheon/Dinner: 90 MINS
- Temple: 90-120 MINS
- Sealing: 60 MINS INSIDE TEMPLE
- Temple exit: 10 MINS
- Family formals: 30-40 MINS
- Bridal party : 15 MINS
- Couple formals: 30 MINS
- Reception: most receptions are 2.5 HRS
A TRADITIONAL RECEPTION INCLUDES:
- Grand Enterance (DJ announces couple and bridal party, “Give a round of applause for the new Mr and Mrs….” Bride and Groom walk right into the dance floor for their first dance.) 5 MINS
- Receiveing Line: 60 MINS
- Cake Cutting: 5 MINS
- Bouquet Toss/Garter: 5 MINS
- Mingling: 30 MINS
- Daddy/Daughter + Mother/Son Dances: 10 MINS
- Dancing: 30 MINS
- Sparkler Exit: 15 MINS
1.
10:00 AM – TEMPLE
Temple Exit
Family Photos
Bridal Party Photos
Bride + Groom Photos
6:00 PM – DINNER
Typically during dinner speeches are given by the parents, best man and maid of honor to celebrate the couple. Speeches are also a way to entertain your guests as they eat. In my experience this is one of the most powerful moments of the wedding day… everyone coming together to talk about the reason for celebrating. *I can also grab photos of your rings and details during the dinner.
7:00-9:30 PM – RECEPTION
2.
12:00 PM – LUNCHEON
Typically during luncheon speeches are given by the parents, best man and maid of honor to celebrate the couple. Speeches are also a way to entertain your guests as they eat. In my experience this is one of the most powerful moments of the wedding day…everyone coming together to talk about the reason for celebrating. *I can also grab photos of your rings and details during the luncheon.
3:00 PM – TEMPLE
Temple Exit
Family Photos
Bridal Party Photos
Bride + Groom Photos
7:00-9:30 PM – RECEPTION
3.
10:00 AM – TEMPLE
Temple Exit
Fast Family Photos
Bride + Groom Photos
4:00 PM – RING CEREMONY
Family Photos
Bridal Party Photos
Bride + Groom Photos
5:00 PM – COCKTAIL HOUR (or half hour)
Set out snacks for your guests so that they have something to do during the time when you are taking couple photos. OR, don’t schedule cocktail hour and go straight into dinner…the couple will likely be late to dinner while they finish their photos.
6:00 PM – DINNER
7:00-9:30 PM – RECEPTION
ADDING TO THE TIMELINE:
First Look: If you haven’t done a first look in a separate photo shoot, you may choose to add that in before you go into the temple to be sealed. 90% of my couples choose to do a first look, and you can read more about that option a few pages over!
Getting Ready Photos: I’m happy to document your getting ready photos. I would also document your details during this time, instead of during the dinner or luncheon.
