The Perfect Wedding Day Timeline
Something wild occurred to me today. After shooting well over 100 weddings I noticed a trend. All of the best, most stress-free weddings I have photographed all had a very similar timeline for the day. The one thing that has made each of those wedding unique is the people. Once I realized that its the people, the big moments and the in-between moments that made for the most amazing images, that is when my creativity really took off. The wedding day schedules are typically just a few small changes away from each other. Nonetheless, one of the things I’ve realized after years and years of being a wedding photographer is that whether I’m here at home in Greenville, SC or somewhere down at South Carolina’s beautiful coast, most of my couple’s have absolutely no idea where to start when trying to plan out their wedding day. Even a few of my favorite wedding planners in the industry often say they need me to jump in and explain where I need time to capture things naturally as they happen and where I can just document things as they come. So here’s an entire resource full of the different moments of a wedding day broken down from a photography perspective as well as a few sample timelines to get you started in your planning.
Ok, so to make this resource I have to assume a couple of things. First I’m going to assume that we’re building a schedule at a place where the ceremony and reception can happen on site. Obviously if there’s a chapel or a second location and travel is included you want to add that in there. Secondly, I’m going to assume that there isn’t a “flip” meaning that the reception decor can be built out, or at least mostly built out before the ceremony even starts. All of this is a pretty basic way to look at wedding in general no matter your chosen venue. even with these generalities here I think this guide should be able to help you picture your wedding day a bit easier.
I’m going to go through most of these steps in more detail below but here’s a basic schedule that would apply in some way or another to about 90% of the weddings I photograph.
1:15 Photographer Arrives for Make-up Photos, flat lay, detail shots
2:30 Bridesmaids ready for photos
2:45 Bride Gets Dressed
3:00 Bridesmaid Photos
3:30 First Look with Bride’s Dad
3:45 First Look and Couple’s Photos
4:15 Groomsmen Photos
5:00 All Photos Wrap Up (Guests Arrive)
5:15 All Decor is set, reception room cleared and candles lit for photos
5:30 Ceremony
6:00 Family formals
6:00 Cocktail Hour Begins
6:30 Wedding Party Photos
7:00 Enter Reception to First Dance, welcome from Bride’s father, and dinner
7:30 Father Daughter/ Mother Son Dances
7:45 Cake Cutting
8:00 Dance Floor Opens
8:00 Sunset Photos
9:30Last song/ guests are sent outside
9:45 Last Dance - just for the bride and groom
10:00 Send Off
Make Up, Getting Ready, Details 1:15
Hair and Makeup Photos are a perfect way to start the day, I love to ease into the day this way. It allows you and your party the chance to get comfortable with me around with a camera. Picture your wedding day like your photo album when you’re building your timeline. Those first few pages set the scene for the whole day, if your venue has an amazing bridal suite those moments with the bridesmaids, moms, and friends can be really special and really pretty in photos. To me there’s something really special about watching the Fiancé turn into the Bride. This is also the time where I love to be able to shoot a lot of the detail photos.
So be sure to have these things ready and handy:
1. Wedding Rings
2. Engagement Ring
3. Ear Rings
4. Perfume
5. Shoes
6. Invitation set
7. Bouquet
8. Dress
I love to be able to shoot a beautiful flat lay but also love to grab close up images of a lot of this stuff. There’s something really beautiful about putting a photo of the wedding shoes next to a shot of you getting your mascara put on in the wedding album. Pairing everything together so that that spread in the book helps you remember forever the way it felt to become a bride on the morning of your wedding.
Bride Gets in Dress 2:45
Preparing the bride for her big day is often a serene affair. I like to ask all the bridesmaids to step out, leaving only the mother and either a sister or the maid of honor to assist. We dim the music, tidy up the room, and take a moment to breathe deeply before immersing ourselves in the process. The moment the bride slips into her dress is when the emotions surge. Typically, she'll spend 2-3 hours preparing, enjoying Champagne toasts and laughter with her friends, leading up to this moment. There's a mix of nerves, excitement, and anticipation until that dress is finally on. When she catches her reflection in the mirror, feeling beautiful, loved, and ready to walk down the aisle, it's truly magical. However, it's crucial to note that many wedding venues provide stunning bridal suites that can quickly become chaotic once the bridesmaids arrive. It's essential to have a clean, well-lit space for dressing, as trying to make do in cramped corners amid leftover pizza, makeup clutter, and discarded champagne bottles can detract from the beauty of the moment. Taking just 10 minutes to tidy up beforehand is well worth it.
Photos with Bridesmaids 3:00
Let me clarify something quickly: Bridesmaid photos don't need to be a lengthy affair. Honestly, we could capture all the essential shots with the girls in just about 5 minutes. So why allocate so much time for them? It's not for forced smiles or overly posed moments; it's for genuine, authentic memories. Here's the thing: if I say, "Girls, grab your bouquets and a bottle of champagne, we're taking a quick walk down to the long dirt road," we have the champagne toast at the road, posed smiles upon arrival, candid moments during the journey, and instead of posing extensively, all we did was enjoy a walk, share a toast, and return. Same result, authentic process.
First Look with Bride’s Dad 3:30
The tradition of a first look with Dad is something I've really come to appreciate in recent years. It's been gaining popularity, and when done right, it's truly special. However, it doesn't always resonate with dads at first. In an industry focused heavily on photos, we sometimes overlook the significance of the moment itself. So, the key is to let the moment unfold naturally without excessive posing or direction. These moments are brief and don't need much time on the schedule. A simple embrace, allowing Dad to soak in the sight of his little girl as a bride, a few exchanged smiles—that's all it takes. If Dad feels comfortable being himself in those moments, the memories created are priceless.
The First Look 3:45
Let's tackle the controversial topic of the first look head-on. The truth is, the first look probably originated as a way for photographers to streamline the day. On the flip side, the tradition of waiting until the ceremony for the couple to see each other has some outdated, non-romantic roots, so deciding whether to have a first look can be a bit tricky.
First off, it's important to dispel the notion that it's bad luck—it's just not true. And there's no obviously better or worse option, but for many couples, opting for a first look can offer some clear benefits. In fact, around 90% of my couples nowadays go for it, and I've structured our schedules accordingly. It saves time later on, allowing you to enjoy your cocktail hour with friends before hitting the dance floor, and it also allows for family photos to be taken before the ceremony, so once you say "I do," it's all about celebrating.
The first look can take various forms—it could be the couple catching sight of each other from across the room and making their way to one another, or a total surprise where the bride sneaks up on the groom. The key, in my opinion, is to ensure that the moment the groom sees his bride (and vice versa) is quiet, intimate, and real, with only the photographer present. The camera can act as a kind of psychological barrier, but if the photographer knows when to stay silent and let the genuine emotions unfold, the photos will tell a beautiful story of two people sharing a private moment. Plus, it allows those moments to be savored and absorbed fully.
People often ask me if I recommend a first look. For my couples, I always weigh the pros and cons with them and help them decide what's best for them. But for anyone seeking my honest opinion, yes, a first look is almost always a good idea. It's intimate, intentional, and undeniably beautiful.
Groomsmen Photos 4:15
When it comes to groomsmen photos, keep it short, sweet, and focus heavily on candid moments. Let the guys be themselves. It's perfectly fine to raise a beer in a toast or share a bourbon moment. Just let them walk, laugh, and exude coolness. No need for skipping, holding hands, or jumping around—simply having the guys look cool is more than enough. It's worth noting that after several years of creating wedding albums, I've observed that there are rarely more than two photos of the entire wedding party together. Typically, we'll have one group shot of the groomsmen, followed by individual shots of each guy with the groom, and a similar setup for the bridesmaids. We don't need to spend an hour on group photos, but it's important to ensure that we capture a nice shot of each member of the party with their friend. This photo holds significance for both the couple and the person in the picture.
We always schedule groomsmen photos last because it usually takes about 5 minutes for them to get ready. While I'd love to have 30 minutes to hang out, capture candid moments, and enjoy some quality time with them, if we're running behind schedule, it's easy to get these photos done in less time.
The Ceremony 5:30
Let's talk about wedding ceremonies. The bottom line: do it your way. Whether you want to pour sand, light candles, come down the aisle to the Imperial March, or take communion, it's your day to express your love in the way that feels right for you. Here are a few tips for a memorable ceremony:
Consider the lighting. Keep in mind that cameras may not capture your ceremony exactly as you envision. Make sure your ceremony space is adequately lit for photography.
Don't rush through the ceremony. After spending months planning your wedding, don't skimp on the ceremony itself. Take the time to savor the moment as you exchange vows and rings. Let your officiant delve into the significance of your union, and don't be afraid to linger during your first kiss as a married couple. These are the moments you'll cherish forever.
Think about incorporating petals, confetti, or another fun element for your exit. While sparkler exits are popular at receptions, consider making your ceremony exit just as memorable. It's a joyous moment to see everyone celebrating as you embark on your journey together, and it's even more meaningful when it happens right after you've exchanged vows. Plus, everyone is still sober at this point, so it's sure to be a blast!
Family Portraits 6:00
To ensure great family portraits after a wedding, follow these tips:
1. Communicate beforehand: Discuss your family portrait list with your photographer before the wedding day. Provide a detailed list of the combinations you want to capture, including immediate family, extended family, and any special groupings.
2. Schedule enough time: Allocate ample time in your wedding day timeline for family portraits. Aim for at least 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of your family and the number of groupings you want to photograph.
3. Choose the right location: Select a suitable location for the family portraits. It could be indoors or outdoors, depending on your preference and the weather conditions. Make sure the location has good lighting and a clean background.
4. Organize the groups: Designate a family member or wedding party member to help organize and gather the family members for the portraits. This person can assist the photographer in rounding up the different groups efficiently.
5. Be prepared: Advise your family members in advance about the timing and location of the family portraits. Encourage them to arrive promptly and be ready for their photos. Remind them to dress appropriately and look their best.
6. Keep it relaxed: Encourage natural smiles and expressions during the family portraits. Avoid overly posed or stiff poses. Let the interactions between family members unfold naturally to capture genuine moments.
7. Have fun: Family portraits can be a fun and memorable part of the wedding day. Encourage laughter and interaction among family members to create joyful and authentic images.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your family portraits after the wedding are memorable and reflect the love and joy of your special day.
Let’s Get this Party Started!! Reception Intro and First Dance 7:00
The first dance holds such a special place in the wedding day. I understand that not everyone may feel comfortable with dancing or being in the spotlight, but cutting this song short would be a missed opportunity. Let the song play out—take all three minutes to sway together and soak in the moment. It's a tradition worth embracing.
On a side note, as I often need a few extra moments to set up lighting during the first dance, dancing the entire song allows me to ensure the lighting is just right. So, expect to dance the whole song and appreciate the sweetness of the moment.
Sunset Photos 8:00
Sunset sessions can yield some of the most stunning and impactful photos of the day. These are often the standout images that end up displayed on walls. However, it requires some careful planning to ensure everything aligns perfectly. When we schedule couples' photos during the final moments of the day, we often capture photos that serve as the perfect conclusion to the wedding narrative.
While it's essential not to take the couple away from any crucial moments, dedicating around ten minutes away from the hustle and bustle, typically after cocktail hour, is usually a welcomed and cherished break. This short interval allows us to create magical moments that serve as the exclamation point to a wonderful day.
LET’S PARTY!!!!! 8:00
The reception is like its own magical realm, taking on a life of its own once the music starts playing. With a fantastic DJ or band and a skilled photographer capturing the action, it's bound to be an unforgettable experience.
Be prepared to hit the dance floor yourselves! Whenever the bride or groom takes a step onto the dance floor, the energy skyrockets as guests rally around to celebrate with you. So grab a drink, hit the dance floor, and let's make some unforgettable memories!
The Send Off!! 10:00
You made it. About 12 hours after you started hair it’s send off time. You’re married, you’re maybe a little tipsy, you’re exhausted, and it’s time to get you on the road! Walk slow, cheer along with everybody, embrace the last few seconds of the best day ever.
So there it is! In my opinion a pretty ideal baseline for starting to work out your wedding day timeline. I hope you find this very helpful, and know that I as well as your coordinator will be there with you every step of the way in planning your perfect day!