How to Create Your Wedding Day Timeline

Is it time to create your wedding day timeline? If so, your big day is probably right around the corner! There are so many little details that go into your perfect wedding day so its important for every couple to break it down so everything runs smoothly. This is where I come in to help YOU! At the bottom of this article will be free resources for creating your wedding day timeline!

Step 1: Are You Having A First Look?

First things first, are you two doing a first look? Having a first look versus not, greatly effects the way your timeline is laid out on your wedding day.

YES: You are doing a first look! This is what my husband and I did at our wedding and I wouldn’t have it any other way! This allowed for us to share our own private vows with each other before we tied the knot. If you are doing a first look, my advice would be to have a ceremony start time that is a little later like 4:00pm. This way we can get all of your portraits and wedding party photos done before!

NO: You are not doing a first look! I absolutely love this as well because it allows me to capture your raw reactions in front of all of those you love! My advice for not going a first look would be to have an earlier ceremony time, around 2:30 or 3:00! That way we have enough time to get your portraits, family photos, and wedding party photos after the ceremony!

PRO TIP: If you are not doing a first look, plan something fun for your guests to do while you are away taking photos!

Most Important Photos to Capture

Each couple has a different idea of what the most important photos are on their wedding day. For me I was very intentional about getting Golden Hour photos while for others, Wedding Party photos or Details and Decoration photos are the most important! Whatever it is, talk to your photographer to come up with a plan for getting these must have shots and how they will fit into your timeline!

BONUS CONTENT: Check out one of my latest blog posts on what to put in your detail box for photos HERE!

How Long Do Photos Take?

This is one of my most asked and most important question for planning your wedding day timeline. I generally allow for 30 minutes for couple portraits, 30 minutes for wedding party, and around 45 minutes to an hour for family photos. Again, it is so important to communicate with your photographer about what their process looks like because things like posing technique and how big your family is can play into your timeline.

PRO TIP: Have a list of every combination of people you would like for family photos. This way it goes smoothly and you ensure that you are getting all the shots you want!

Locations

Let’s talk locations and the timing of getting places! Something to think about is if you are getting ready at a different spot than where you

are getting married or having your reception. It is important to factor in how much time it takes to get from one place to another and maybe even allow for a little bit of wiggle room!

Golden Hour Photos

This is my favorite part of any day! I will ALWAYS be an advocate for sneaking away from your reception to do photos during sunset! Your wedding day goes by SO fast so don’t be afraid to take 15-20 minutes away from the craziness to slow down with your soul mate and reflect back on the day. It is a huge blessing as a photographer to be able to capture such special moments!

I can’t wait to help you create your wedding timeline!

As a Minnesota wedding photographer, I love being able to help all of my couples create a customized timeline! If you are looking for a hands on wedding photographer who will help you along the way, connect with me HERE! If you need idea for what to put in your wedding detail box photos check out my latest blog HERE!