Creating The Perfect Wedding Timeline

Planning the perfect wedding timeline ; from a Canadian Wedding Photographer

It is no question, planning your wedding day timeline can be one of the most stressful parts of your wedding planning process. For most of you, this is likely the first time you are planning a wedding. You may have received advice from a friend or someone who has recently been in the same shoes as you, or you may be seeking advice from you vendors. Or you may be hanging out to dry feeling overwhelmed and terrified with the thought of putting your timeline together. So here I am to rescue you! If you need help; here is all my input from a Canadian wedding photographer on how to plan the perfect timeline.

STEP ONE: TO PLAN THE PERFECT WEDDING TIMELINE, FIRST ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS

• Where will you and your spouse be getting ready?
• Is your glam squad coming to you? or are you going to them?
• What time do you plan on starting glam?
• Are getting ready photos important to you? (this includes; detail shots, you with your girls, hair and makeup depending on timing, you getting into your dress, first looks with your parents, first look with your bridesmaids, etc)
  • If getting photos are important to you – are you wanting getting ready photos of the guys too?
• Are you planning a first look? If you plan on doing a first look – do you want to do portraits before your ceremony?
• Where is your ceremony?
• What time is your ceremony starting at?
• Do you have a preference on the look of your portrait photos?
• Patio drinks and downtown adventures?
• What time do you want your dinner to be?
• Are you wanting golden hour photos?
• Are there any specific things you want to happen during your wedding day?

All these questions have some impact on your wedding timeline. Most will play a part on insuring you have enough time to travel from one destination to another or will play a part in knowing where you need to be and when. It seems like a lot to answer, but the answers to those twelve questions will give you the perfect start to your wedding timeline.

STEP TWO : UNDERSTAND WHAT ALL COMPILES YOUR WEDDING TIMELINE.

Confused about all that occurs during your wedding day? Or do you all of a sudden realize there is a lot more to the wedding timeline than just saying I do and partying the day away? Here is cheat sheet to help you through it.

Bridesmaids hair & Makeup begin.

This part of the day is when your gorgeous humans begin their glam. Depending on the amount of girls getting glammed with you this can begin bright and early, but can also begin later in the morning. For a recommended start time – chat with you hair stylist and makeup artist!

Bride’s makeup and hair begin.

This is when you begin your glam. Most brides think they should be last in the hair and makeup chair But from my experiences I would recommend going in the middle of the group. This gives your yourself and your artist extra time within your wedding timeline so you aren’t rushed or stressed. Additionally it allows you to sit and relax post glam and gives you the opportunity for touch ups if needed.

Want to make the most of your wedding morning? Here are my best tips and tricks! WEDDING MORNING TIPS AND TRICKS

Groom begins getting ready.

Although it seems easy enough I recommend planning for 30 minutes for the groom and groomsmen to get ready. There are a lot of moving parts and little pieces that can sometimes cause some chaos.

Put dress on.

Seems simple enough but it is one of the most magical parts of the day! Sometimes it can take longer than anticipated, so give yourself a little extra time here too so there’s no stress.

First looks with dad & Bridesmaids.

If you are wanting to do any first looks, make note of it! They add extra special moments within your day, but you do have to account for them in your timeline.

First look with your man

This is obviously totally optional! Don’t feel persuaded to do a first look. Do it your way! But if you do plan to do one keep in mind where you will be doing it (account for drive time) as well as additional time to be present in the moment.

Not sure if you want a first look? Here are my pros and cons to first looks!

Ceremony

Talk to your officiant or priest to see how long they expect your ceremony to be. From there plan for it to be slightly longer in the event that things are delayed or take longer than expected.

Family & Group photos.

Family photos are such an important part of the day! These can sometimes take 30 – 45 minutes. In order for them to go smoothly talk to your photographer about creating a list in order to maximize time.

Bridesmaids & Groomsmen Photos.

These can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Your photographer will help give you an idea of what to expect. But if you are in a time crunch or only have so much time in your wedding timeline, these photos can be minimized to account for time.

Couples portraits.

Here’s where all the romantics happen. The more time you have for these the better. Keep. in mind if you want to do multiple different locations, if you are staying at your venue, or if you want to hit up a bar or lounge.

Grand Entrance.

This is quick and gets the party started! What time do you want your reception to begin.

Dinner begins.

When do you want your dinner service or buffet to begin. Take into account the amount of guests you have attending your dinner. From personal experience, plan for at least an hour for your dinner service. This is often times the one thing that delays your reception program!

Sunset Photos.

Here’s where we sneak out of your reception for a little extra magic. it does not have to be long! Typically about 15 minutes while your guests are still eating!

Speeches and formal program.

How many people do you have giving speeches? What else would you like to happen during your program? Shoe game? Photo scramble?

Dancing & Reception.

What time do you want your first dance do begin? Get that party started!

STEP THREE : PUT IT ALL TOGETHER TO CREATE THE BEST WEDDING TIMELINE.

Now it is time for the fun part of putting your wedding timeline together. You have all the little parts, all the details, and all the information to compile it all together! Now write it all out! Start with the times that are already set in stone (Aka your ceremony) and plan everything else around it!

For examples and help with your wedding timeline I have composed three sample timelines you can use to assist you in planning your perfect timeline.

Sample Wedding Timelines

xoxo Kayla