Look no further for everything you need to know to create the perfect wedding day timeline! In this blog I am sharing all of the GOLD on how to create a wedding day itinerary that flows, breathes, and gives you the right amount of time for each part of your wedding day!
You are engaged, have your wedding venue, and have some approximate times for your ceremony and reception. AMAZING! Now it’s time to figure out how to piece together your entire day so that it rolls out the way you dream it will.
CREATING A NO-FAIL WEDDING SCHEDULE
You are excited to plan the wedding of your dreams (duh!). But there’s so much to get done and you don’t want to go down the rabbit hole that is Google and Pinterest trying to figure out how the pros smash out a wedding day timeline. And now you don’t have to (woot woot!!!).
Timelines create mega stress for brides across the globe. But don’t worry, I got you!! Check out these 5 tried and tested ways to guarantee your perfect wedding day timeline!
Keep reading for the ULTIMATE no-fail timeline guide (plus all of my best wedding scheduling tips) and see how my couples smash out the best wedding day timeline that makes space in your day for everything that matters!
WHY A GREAT WEDDING DAY TIMELINE MATTERS
Take it from ALL the brides who have walked down the aisle before you. Wedding days happen at mach speed, which is why your wedding photography is soooo important!
One moment you’re getting your hair and makeup done and a blink later you’re running out the door!
If you know me, even if you don’t, know that one of the many reasons I chose to specialize in wedding photography in the Philly area, is because I want my couples to remember their wedding day. I am obsessed with photographing your wedding day in a way that brings you back to your big day and reminds you that LOVING EACH OTHER will always be the best part.
To do that, there needs to be the right amount of space for all of your wedding day moments to happen. Having a plan and structure for your wedding day allows you to be spontaneous and slow down to ENJOY your day! And the last thing you want is to feel that you can’t pause and breathe on your wedding day. That just leads to feeling (and looking) nervous or stressed.
Who wants that?
TIPS FOR YOUR PERFECT WEDDING DAY TIMELINE
1. THE PERFECT AMOUNT OF TIME
Let’s start with the ultimate cheatsheet to smashing out a perfect wedding day timeline. The following includes all of the key parts of your wedding day. Feel free to take away or add any moments to personalize it for you!
This will give you a starting point – which is what I like to do with all of my couples.
Keep in mind that the minimum time below is the shortest amount of time needed. The higher amount you see below is the optimal amount of time to capture everything, and what I recommend.
Feel free to use this cheat sheet as your guide. These time minimums are the first step to having an amazing wedding day timeline! The minimum time below indicates the minimum we’ll need to photograph that part of the day.
CHEATSHEET: BUILDING YOUR WEDDING DAY TIMELINE
As a quick rule of thumb, when trying to figure out how much wedding photography coverage time you need, I suggest the following:
- 8 hours is perfect when everything is happening at ONE location.
- 9 hours is perfect when you are getting ready at another location.
- 10 hours is generally perfect when you are getting ready at one location, then a church ceremony, then off to the venue.
- Don’t forget to account for TRAVEL time between an locations!
- Consider adding a FIRST LOOK – for the quiet time alone, and to enjoy your cocktail hour!
2. MAXIMIZE YOUR TIMELINE WITH A FIRST LOOK
First looks have become more and more popular recently, and for good reason. First looks are some of my FAVORITE photos — I may or may not be a bit biased here! These are deeply personal photos taken before the ceremony, when the bride and groom see each other for the first time on their wedding day. This FIRST LOOK gives you a quiet moment to connect as a couple, before you make your powerful vows to each other.
You can maximize your timeline and give yourselves more breathing room between your ceremony and your reception. Plan on having 60 minutes for the first look, which also includes your bride and groom portraits.
Considering adding a first look to your wedding day timeline? Click here to learn more about adding a first look and all of the benefits.
3. BE MINDFUL OF TRAVEL TIME
There are so many beautiful places for wedding photography. Unless your ceremony, portrait location, and reception are all being held in the same location, you will have to consider how much time it will take to travel to and from each venue.
While you are putting together your wedding day timeline, map out how much time you need for travel. This simple, yet often overlooked detail, will make a big difference on your actual wedding day. Don’t forget to use Google Maps to keep tabs on how much time you need, to get to and from all the places you need to go on your wedding day!
4. CHOOSE A SEASONED WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
I love to help my couples create a detailed wedding day timeline because the last thing you should be doing on your wedding day is stressing about your schedule. On your wedding day, you want to be relaxed and enjoy all of the moments! When you keep some of these tips in mind, you will reap the benefits of feeling (and looking) relaxed on your big day!
Choose someone who will keep you calm, and guide you throughout the day to keep you on track. (A-hem…)
5. BE FLEXIBLE WITH YOUR WEDDING DAY TIMELINE
The real point of your timeline is to keep your day on track, or close to, of course things can change, and that’s okay! When you try to plan ahead, you get peace of mind. Then, you can focus on what your wedding day is really all about… that you get MARRY YOUR BEST FRIEND!
Everything after that is just icing on the cake!! — see what I did there! HA!
Are you looking for a Philly wedding photographer with a natural, romantic style? I’d love to chat with you! Hit me up to see if your date is available!
