Wedding planning can be so much fun.  The pretty colors, the flowers, the fun music, the cake…Then it comes time to draft your wedding day timeline.

Ugh. Logistics.

Planning your wedding day timeline doesn’t have to be a headache.

Below is a pretty typical timeline for me.  I make changes to this as needed, but it is a good starting point.  It is based on having a first look, a 5pm ceremony time and an 8pm sunset.  I really like to be able to do sunset portraits as they give you that beautiful golden light, they usually only take about 15 minutes, and are a great addition to your album.  Family portraits can be done either before the ceremony (directly after bridal party photos) or after as listed here.  None of the events listed on the timeline are mandatory and if you don’t feel like they fit you as a couple, nix them.

Sample Wedding Day Timeline

with a first look

2:00 PM

COVERAGE BEGINS & DETAIL SHOTS

3:00 PM

BRIDE GETS DRESSED + FIRST LOOK WITH DAD

3:20 PM

BRIDAL PORTRAITS + BRIDES AND BRIDESMAID PORTRAITS

3:35 PM

GROOM’S FINAL PREPARATIONS & DETAILS

3:45 PM

FIRST LOOK

3:55 PM

COUPLES PORTRAITS

4:15 PM

WEDDING PARTY PHOTOS

4:30 PM

FAMILY FORMALS

4:50 PM

CEREMONY DETAIL SHOTS

5:00 PM

CEREMONY SEATING BEGINS

5:30 PM

CEREMONY BEGINS

6:00 PM

CANDID COCKTAIL HOUR PHOTOS

6:15 PM

PHOTOGRAPH RECEPTION AREA + DETAILS

7:00 PM

GUESTS ENTER RECEPTION

7:10 PM

GRAND ENTRANCE + FIRST DANCE

7:15 PM

DINNER IS SERVED

8:00 PM

TOASTS

8:15 PM

CAKE CUTTING

8:20 PM

SPECIAL DANCES + DANCING

10:00 PM

EXIT PHOTOS + COVERAGE ENDS