Tips for your wedding day timeline

from Minnesota based wedding photographer

Here is a helpful guide on  preparing for your wedding day!

Wedding day timeline tips: 

When you are planning your timeline, here are some tips I found helpful:

• Buffer time: Make sure you have 10-15 minutes room between every important moment, so if anything goes out of plan, you are not worried about finding some extra time. 
• Photographer timing: If you are not sure about the length of time you need a photographer, start backwards from the last important moment you want your photographer to capture.
• If you are planning a first look at the ceremony I would suggest hiring two photographers. This would help you take both sides of the family photos before the ceremony, and then you would only take collective family photos after the ceremony.
• Family photos can take a while if we are not organized. That’s why I recommend creating a schedule, First mom and dad of Bride, then…..
• Let me know your photographer the time frame of events so they can help you stay on track
• Customize your timeline:
  • How long should I plan for?
    • First look with Groom: 10 minutes 
    • Wedding party photos: XX minutes 
    • Cocktail hour: XX minutes 
    • Hair and makeup for Bride: XX minutes 
    • Greeting guests: XX minutes 
    • Travel time: XX minutes 

Wedding Day Timeline 10 hours example:
8:00am	Ladies start hair & makeup
10:00am	Gentlemen start arriving to get ready for the day
10:30am	Phtographer arrives and takes detail shots
11:00am	Getting ready photos of the Bride and bridesmaids
12:00pm	Getting ready photos of the Groom and groomsmen
12:35pm	Bride portraits
1:00pm	First look portraits
1:40pm	Wedding party photos
2:25pm	Family formal photos
3:00pm	Hide from guests
4:00pm	Ceremony
4:45pm	Cocktail Hour
5:50 pm	Guests take their seat
6:10pm	Grand March, welcome speech
6:30pm	Dinner
6:40pm	Speeches/Toasts/First Dances/ Cake cutting
7:00pm	Sunset Photos
8:30pm	Photographer leaves

And here is some more timing with different moments I capture:

Bride and groom details   40-70 min

Groom getting ready  20-30 min

Bride getting ready 40-50 min

Getting to the first look 10 min

First look portraits 30-40 min

Wedding party photos (depending on how big is the party)45 min

Formal family portraits (depending on how big is the group)30-60 min

Ceremony 30-90 min

Reception Details 30-50 min

Sunset photos 20-30 min

All these timing depends on many factors – how many people are participating, how many details you are having. So please, contact me if you need any help with more detailed timeline!