Planning Your Wedding Day Timeline
Putting together a wedding timeline can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you haven't planned a wedding before. How long will hair and makeup take? What time should you get dressed and how long will that take? How long is a first look? What if you don't want to see each other before the ceremony - when will you take photos? Will you have enough time to get to cocktail hour? How long do family portraits take? Do you want sunset photos and if so, when does the sun actually set?
I'm here to help you create a timeline that will keep your day running smoothly and efficiently. After all, the goal of all of this planning is to actually enjoy your wedding day! I have put together a few sample timelines to give you an idea of how your wedding day may look.
Wedding Day Timeline for a 5 pm Ceremony and No First Look
3:00 pm - Photographers arrive, photograph details, prep and dressing
5:00 pm - Ceremony begins
6:00 pm - Ceremony ends
6:00 pm - Cocktail Hour begins
6:00-6:30 pm - Family formals and bridal party photos
6:30-7:00 pm - Wedding couple portraits
7:00 pm - Reception begins, grand entrances
11:00 pm - Reception ends
Wedding Day Timeline for a 5 pm Ceremony with a First Look
12:00 pm - Photographers arrive, photograph details, prep and dressing
2:00 pm - First look and bride/groom portraits
3:00 pm - Bridal party photos and immediate family formal photos
4:00 pm - Wedding couple get tucked away before ceremony as guests arrive
5:00 pm - Ceremony begins
6:00 pm - Ceremony ends
6:00 pm - Cocktail Hour begins, bride and groom attend with guests
7:00 pm - Reception begins, grand entrances
11:00 pm - Reception ends
Wedding Day Timeline for a 3 pm Ceremony and 6 pm Cocktail Hour
1:00 pm - Photographers arrive, photograph details, prep and dressing
3:00 pm - Ceremony begins
4:00 pm - Ceremony ends
4:00-4:30 pm - Family formals and bridal party photos
4:30-5:30 pm - Wedding couple photos
6:00 pm - Cocktail Hour begins
7:00 pm - Reception begins, grand entrances
11:00 pm - Reception ends
It is important to take into account travel time from one location to the next and if there will be traffic at that time of day. Other variables to take into account would be how large your families are, how large your bridal party is, what time sunset is, etc.
I will send you a detailed questionnaire in order to gather all of your family & bridal party information and plan a formal shot list.
For more information about planning your wedding day check out the Wedding Day Tips page and the FAQ page.
I am here to help! Feel free to drop me an email or give me a call. I love helping my couples plan a perfect timeline!
South Jersey Photographer
Allison McCafferty Photography, LLC
34 Manitoba Trail, Shamong, NJ 08088
(609) 440-4148
Info@allisonmccaffertyphoto.com
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