The question I get most from brides is how do I plan out the timeline of my wedding day? First and foremost, if you have a wedding planner they will be the best person to talk to about this. However, if you do not have a wedding planner your photographer should be able to help you with this. I am always happy to help with that step as I have done enough to know generally how long each part of the day takes. I usually type up a couple different timelines for my couples and let them choose which one works with them and other vendors. Here are two mock timelines below to help you see roughly how long things take during the day and the flow of it all. Hopefully this helps you learn how to plan your day of wedding timeline.

The first timeline I am showing you is with a first look. Personally, I love this timeline the best. First looks are so personal, just you two and me from a distance. Its raw, real and beautiful. I did this for my wedding and loved those pictures the best out of all of them! In addition to it being a beautiful moment it also is a timeline that provides you more time to be at your party after the ceremony is done instead of off taking more pictures.

June Wedding Timeline 1- Ceremony at 3:30 pm (8 hours of coverage- photographer)

Getting ready 9 am -1:30 pm (Photographer arrives at 12:30 pm to get detail shots and getting ready shots)

Bride gets into dress with the help of family or friends 1:20 pm

First look with dad 1:30-1:40pm

First look (the couple): 1:40-2:00pm

Bridal party pictures: 2:00-2:30 pm

Bridal party relax before wedding 2:30-3:30 pm (Photographers take pictures of guests arriving, detail shots etc.)

Ceremony 3:30-4:00 pm

Family Pictures 4:00-4:20pm

Cocktail hour 4:00-5:00pm

Dinner 5:00-6:00pm

Toasts 5:30-6:00 pm

First dances 6:00-6:20 pm

Dance floor is open 6:25-rest of the night

Sunset pictures 7:20-7:40 pm (Photographer steal you guys quickly away for the best shots of the night!)

Dessert Time 7:45 pm

Garter Toss/Floral Toss 8:00 pm

Photographer leaves at 8:30 pm

Couple leaves at 10:00pm

June Wedding Timeline 2:

Getting ready 10:00 am -2:00 pm (Photographer arrives at 1:30 pm to get detail shots and getting ready shots)

Bride gets into dress with the help of family or friends 1:45 pm

First look with dad 1:50-1:55

Bridal parties relax before wedding 2:00-3:30 (Could possibly do bridal party pictures separately and only do full bridal party pictures after the ceremony)

Ceremony 3:30-4:00 pm

Family Pictures 4:00-4:20pm

Bridal party pictures: 4:20-4:50 pm

Cocktail hour 4:00-5:00pm

Dinner 5:00-6:00pm

Toasts 5:30-6:00 pm

First dances 6:00-6:20 pm

Dance floor is open 6:25-10:00pm

Sunset pictures 7:20-7:40 pm (Photographer steal you guys quickly away for the best shots of the night!)

Dessert Time 7:45 pm

Garter Toss/Floral Toss 8:00 pm

Photographer leaves at 9 pm

Couple leaves at 10:00pm

Hope this helps you get a feel of how your wedding day will go. Of course if you are doing extra things like going on a hike with the wedding party to watch the sunset and eat some pie (I have had that before so cool!) or a special guest band come in your timeline will need to be changed accordingly to match your specific needs.