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How to Build Your Perfect Wedding Day Timeline

Planning your wedding day can be an exciting but overwhelming task. One key to a smooth and stress-free celebration is crafting a timeline that ensures everything flows seamlessly. Whether you're working with a wedding planner (we can make great recommendations!), a day-of coordinator or managing it all yourself, here are steps to build your perfect wedding day timeline.



  1. Start with the Ceremony Time

Your ceremony time is the anchor of your day. Once you know when your vows will take place, you can work backwards and forwards to structure the rest of the schedule. Consider whether you're having a religious service, which may have specific timing requirements, or a shorter civil ceremony.


  1. Allocate Time for Getting Ready

Getting ready is more than just hair and make-up; it's a speical time with your bridal party or family. Typically, you'll need:


  • Hair and Makeup: 60-90 minutes per person (stagger your appointments).

  • Dressing: 30-60 minutes, including photos of you and your bridal party.


Pro Tip: Start earlier than you think you need to. This prevents last-minute rushing.

Bridal Prep Makeup
Make time for those magical getting-ready moments! It's more than preparation, it's part of your story.

  1. Schedule the First Look (Optional)

If you're planning a first look with either your escort or partner, set aside 20-30 minutes for this special moment. This can also save time later by allowing some couple portraits to be taken before the ceremony.


Bridal Prep - Adding the final details.
Bridal Prep - Adding the final details

  1. Account for Travel Time

If your venues for getting ready, the ceremony, and the reception are in different locations, factor in travel time plus cushions for delays.


  1. Plan Photo Sessions Strategically

Your photographer will guide you on how much time they need, but here's a general breakdown:


  • Couple Portraits: 30-60 minutes

  • Family Portraits/Group Shots: 20-30 minutes

  • Bridal Party: 20-30 minutes


Plan these sessions during the best lighting conditions, such as golden hour.


  1. Consider the Cocktail Hour

While you guests enjoy cocktails and canapes, use this time for finishing couple photos, or simply to have a private moment with your partner.


  1. Map Out the Reception Flow

The reception is the heart of your celebration. Typical elements include:


  • Grand entrance

  • First dance

  • Dinner

  • Speeches/toasts

  • Cake cutting

  • Dancing


Work with your venue or caterer to time meal service, and keep speeches concise to maintain momentum.


  1. Include Buffer Time

Unexpected delays can happen. Adding 10-15 minute buffers throughout the day ensures you stay on schedule without feeling rushed.


  1. Communicate the Plan!

Share your timeline with key people: your wedding planner, photographer, DJ, and bridal party. Ensure everyone knows where to be and when.


Sample Wedding Day Timeline

10:00 AM: Hair and makeup begins for bridal party

12:00 PM: Bride starts getting ready

1:30 PM: First look and couple portraits

2:30 PM: Bridal party photos

3:00 PM: Ceremony

3:30 PM: Family Portraits/Group Shots and Cocktail hour

4:30 PM: Grand entrance

5:00 PM: Dinner and speeches

6:30 PM: First dance

6:45 PM: Cake cutting

7:00 PM: Dancing begins


By taking the time to plan a thoughtful timeline, you can relax and focus on what matters most: celebrating your love with friends and family.


Happy planning!


Peace, Love and Photos.


Jono x

 
 
 

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