Planning a timeline for your wedding

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, and one of the most important parts of the planning process is creating a timeline for the big day. A well-planned wedding day timeline ensures that everything runs smoothly, and everyone knows what they need to do and when. In this blog post, we will provide you with some tips on how to plan a perfect wedding day timeline. Now let me start off by saying that no day ever runs 100% completely smoothly so just breath and relax and know that the more diligent you are about trying to keep to a timeline the less stress you will have on your wedding day. After 30 years of wedding photography I can tell you that my very neurotic brides that keep strict schedules are actually less stressed on their wedding day than my more laid back easy going… “oh I didn’t even think about making a schedule!” brides!

One of the most important things to remember when planning a wedding day timeline is to start early. You should begin planning your wedding timeline at least six months before the wedding day. This gives you plenty of time to make any necessary changes or adjustments. Normally you want to call you photographer and find out how much time they are going to need for photography as you are getting ready, after ceremony and between ceremony and reception. Sometimes it’s a bit of a juggle as every vendor has their ideal timeline. The venue want to run things a certain way, the photographer always wants more time, the video person wants to squeeze in a few more minutes.. etc. Normally I help my brides make their schedule up to the reception. After 30 years I pretty much know how the schedule should go and make room for emergencies.

Your vendors, such as your photographer, caterer, and wedding planner, are essential in creating a wedding day timeline. They know how much time is needed for each task and can help you determine the best times for everything. Work with them to create a timeline that works for everyone. As I stated earlier everyone is going to have an ideal timeline. Most seasoned professionals want to make sure that every other vendor’s needs are met and the couple have a smooth and wonderful wedding. We all know what we need and are almost always happy to work together to make a smooth wedding timeline.

It’s important to set priorities when planning your wedding day timeline. Determine what parts of the day are most important to you and allocate enough time for those activities. For example, if you want to have a first look with your partner, make sure to schedule enough time for it in your timeline. Normally I try to talk my clients into a first look because that allows more time for couple’s photos but I know that many more traditional clients prefer to have their partner see them for the first time as they walk down the isle. Making consideration then, to have photography time for each of the them (the couple) separately on the day of the wedding becomes important.

Your wedding venue can have a significant impact on your wedding day timeline. Consider the layout of your venue and how long it will take to move from one location to another. If you have multiple locations for your ceremony and reception, make sure to factor in transportation time in your timeline. Especially when it comes to locations where guests need to be moved by golf carts or buses from one location to another. This can can often take more time than you think. Also when we are taking formal creative photographs between reception and ceremony we need to take into consideration if we are leaving the grounds and moving to another location. Drive time needs to be listed from every location in your timeline.

Buffer time is essential in any wedding day timeline. It allows for unexpected delays or issues that may arise. Make sure to allocate enough buffer time between each activity to prevent stress or rushed moments. A good rule of thumb is to add 15-30 minutes of buffer time between each activity. Normally you want to add extra time in case of traffic in between driving location. I normally add 15 minutes if a bride has a dress that is corseted because that adds extra time. Add 15 minutes to hair and make up for extra space in case you don’t like the way something turns out. Add another 15 to ceremony in case the priest or officiant is a little vociferous. Plus, a little extra here and there just in case.

Getting ready for the wedding day can take longer than expected. Factor in enough time for hair and makeup, getting dressed, and any last-minute touch-ups. Make sure to communicate with your bridal party about the timeline and the expectations for getting ready. Bridesmaids almost always run late from their hair and make up appointments. It’s best to have a couple of hair and make up artist in one location and have everyone have their hair and make up done in one location to keep bridesmaids on track!

Create a detailed schedule for the wedding day. Include start and end times for each activity, including prep time, the ceremony, reception, and any other events. Make sure to share the schedule with your vendors, bridal party, and anyone else involved in the wedding day. Always keep everyone in the loop when you are preparing your timeline!

Your guests are an essential part of your wedding day, and you want to make sure they have a great time. Consider their needs when creating your timeline. Factor in enough time for guests to arrive at the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Also, consider the timing of meals and any breaks they may need.

When creating your wedding day timeline, be realistic about what you can accomplish in a set amount of time. Don’t try to cram too many activities into a short amount of time, as this can lead to stress and rushed moments. Make sure to allocate enough time for each activity and factor in buffer time.

Once you have created your wedding day timeline, make sure to stick to it. Communicate with your vendors and bridal party to ensure everyone is on the same page. If there are any changes to the timeline, communicate them to everyone involved as soon as possible.

So the reason that so many people think that 5 or 6 hours of coverage is enough for a wedding day is because most of the time they have unrealistic expectations of what the wedding timeline should really be. That amount of time is no where near the amount of time that is needed for a standard wedding. A standard wedding timeline where everything is in one venue is about 8 hours and if there is a church added to the day then you are looking at 10 to 12 hours for a standard wedding timeline.

Here is what a standard wedding timeline should look like if everything is at one location from the photography perspective

1 to 1.5 hours for hair

1 hour for make up

1 hour for getting dressed if the dress is corseted and half hour if the dress is zippered or only suits or tuxes are bring worn

1 hour of photos with bride or one groom and bridal party

1 hour of photo of bride or other groom and bridal party

30 minutes of detail photo of ceremony while everyone is put away and guests are sitting

30-45 minutes of ceremony

15-25 minutes of family portraits (during cocktail hour)

45 minutes of creative couple photos (during cocktail hour)

3 hours of reception minimum including,

grand entrance, first dance, speeches, mother son dance, father daughter dance, bouquet toss, garter toss and any other extra formalities that you want to add. If you want to go table to to table and take photos with each table, add another hour to an hour and half.

In conclusion, planning a perfect wedding day timeline takes time and effort, but it’s worth it to ensure that everything runs smoothly. By starting early, working with your vendors, setting priorities, considering your venue and guests, and creating a detailed schedule, you can plan a wedding day that you and your guests will always remember. Don’t forget to allocate enough

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I am in the historic home district of Whittier California in the North Orange County, South Los Angeles County area.

But most of my clients are in South Orange County, Newport, Irvine, Laguna Hills, Portolla Hills, Dove Canyon, North Orange County and really from all over the WORLD!

Edna Eudave is an extensively published award winning fine art wedding and portrait photographer. She is a photography educator, mentor and a fine artist painter. She is also a contributor to several photography columns and loves her daughter and 3 huskies!

She has been is business for over 30 years and had thousands of thrilled clients all over the world!