How to build a wedding timeline that works for you instead of against you!

The timeline; one of the most overcomplicated parts of a wedding day! Let me teach you my easy equation for creating a timeline that works for you instead of against you. You're probably here because you sat down to draft up your timeline and immediately realized you have no idea where to even start. If you have been around for a while you know my goal here is always to keep things simple and easy, keep reading for the only wedding day timeline template you will need! As a part of all my wedding packages I offer 1 on 1 timeline planning, so if you want to skip all this and work together scroll to the bottom of this blog to inquire through the site! My couples gain access to 1 on 1 tailored planning and exclusive plug and go templates that make life and planning more enjoyable! Have the confidence and guidance you need to plan a timeline that allows your day to flow smoothly.

Step 1: We work in reverse!

During my initial call with every client we go through a process to find which amount of coverage would be best for your specific photo wants and needs! Part of that process is deciding on what I call the "Last photographable moment". This is as simple as choosing the last moment on wedding day that is your last MUST have moment in your gallery. Maybe that is after some open dance floor, maybe that is after your change into a second look, or maybe you're doing a grand exit that you want photos of. Whatever moment that is for you we take the estimated time that moment may happen and work backwards! Open dance floor starts at 8:00pm and you want an hour of coverage after that with a 10 hour package? Cool, then we know photography starts at 11:00am.

Step 2: Morning planning.

I always start with details. I love love love details. They can be a little more time intensive than you'd think so I always request an hour minimum with the details as soon as I arrive! Next we decide on a first look. Are you wanting a tradtional first look down the aisle? Great, we will just want more time post ceremony for portraits in order to keep you apart in the morning! Wanting to do a first look pre ceremony? So good, we will want you ready early-mid morning so we can knock out that first look and also a majority of your portraits (because my couples get to enjoy their cocktail hour when possible, no missing out on your own party)! When planning morning festivities don't forget things like getting ready candids, vows, letter reading or gift giving, a first touch etc.

Step 3: Ceremony & family portraits

Add your estimated time for the duration of your ceremony. And unless we knocked out family portraits in the morning then we can traditionally plan for family portraits to take place immediately following the ceremony. In a perfect world this takes only 30-45min (and if it takes longer eh that's okay). Didn't do a first look pre ceremony? No problem, we will use that next 45min-1hr for entire bridal party photos and then couples portraits! If your day isn't taking place all in one venue don't forget to consider travel time between locations on your timeline!

Step 4: Cocktail hour, grand entrance, and reception.

Typically morning time ends up being most chaotic (if there is any chaos) so by the time you reach cocktail hour this is really where we want to slow down, be present, and truly just enjoy. If you set yourself up with a morning time first look then typically this cocktail hour time is all yours! Visit with your guests, bar hop with your bridal party, spend some time with your honey decompressing before all the evening fun, whatever you want!!

Then it's grand entrance, dinner, formal speeches and dances, maybe cake cutting and then party time (does not have to be in that order of course)! Reception time is fun because so long as the DJ, MC, or live band is in sync with photo and video you can do whatever feels right timeline wise! Want to do cake cutting earlier because dinner came and went faster than you anticipated? Let's do it. Want to run outside for sunset photos before formal dances, maybe you want some fun and funky flash photos in your second dress ? Let's do it. I love a spontaneous game day decision to ditch the traditional stuff and make the day your own!!

Step 5: Photography concludes

Remember earlier when we picked that last photographable moment? Well we finally arrived, you took off in the vintage getaway car, I got every photo of it, and the timeline is a wrap! See how simple that is? Again if you want all the 1 on 1 timeline building assistance that will really help you to plan a laid back and stress free day, shoot me an inquiry, I'd love to help you through each step in your planning to assure you get the free and easy day you're dreaming of!!

EXTRAS, TIPS, AND FINAL THOUGHTS:

Planning other fun things for wedding day? My advice is to remember realistically how much time you have with your guests and ultimately how much time there is in your wedding day itself. I have attended and photographed my fair share of weddings that attempted to pack 12 hours worth of activities into an 8 hour day. By all means fulfill all of your wedding day dreams, include all the good stuff that makes you you, but keep your experience in mind also! Choose vendors and entertainment with intention and purpose and don't forget your wedding day is for YOU. Set yourself up with time enough to enjoy it all.

The last and most important piece of information when creating your timeline is to remember it's just a rough guide in place to help give the day some organic structure. It is NOT a minute by minute play by play of how the day absolutely must go. See it as a rough draft, a kind estimate, a compass pointing you in a general direction. No one wants a 10 hour photoshoot, no one wants the stress of feeling "an hour behind" on a count of some made up numbers and estimates. Because guess what? It is your day and nothing will happen without you! On wedding day you are always right on time. Take the pressure off yourself to create a 2 page timeline packed with detailed instructions and directions that only stuff up your day and take from your opportunity to just live it. Give yourself permission to keep it simple, let go of the traditional stiff expectations, and focus on how you can set yourself up to be most present!