Wedding planning is exciting but creating a wedding day timeline can be one of the most challenging aspects of your planning journey. It may not be the most glamorous part of your big day, but it is essential to ensure that everything runs smoothly, especially when it comes to photography.
Feeling rushed on your wedding day is the last thing you want, as it can add unnecessary stress and panic to an already emotional day. The timing of your wedding day events will vary depending on the time of year you are getting married.
Many couples are not aware of the significant role that wedding photographers play in ensuring that everything runs smoothly on the big day. As photographers, we love to work with our clients to help them make the most out of their investment in wedding photography, and creating a comprehensive timeline is one of the most critical tasks.
Breaking down your wedding day into key points will help you create a comprehensive timeline that includes all the necessary events. You can also include additional events like a first look or extra wedding games if you wish. The main points to consider in your wedding day timeline are:
- Plenty of time for couples prep
- If to have the First Look - I personally LOVE a first look!
- Ceremony
- Bridal Party Photos & Family Formal Wedding Photos
- Couples Portraits
- Cocktail Hour
- Meal & Speeches
- Reception
To help you create a detailed wedding day schedule, it is essential to consider how long each event should take. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, here is a suggested breakdown of the timings of a typical UK wedding day based on weddings that I have attended and photographed:
- 11:00 AM- Bridal party Getting ready
Photographer arrives – Hair and make-up are well under way and you’re on your way of getting ready. This is when I will photograph details such as dress, shoes, and any accessories that you may have as well.
- 12:00 PM – Head to Grooms Room to photograph them getting ready
It really helps to agree what time the groom is getting ready before your day.
- 12:30 PM – Back to Bridal Suite/Room
Dress On! Photograph you and your Bridesmaids, final touches shoot.
- 1:00 PM - Leave room for First Look
Suggested time: 15-20 minutes - It's important not to rush this if you're doing it!
- 1:30 PM - Travel to ceremony site
(If applicable)
- 2:00 PM – Ceremony
Usually 40 minutes to 1 hour
- 3:00 PM - Confetti shower!
Suggested time: 15 minutes
- 3:15 PM - Travel back to venue
(If applicable)
- 3:30 PM – Bridal Party + Family Formals
Suggested time: 15-30 minutes
- 3:45 PM – Newlywed couples session
Suggested time: 30-45 minutes
- 4:00 PM – Guests inside for wedding breakfast
Suggested time: 30-45 minutes
- 4:30PM - Bride & Groom Entrance
-- Wedding Breakfast!--
We take a break while you're eating1
- 6:30 PM - Speeches
Suggested time: 30-45 minutes
- 7:00PM - Cake Cutting & First Dance
Suggested time: 10-15 minutes
--EVENING PARTY!--
For winter weddings, I would personally bring everything forward by an hour to maximise daylight!
There it is, your basic timeline template to work from. I will go into details for each separate section of your day in separate posts. If you have any questions feel free to reach out! I'm always happy to help.
Ryo