Planninng your wedding timeline
Planning your wedding timeline may seem daunting, but no stress! We're here to guide you through the process and create a schedule that perfectly fits your style. Get ready for a stress-free journey to a memorable celebration. Let's dive in and craft a timeline that's as cool and relatable as you are!
Ceremony and Reception Start Times
Let's start with the basics! Pin down the times you already know, like your ceremony and reception start times. Chat with your venue to find out their earliest and latest available slots.
Consider Daylight and Sunset
Let the sun be your guide! Think about the time of year you're tying the knot and how daylight savings might play a role. Google's got your back—simply search "Sunset on (your wedding date) in (your location)" to get those golden hour vibes locked in! This will impact when we get to sneak you both out for some dreamy sunset couple shots!
Wanting a First Look?
If a first look is on your radar, factor it into your timeline. Having a first look will usually mean you will have to be ready earlier. Some couples opt to capture family and bridal party photos pre-ceremony, freeing up more time to mingle during cocktail hour. Cheers to that!
The ‘standard’ order
There's no wrong way to do it, but here's a tried-and-true order: getting ready, ceremony, family photos (while everyone's there!), bridal party shots, and couple portraits (if the sun's playing nice). Let's make your day flow effortlessly! Of course this is just to give you an idea, so plan your day according to what you prioritise as a couple.
Getting ready
Glam squad, assemble! Team up with your hair and makeup artists to map out their timeline. How much time do they need per person? This intel will help you nail down your getting ready start time. Our team arrives when you're almost ready (hair and makeup done, not dressed yet)—let the magic unfold! We’ll arrive to the groomsmen first then to the bride and bridesmaids before we head to the ceremony location.
Ceremony
Let's craft a heartfelt ceremony that's uniquely yours! Sit down with your celebrant to discuss your vision and determine how long it'll run. Most weddings we've been a part of clock in at around 30-45 minutes. Consider arriving fashionably late (5-10 mins) to give yourself a grand entrance! (and to give a buffer to any latecomers)
Post-ceremony
Pause, breathe, and enjoy the love! Set aside about 10-15 minutes after the ceremony to mingle and soak up the joy with your guests. It's also the perfect time for family photos! After this, we’ll usually get some group photos & video of you and the bridal party. Remember, this day is all about treasured moments and good vibes. If the sun is setting earlier in the day, we may get your couple photos done before the reception. If the sun stays out a little longer, we’ll sneak you out of the reception for a few minutes to get those dreamy couple portraits.
Reception
How will the food be distributed to your guests—will it be a delightful drop, an epic buffet, or something in between? Chat with your caterer to fine-tune timings and ensure a seamless meal service. Once you have these times, you can plan other reception events (like speeches, first dance, games etc). Keep in mind to ave your vendors (us and any DJ’s/band) eat at the same time you do - so we don’t miss any important moments, like speeches!
Ready to get planning?
Designing your wedding timeline doesn't have to be a puzzle. With the right mix of organization and flexibility, you can create a schedule that perfectly matches your style and keeps the stress at bay. Your wedding day will be a reflection of your unique love story, so let's plan, celebrate, and make memories that'll last a lifetime!
If you’re looking for a photo and video team that knows how to balance timelines and candid moments, enquire below!
