The Perfect Wedding Timeline if You Are Doing a First Look

Putting together your wedding timeline can be a little stressful. You might not be sure how much time you realistically need for certain parts of your wedding day, but don't worry we have you covered!

Here is the perfect wedding timeline if you are having an 8+ hour wedding day and doing a first look.

To simplify things, we will just say the ceremony is scheduled for 5:00pm, but you can adjust accordingly if your ceremony will begin at a different time.

2:00pm: Photography begins

Snap a few photos of hair + makeup being done

2:10pm: Begin detail shots

I usually start with the wedding dress then I photograph the invitation suite, rings, bouquets, jewelry, shoes, veil, perfume, etc

2:30pm: Bridesmaids get dressed

I like to have the bridesmaids get dressed before the bride so that they look nice and can help the bride get dressed

2:40pm: Bride gets dressed

I usually have the bride's mother or maid of honor help her into her wedding dress
Then I take photos of all the bridesmaids assisting

3:00pm: Start the first look

Give the couple a few minutes together to talk, hug, and get some nerves out

3:10pm: Couples portraits

We take photos of the bride and groom in several different poses at different spots around the venue

3:30pm: Wedding party photos

Take photos of the entire wedding party together

3:45pm: Bridesmaid + Groomsmen Photos

David and I split up. David takes photos of the groomsmen while I am taking photos of the bridesmaids

4:00pm: Finish all Photos

Wedding party returns to the bridal suite for last minute touchups and a few minutes to relax
David and I photograph the untouched ceremony setup before guests arrive

4:30pm: Guests begin to arrive

David and I photograph guests entering and get in place for the ceremony

5:00pm: Ceremony begins

Most ceremonies last about 30 minutes
We will discretely photograph the entire time

5:30pm: Ceremony ends

Bride + groom exit
Wedding party + family exit
Make sure all family + wedding party + bride and groom head to a secluded location when they exit that is away from the wedding guests
Do not let members of the family or wedding party wander off

5:35pm: Guests head to cocktail hour

It is best to create a separate space for cocktail hour that is different than the reception space

5:40pm: Start family photos

We will begin formal photos with your immediate family and grandparents (if you have any photos with friends or extended family you want taken, we can take those during the reception)
We will take all photos you have requested on your family photo shot list

5:55pm: A few more couples portraits

We will spend about 10 more minutes taking photos of the two of you once you are officially MARRIED!

6:05pm: Bride + Groom head to cocktail hour

Eat, drink, have a good time, and mingle with guests
David and I will head into the reception and photograph the untouched reception setup before guests enter

6:35pm: Guests enter the reception and take their seats

Wedding party is introduced
Bride + Groom are introduced

6:45pm: Bride + Groom share their first dance

Father/Daughter + Mother/Son dances ----- you can choose to do these later in the evening, it is just my personal preference to do them at the beginning
Welcome Toast AND/OR blessing

6:55pm: Dinner

Depending on if you are having a plated, buffet style, or family style dinner - the timing of dinner will vary

7:45pm: Toasts begin

Usually the Father of the Bride, Maid of Honor, or Best Man give a toast

8:00pm: Cake cutting

8:05pm: Dance floor opens

If you are planning to do a bouquet/garter toss, you can do it at any point after the dance floor has opened
If you have any large photos you would like with friends or extended family (EX: Everyone who went to UVA), have the band or DJ announce it at a time they think is appropriate

9:00pm: Late night snacks

If you plan on serving any late night snacks like sliders, tacos, pizza, etc. this is the perfect time

9:30pm: Last call for alcohol

9:45pm: Last dance

Start the last dance a few minutes early to avoid running overtime with your photographer, videographer, and other vendors. It takes guests much longer than you'd think to gather their belongings and line up for a send-off

10:00pm: Send-off

Have fun with your send off! Consider doing sparklers, glow sticks, streamers, bubbles, or rose petals
Make sure to walk through the send off. Stop in the middle and at the end for big kisses - these make great photo ops!

Category: Wedding Tips