The Wedding Day Timeline: How to Make Sure It Runs Smoothly

Your wedding day is supposed to be one of the best days of your life. But if you're like most people, you probably have no idea how to plan a wedding timeline that will actually run smoothly.

Don't worry - we've got you covered!

In this blog post, we will outline everything you need to know about creating a timeline for your wedding day. By following our tips, you can ensure that everything goes according to plan and that you enjoy your big day without any stress!

First and foremost, you need to decide what time of day you want to get married. Are you envisioning a morning ceremony followed by a brunch reception? Or would you prefer an afternoon affair with cocktails and dancing into the night? Once you have an idea of the general flow of the day, you can start to fill in the details.

Next, you need to think about how long each individual component of the day will take. How long will it take for everyone to get ready? How long will the ceremony itself last? Are you doing a first look?

And how much time do you want to spend socializing with your guests at the reception? It's important to be realistic here - if you try to pack too much into one day, things are bound to run over.

Third, you've got to consider family portraits. If you come from a big family like mine, it can be hard to decide on who gets in and who doesn't. I recommend to my couples to keep the groupings to a max of 10. I've included examples of groupings below:

• Couple alone together

• Couple with all parents

• Couple with both of their immediate families

• Couple with siblings and siblings' spouses

• Partner One with their parents (or stepparents)

• Partner One with each parent separately (if divorced)

• Partner One with their immediate family

• Partner One with their grandparents

• Partner One's parents (stepparents) alone together

• Partner One's grandparents alone together

• Partner One with their sibling(s)

• Partner Two with their parents (or stepparents)

• Partner Two with each parent separately (if divorced)

• Partner Two with their immediate family

• Partner Two with their grandparents

• Partner Two's parents (stepparents) alone together

• Partner Two's grandparents alone together

• Partner Two with their sibling(s)

Once you have gathered the details and discussed them with your wedding planner, you can create a rough draft of your timeline.

We've included examples below:

Option 1

With a First Look

• Detail shots: 30 minutes

• Bride & Groom Getting Ready: 30 minutes Each Party (1 hour)

• First Look: 30 minutes

• Bride & Groom Solo Portraits: 30 Minutes

• Wedding Party: 30 Minutes

• Family Portraits: 30 minutes

• 30 min buffer before the ceremony for arriving guests and to freshen up

• CEREMONY

• RECEPTION

• Newlywed Portraits 15-20 minutes about an hour before sunset

**Timeline works for couples who want to join in on the cocktail hour fun

Option 2

No First Look

• Detail shot: 30 minutes

• Bride & Groom getting ready: 30 minutes each party (1 hour)

• Dressing #1 portraits: 30 minutes

• Dressing #2 portraits: 30 minutes

• CEREMONY

• Family portraits 30 minutes

• Wedding Party together and Newlywed Portraits: 45 min

• Reception details: 15 minutes before the reception is open to guests

• Reception and Exit