Are you struggling to figure out how to make a wedding day timeline? Read on.

Okay, so you’re planning your wedding, and you’ve either just started and are wondering what to do first, of you’re in the thick of it. You keep hearing people mention the word “timeline”, and you’re not even sure what that means. I want to help breakdown what an event timeline is, and why you absolutely need one for your wedding day.

What is a Wedding Day Timeline?

A wedding day timeline is a schedule of events that you plan on occurring throughout your wedding day. It can be as general as what time you’re done getting ready, to what time your ceremony is, to what time dinner is, and when you want everyone to leave. It can also be as specific as what time you’re putting your dress on, to what time you will do your first dance, and etc. Wedding vendors almost always use wedding day timeline. Some of the reasons include keeping track of what time vendors are arriving, when the reception and ceremony decoration needs to be done, and even what time the music is supposed to play and you are to walk down the aisle. There are endless reasons on why a wedding day timeline is beneficial for everyone.

Why do you need a Wedding Day Timeline?

Yes, you need a wedding day timeline. Yes, even if you want the day to be “chill” and “not rushed”. In fact, having a details wedding day timeline will help you do just that.

• Easily keep track of when vendors are arriving.
  • Having a list of what time your vendors are arriving is essential. You want to make sure that everyone is prepared and on-time. (This is especially helpful in maintaining a “chill” day)
• Everyone knows where they are supposed to be.
  • This goes for everyone – not just your wedding vendors. When you have an exact time and plan for when things are to occur, you can tell people where they’re supposed to be and when. For example, if you are doing a first look with your dad before the ceremony, you can tell your dad to be ready and in place by a specific time. This keeps it to where we are not waiting on anyone, and also helps us avoid confusion.
• Nothing is missed.
  • This is probably one of the most important reasons, next to everyone being where they should be. You want to have a timeline and a list because you want to ensure that nothing is missed on your wedding day. Whether it be an item that you planned on gifting you Mother-in-Law, or even that photo with your great grandmother. When you take the time ahead of your wedding day to sit down and list out all of the things you want to happen on your day, it makes it easier to follow the list on the day of. (Check out my blog post on How to Make a Wedding Day Shot List. )
• Everything runs smoothly.
  • With everything mentioned above, your day is bound to be stress-free and enjoyable. As it should be.

How to Make a Wedding Day Timeline

Now that we’ve covered the who, what and the why, I’m here to tell you the how and when.

You may be asking when is the best time to make a wedding day timeline, and the answer to that question is NOW. It is never to early to make a timeline.

The first step in making a timeline, is thinking about the order of events. Knowing the order of how you want things, can help you plan times. You can also think about how long something may take before you move on to the next item on your list.

Main events first.

We can always add details and smaller items later. For now, think about the main photos you want on your wedding day, and list them out.

• Mom help me into dress
• First look with my fiance
• Ceremony
• Grand Entrance
• First Dance
• Dinner
• Cake Cutting
• Grand Exit

Add in other details.

Now that you have the main points listed out, add some other things in your timeline that make also take place.

• Details Photos
• Finishing touches on hair and makeup
• First look with my bridesmaids
• Family photos after ceremony
• Bride & Groom portraits
• Dancing with my friends and family

Add your list together, in order.

• Details Photos
• Finishing touches on hair and makeup
• Mom help me into dress
• First look with my bridesmaids
• First look with my fiance
• Ceremony
• Family Photos after Ceremony
• Bride & Groom portraits
• Grand Entrance
• First Dance
• Dinner
• Cake cutting
• Dancing with friends and family
• Grand Exit

Add times.

Now that you have everything you want listed out in chronological order, think about how long each moment will take to photograph. Also please note, it’s important to consider buffer time in between each item on your list, just in case.

• Details – 20 minutes
• Finishing touches on hair and makeup – 15 minutes
• Mom help me into dress – 10 minutes
• First look with my bridesmaids – 10 minutes
• First look with my fiancé – 10 minutes
• Ceremony – 30 minutes
• Family Photos after Ceremony – 30 minutes
• Bride & Groom portraits – 30 minutes
• Grand Entrance – 5 minutes
• First Dance – 5 minutes
• Dinner – 30 minutes
• Cake cutting – 5 minutes
• Dancing with friends and family – 2 hours
• Grand Exit -15 minutes

Make your timeline!

Okay, now you have an idea about how long each moment will take. Now it’s time to make a schedule of what time things should start and finish. ***Also another important thing to think about for your photos, think about what time the sun sets, and if you want natural light to be present during these moments!!

Example timeline for 8 hours of coverage – assuming the sun sets at 7:30pm.

2:00pm – Photographer arrives
2:00-2:30pm – Details Photos
2:30-3:00pm – Finishing touches on getting ready
3:00-3:15pm – Mom help into dress
3:15-3:30pm – First look with Bridesmaids
3:30-3:45pm – First look with Groom
3:45-4:15pm – Reception & Ceremony Details Photos
4:15-4:30pm – Pre-Ceremony photos & Guests arriving
4:30-5:00pm – Ceremony
5:00-5:30pm – Family Photos
5:30-6:00pm – Bride & Groom Portraits
6:00-6:15pm – Grand Entrance & First Dance
6:15-7:00pm – Dinner
7:00-7:15pm – Cake Cutting & Toasts
7:15-9:45pm – Open Dance Floor
9:45-10:00pm – Last Dance & Grand Exit

You’re done!!

You’ve completed the main structure of your entire wedding day timeline! You’ve listed out what’s important, added details, and assigned times + made a schedule for everything. This is the core center of how to make a wedding day timeline. Of course, your wedding day timeline is completely unique to YOU. Feel free to add or remove whatever you see fit. This is your day, after all. But hopefully with all of these tips, creating a wedding day timeline comes much easier. You’re also more than welcome to reach out to any of your wedding vendors with any questions. We are happy to help!!