Wedding Timeline Checklist
Having a wedding timeline will help ease your mind on your wedding day and help guide all of your wedding vendors for your big day. It’s important to keep in mind that every wedding is different. When planning your wedding timeline, my recommendation is to focus more on what YOU want and not what everyone else will think. Your guests are here to celebrate you and your significant other tie the knot. You are providing food, dancing, and celebration (so don’t worry about your second cousin think’s about your timeline and when you should give them food! They are here to wait on you and celebrate YOU.) Rest easy knowing that every guest walks into a wedding expecting people to be a little late, run off schedule, and get a little loose with the timeline. Use the timeline for your wedding day as simply a guide, and dont stress if you’re a little off schedule- it’s to be expected. Also remember that your photos are what will be there long after your wedding day is over- so make sure to set aside time for capturing your memories! Below are some common questions to keep in mind when planning your timeline.
Questions to ask when planning your wedding timeline
What time can you be at your venue? What time do you need to leave?
How many hours does your Photography & Videography cover?
What time are all of your vendors expected to be there?
What time is sunset? Consider putting aside 15 minutes or so to take sunset photos.
How long will hair & makeup take for each person (ask your vendor for an estimated time)?
How long will your ceremony be?
How many family photos do you want (make a list of shots for your Photographer)?
Will you want to take your family and/or wedding party photos before or after the ceremony?
Will there be travel time between the ceremony and reception?
Are you doing a first look?
Are you making an entrance into your cocktail hour/reception?
How many people are giving toasts? Will there be a food blessing or an open time for speeches?
Are you doing a first dance or dance with parents?
Will you be doing any games (like the shoe game) or bouquet/garter toss?
Are you doing any formal exit (sparklers, butterflies, confetti, etc.)?
Will you be cleaning up the venue or will the venue be doing it?
Don’t forget to set aside maybe 10 minutes before the ceremony to take a breather and relax, take in the day. Make sure to eat your CAKE! Or ask someone to make sure they save you a few pieces for later. Keep in mind that you have a whole team ready to help you on your day to achieve everything you need to- we’re here to help YOU have an amazing day! Sit back, relax, enjoy the moment.
Looking for more helpful advice for your engagement session and wedding day? You can view more helpful advice like tips for budgeting for your wedding day, Engagement session outfit advice, a sample timeline and more here.
Find out how you can get a FREE GIFT from Gabby when you refer her to your friends/family/coworkers here!
Gabriella Sutherland is a wedding photographer based in Ohio that travels worldwide for wedding days. To inquire about your wedding day, click the link below!
For planning advice for your wedding day, check out the entire blog section of planning for your wedding, with a FREE 6 hour timeline, detail tips and a whole lot more!
Tips for your engagement session
Free wedding timeline checklist
Free 6 hour sample wedding timeline
Photo planning tips and advice
Wedding flowers advice
Budgeting for your wedding day
Engagement session tips
More wedding planning tips