A wedding timeline is an essential part of any wedding planning process. It helps to ensure that everything runs smoothly on the big day and that all of the important events happen at the right time. Without a timeline, it is easy for things to fall behind schedule or for important events to be missed altogether.

There are many different ways to create a wedding timeline. Some couples choose to hire a wedding planner to help them create a detailed timeline, while others prefer to do it themselves. There are also many online resources that can help you create a timeline.

Tip #1 - Consider the Logistics

The time of day and date of your wedding
The location of your wedding
The number of guests you are expecting
The type of wedding you are having (traditional, casual, etc.)
The budget you have set for your wedding

Once you have considered these factors, you can start to put together a timeline that works for you and your partner. It is important to be flexible with your timeline, as things may not always go according to plan on the day of your wedding. However, having a timeline will help to ensure that you are prepared for anything and that you can enjoy your special day without stress.

Tip #2 - Make Your Day, Your Day

Your wedding day is unique, as it should be. No two weddings are the same so why should you copy someone else’s timeline. Make your day, your day! Start from scratch and keep it vague so you have room to add details as planning continues. Consider how much time your photographer will be at the wedding and decide when you want them to arrive and leave AND what events you want captured during that time.

Below are the “bare-bone timelines” I suggest to my wedding clients based upon each package we offer.

Tip #3 - Create Buffers

Make sure to leave some time as a buffer for those unexpected things that you didn’t plan for, such as signing the marriage certificate, bustling your dress, restroom breaks, etc. If you plan everything too tightly you will more than likely fall behind at some point during your wedding day.

Tip #4 - Let Them Eat and Drink…Unless You Need Them to Stick Around

At some point you will more than likely have a designated portrait time. During this time it is VERY important that guests continue to the reception area UNLESS they will be in the photographs. This will keep the distractions to a minimum, but more importantly keep everyone out of the photographer’s way so they aren’t in your portraits. Portrait time is about 30 minutes and during this time you don’t want your guests sitting there with nothing to do. Instead let them begin eating and drinking so they’re ready to celebrate upon your arrival.

Tip #5 - Share Your Timeline

Once your timeline is finalized, share it with the vendors - especially the photographer, videographer and music/entertainment. These vendors are vital in keeping your wedding day on schedule.

Tip #6 - Do Not Underestimate the Importance of Your Timeline

It is important to create a wedding timeline as it is an essential part of the planning process and will help to ensure that your special day is everything you have dreamed of. Here are some of the benefits of having a wedding timeline:

It helps to ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day of your wedding.
It helps to prevent important events from being missed.
It helps to keep you and your guests on schedule.
It can help you to save money by avoiding last-minute expenses.
It can help you to reduce stress on the day of your wedding.

Tip #7 - Have FUN!!

This is a huge milestone for you! It can certainly be stressful, but with some planning it can be a manageable task that will be the framework for your wedding day. Take time to breathe. Take time to reflect on what YOU want your day to look like and figure out HOW to make that happen. And have FUN!!

sample timelines

These are sample timelines based upon the wedding packages that we offer at Smith Family Photography.

** If you’re planning a First Look, plan for that to take about 30 minutes.

Other Wedding Planning tips

Just for fun!

Just a funny, short video about wedding planning. **contains some language.**