Planning your wedding can be exciting, and stressful. There are so many things to be done and it can seem like you are trying to navigate a foreign country without knowing the language.
One of the questions that I get most frequently, especially from my brides who are not using a wedding planner, is about the timeline for their wedding day.
Let’s look at a time line for a 5pm wedding. I like to shoot light and fast, so be sure to check with your photographer to make sure that a similar timeline would also work for them. People use different styles and equipment that might require more or less time for different portions of the day. I may be biased, but your photography will be all that is left after the day to remind you of all of the events, moments, and emotions. Allowing your photographer ample time to work ensures that you get the best and most images.
1pm – Arrive and shoot details
I like to shoot all of the details like the dress, rings, shoes, flowers, and paper goods first thing so that I can guarantee there is enough time to cover them adequately.
2pm – guys getting ready
2:20 girls getting ready
If I am allowed more time in the schedule I will add it to the getting ready shots, otherwise these are pretty quick of the bride and groom interacting with their attendants in a candid setting.
2:40 Putting on the Dress
Make sure that your mom and bridesmaids are already dressed and ready so that they can help you into your dress.
3pm – first look session
I recommend a first look session to all of my clients if they are not against seeing each other before the wedding. This special session allows you to document the first time that you see each other on the day of your wedding much more effectively than you can during the ceremony, to have a quiet moment together to exchange gifts or pray before the craziness of the day starts, and you will be looking you r best having just finished hair and makeup.
3:15pm – Portraits of the Couple
These are the photos that will go up on the walls and make it into your album. Enjoy the time together as a couple and have fun!
4pm – bridal party photos
4:20 family photos and then 4:40 – Have everyone hidden away and ready for the ceremony
5pm – ceremony
5:30 cocktail hour
Since all of your photos are completed already you can actually mix and mingle with your guests and have fun while your photographer documents the reception details and venue.
6:30 – Bridal Party enters reception and toasts, 7:00pm – dinner begins, 8pm – First dances, open the dance floor
9pm – cut the cake, 9:30pm – bouquet and garter toss
11pm – Grand exit
Vendors Information
Photography: Mollie Tobias Photography - Contact: Mollie Tobias | Wedding Planning & Styling: Bright Occasions -Contact: Margo Fischer | Venue: Carnegie Library - Contact: Kristina Noell or Ashley Forrester | Catering: Katie Musser, 550 Events - Contact: Katie Musser | Wedding Cake: Kendall’s Cakes - Contact: Meghan De Angelis | Desserts: Huda’s Sweet Bee Bakery - Contact: Huda Baterjee | Invitations & Paper: Tabibi Design - Contact: Tina Tabibi | Rentals: DC Rentals - Contact: Kathleen Schmidt | Floral Design: Eight Tree Street - Contact: Contact: Maribel Kalata | Hair: Amie Decker of Amie Decker Beauty | Makeup: Suzanne Della Pella of Amie Decker Beauty - Contact: Amie Decker | Garter: The Garter Girl - Contact: Julianne Smith | Bridal Gown and Bridesmaid Dresses: Ellie’s Bridal Boutique - Contact: Ellie’s Bridal | Bridal Jewelry: Diamond Connects - Contact: Diamond Connects |Bridesmaid Jewelry: Rene Kauder – Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot - Contact: Rene Kauder
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