As a wedding photographer, I’m sharing my Wedding Day Timeline Tips today on the blog. This is one of the biggest days of your life, so it’s super important to have a comprehensive plan!

Regardless of whether or not you’re having a first look, I’ll arrive a couple of hours preceding the ceremony. Prior to my arrival, I ask that you have your bridal details organized and together so that neither one of us has to hustle around to grab the items. Having everything grouped together and ready to rock saves a lot of time. After the detail shots are done, I’ll grab getting-ready photos of you and your bridesmaids. If your chosen collection includes a second photographer, he/she will photograph the groom and his dudes during this time. (If you choose a smaller collection without a second shooter, I’ll do my best to photograph bridal prep and then hustle over for a few minutes of groom prep, as long as the bride and groom are in the same hotel or space.)

Wedding Day Timeline With a First Look

I could write a whole blog post on why you should do a first look, but I’ll just highlight a few benefits in regards to the wedding day timeline. First looks allow more time for portraits before the ceremony, which will also prevent rushing. I love first looks because they free up time in the timeline and the two of you can spend more one-on-one time together. Because you are seeing each other before walking down the aisle, this typically calms your pre-ceremony nerves. Here’s an example of a timeline with a first look:

• 2 p.m. Photographers arrive for prep photos
• 3:30 p.m. First look
• 3:45 p.m. Couples portraits plus bridal party portraits
• 5 p.m. Ceremony
• 6 p.m. Family portraits/Cocktail hour
• 7 p.m. Reception
• 8 p.m. Couples sunset portraits (ten minutes; time may vary depending on time of year/sun)
• 9:45 p.m. Special exit (if applicable)
• 10 p.m. Photographers depart

Wedding Day Timeline With an Aisle Reveal

I would NEVER push a first look on a couple who wants to go the more traditional route. Whether or not to have one is 100% up to you, and if you want to wait to see each other for the first time on your wedding day when you come down the aisle, then we’ll create a timeline around that! Here’s a sample timeline with an aisle reveal:

• 3 p.m. Photographers arrive for prep photos
• 5 p.m. Ceremony
• 6 p.m. Family portraits
• 6:30 p.m. Couples portraits plus bridal party portraits
• 7 p.m. Reception
• 8:30 p.m. Couples sunset portraits (ten minutes; time may vary depending on time of year/sun)
• 10:45 p.m. Special exit (if applicable)
• 11 p.m. Photographers depart

Sunset Photos are THE BEST

Sunset is a magical time for photos! The vibe is relaxed, the light is soft—and whenever couples sneak away for these photos, they never regret it.

Special Exits

The last part of your day is the special exit. There are many ways for couples to end their night, such as sparklers (definitely check with your venue to confirm sparklers are permitted), bubbles, flower petals, sky lanterns, streamers, or glow sticks. Speaking of your exit, another quick tip is to assign a specific person to organize this last part of your day to help it run as smoothly as possible.

The above timelines are just a start to organizing your day. As we get closer to your wedding day, I’ll help you create the perfect timeline for your wedding. Each and every wedding is different, and my couples truly value my help with their timeline. I hope these wedding day timeline tips have given you an idea of how the typical wedding day plays out!

Check out some of my favorite Cleveland weddings with amazing sunset portraits:

Wedding at Ariel International Center

Wedding at Williams on the Lake