You are getting so closer! Unfortunately that means the 4th quarter and time to make your timeline final. (I know, I know! I got you all excited for a second just to rip it away from you with that second statement haha) If you have been avoiding some difficult decisions then that could mean it is time to make that choice. Where to start though!

Lets first identify the key factors that determine your wedding day timeline! Definitely start with confirming the sunset time for your wedding day. This will be at the center of your time and tells you when to schedule your ceremony. For optimal lighting conditions, the ceremony should start 45-60 minutes before sunset. The second decision to make is if you should have a First look vs traditional timeline? Depending on your decision, this will set the course for the rest of the day. Check out the blog that specifically addresses what First Look is and why it should be considered!

If you have these down, then you are ahead of the game. (Woohoo!) Below are a few tips and suggested segment times to help plan the perfect wedding day timeline without stress.

Tips for the Perfect Wedding day Timeline

It is so important to think about your morning prep! (Getting ready photos op, hair schedule and make-up, OH MY!) Make sure to give yourself enough time in the morning is CRUCIAL for you to begin the day right. Make sure your party knows their hair style & make up before the morning of so there are not last minute changes to cause issues. If you finish before you expected, then it is more time for champagne & strawberries!

To make the most of your time for photos, make sure to have ALL your wedding details in one place  for when your photographer arrives that morning. That way, your photographer can focus on you and all the amazing photos to still be taken.

Travel time! Keep in mind how much time it takes to travel between all your venues. Consider a venue where you can get ready, have the ceremony, and reception in one place. If not, be sure to add an extra 20 minutes travel time on to what you think you need (accidents happen right?) If you are traveling, consider a party bus for the wedding party. This can make for an excellent photo op!

Family portrait list is VITAL! This will help your photographer not get confused and keep the large family portraits on track after the ceremony.

Don’t let cocktail hour drag! This is where a first look comes into play and helps the guest enjoy more time with you.

Make sure all your important reception events fall into the time that your photographer is hired for. **Tip – If you want a wedding photographer to cover the Getting ready photos & the sparkler send off, then it is necessary to consider hiring them for a 9 hour + day. Anything short of that may not be enough to cover all of the spectacular moments.

Be sure to talk about overtime with all your vendors before the wedding day. Most weddings go so well that the party is not really to end. Make sure you have that option with your vendors and how much it might cost.

Last but definitely not least, make sure you have time scheduled for YOU to actually eat dinner! Nothing is worse than feeling starving at the end of the night and not being able to enjoy the amazing day that took months to plan!

Make sure vendors all have a copy of your timeline a week in advance.  Then  RELAX because your vendors got this (that is why you hire professionals)!

If you are still worried about the timeline, Hire a wedding coordinator or assign it to your MOH! Just be warned, sometimes the Maid of Honor gets distracted after a few drinks (OH NO!)

Here are some photo time frames to keep in mind when planning your Wedding day timeline:

• Getting Ready: At least 30-45 minutes with both the guys and the girls, but the more the better
• Bride + Bridesmaids: 30 minutes (before the ceremony is recommended)
• Groom + Groomsmen: 30 minutes (before the ceremony is recommended)
• Wedding Couple Together: 45 minutes- hour
• First look: 10-15 minutes
• Whole Wedding Party pictures: 30-45 minutes
• Immediate Family: This is based on how many groups you want to do. We usually recommend about 1.5 minutes per small group (2-8 people) and about 5 minutes per large group (8+ people).
• Extended Family: We usually recommend keeping family formals to immediate family and then doing less “formal” photos with extended family members as you see them during reception. But, if you would like to include extended family in the formals, then use the same timing calculations as for immediate family.
• Ceremony Prep Time: 15-30 minutes. Don’t schedule any other photo sessions for the 15 minutes right before your ceremony so we can get set up, communicate with videographers about how we/they plan to shoot, etc.

Are you looking for a wedding photographer in Kingsland, St Simons Island or Sea Island Georgia?

Hi! I’m Calli, a Georgia wedding photographer specializing in candid and authentic photos that capture the love, fun and true personalities of each couple. I am happy to serve couples along the coast line of Georgia, from Savannah Georgia to Jacksonville Florida. You ready to have an amazing time together on your wedding day? Message me today!