Planning your wedding is exciting, but figuring out the timeline can feel like an overwhelming task.
As a South Carolina photographer, I’ve helped countless couples create stress-free wedding day schedules that let them enjoy every moment. In this guide, I’ll share a sample wedding photography timeline, plus tips on how to customize it for your celebration.
Why a Wedding Timeline Matters
A well-planned wedding timeline keeps the day running smoothly. Without one, you run the risk of feeling rushed, stressed, missing out on special moments, and possibly forgetting what order each event is supposed to go in. Having a clear schedule not only reduces stress but also ensures that the day runs smoothly, so you can enjoy the day and celebrate with your loved ones. I would recommend that once you finalize your wedding day timeline, to print off several copies and hand them to your planner, photographer, officiant, and anyone who might be able to keep the day running smoothly.
A Sample Wedding Day Timeline
Every wedding is unique. Some may be shorter for my shy or intimate couples, while others may be long to stretch out the celebration. Whatever the case may be, this general timeline can be adjusted for your needs.
- Getting Ready: 8:00-11:00
- This is the time to connect with your girls as your hair and makeup are done. Put on some music, laugh, sing, cry, and get excited for what’s about to happen! This makes for the best pictures! This is the time when I’ll be getting shots of the small details- rings, shoes, dress, invitation suite, etc. I’ll also be hopping between rooms to get candid pictures of your future groom, too! Some of the sweetest and most candid images come from this part of your day as you’re surrounded by the people who mean the most to you. I mean, how can you not love a picture of your mom looking at you with love in her eyes as she watches you get ready to marry the love of your life?? It’s unmatched.
- First Look: 12:00
- Snack break/time with your partner: 1:00
- Between a first look and the ceremony, take time to eat and spend some quiet time with your love. These moments could be some of the only moments you have on your entire day where it’s just the two of you. Savor the time together, and make sure to grab a snack. Eating is important for keeping up with the energy of the day.
- Ceremony: 2:00
- Whether your ceremony is in a chapel, garden, or one of South Carolina’s stunning outdoor venues, planning around the light is key. Midday ceremonies are common, but if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, consider shade or later timing.
- Family and Wedding Party Portraits: 3:00
- This is where we knock out group shots. When I send my contract to book, I also send a “shot list” for my couples to check off which shots are important to them, and which ones we can pass on. This ensures a relatively quick group picture session, so that we can get on with the main party!
- Dinner: 5:30
- Exactly as it sounds. Fuel your body for the dance party that you’ll be having!
- Sunset Photos: 6:00
- Again, another totally optional portion of the day, but South Carolina golden hour is pure magic! I always recommend sneaking away for just 15 minutes during golden hour for a quick, dreamy, and glowing session to get the pictures that you’ll want to hang on your wall. These often end up being couples’ favorite photos of the day.
- Reception: 7:00
- Once the portraits are done, you can relax and enjoy the party! From your grand entrance to dancing the night away, I’ll be there to capture it all.
- Send-Off: 10:00
- A send-off is a fun way to see the couple off, and you can get pretty creative with it! From bubbles to sparklers to fireworks, you can do whatever fits your personality best. Having a getaway car waiting is a bonus.
Customizing Your Wedding Timeline
Not every couple’s wedding fits this exact schedule. Elopements, temple weddings, chapel weddings, winter celebrations, and so forth all have unique timing needs. For example, summer weddings in South Carolina may start later to take advantage of cooler evening temperatures and light, while winter weddings often begin earlier because the sun sets around 5:00 pm. Your photographer can help adjust the schedule so you get the best light while still enjoying a stress-free day.
