Basic Wedding Day Timeline

Basic Wedding Day Timeline

Getting Ready – Typically can take a bride 1-2 hours. The last 30 minutes to an hour is typically what a photographer
will cover.  This allows you time to begin the process of getting ready, often leaving you feeling more comfortable and the pictures more flattering.

Ceremony – Average 15-30 minutes

1. Guests get seated: Allow at least 15 minutes for guests to get seated before you start the wedding ceremony.
2. Bridal Party enters : Bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl(s), and ring bearer enter.
3. Bride enters: As the bride enters, make sure to know what you want your photographer to catch on film the most (i.e. the groom’s reaction, the guest’s reaction, the bride’s reaction)
4. Marriage vows and ring vows: Marriage vows are optional and often written by the bride and groom themselves. Ring vows are the traditional “I do” vows.
5. Presentation of the couple: Announced for the first time as husband and wife

Reception – Average 3-5 hours

1. Dinner: There are two popular options depending on the plan you have made with your photographer. The first
   option: While everyone is getting seated and settled
   to eat the bridal party along with the bride and groom do group shots nearby. (this option is a good choice if you are on a tighter time schedule) The 2^ndoption: If doing a buffet, starting with the bride and groom, then the bridal party, then family, etc. OR going by table is popular.
2. Toasts: Maid/Matron of honor and the best man give their toasts. *(Optional) Parents and any other friends and family can give a toast*
3. First dance:  following the conclusion of dinner or right after dessert.
4. Father/daughter dance: Immediately following the first dance.
5. Mother/son dance: Immediately following or sharing the floor with the father/daughter dance.
6. In-Laws dance: Immediately following the father/daughter and mother/daughter dance
7. Guests invited to dance: Open up the dance floor for all guests!
8. Cake cutting: Bride and groom cut cake, smashing cake in each other’s face optional
9. Bouquet and garter tosses: Shortly after the cake cutting, giving people enough time to enjoy a slice.
10. Bride & Groom make their exit