Crafting Your Wedding Timeline Overview

Here’s a guide to help you plan out the major moments of your big day!

Ceremony Time – The Big Moment

First things first—when’s the main event?

• What time do you want the ceremony to start? ______________

• How long is the ceremony going to be? ______________

This is your “anchor” for the day, so once you’ve got this locked in, we can build the rest of the timeline around it.

Before the Ceremony

Now that we have the ceremony time set, let’s work our way backward to make sure everything flows smoothly.

1. Pre-Ceremony Photos – Yay or Nay?
   Do you want to capture photos before the ceremony? This could include everything from getting ready shots to a first look, family photos, and bridal party portraits.

   • Do you want to take photos before the ceremony?

     • If so, what type of photos do you want taken?

2. Getting Ready

   Let’s be real—getting ready is half the fun! But if you’ve got a crew of bridesmaids, it can also take a bit of time.

   • Will there be others getting ready with you?

     • If so, how many people will be getting ready with you?

   Here’s a handy rule of thumb for planning:

   Bridesmaids usually need about 30-45 minutes for makeup and around 60 minutes for hair (depending on the style).

   For your own bridal look, budget 45-60 minutes for makeup and 60-90 minutes for hair.

   With all that in mind…

   • How much time do you need to get ready?

3. Getting Ready Location:

   • What time will you and your bridal party arrive at the venue?

   • Will you be getting ready at the venue?

   • If no, where will you be getting ready?

   • How long will it take to travel from the getting ready location to the venue?

After the Ceremony

Once you say "I do," what’s the plan?

1.The Ceremony-Reception Gap – What's the Plan?

Are your guests heading straight to the reception, or is there a bit of downtime in between?

• Is there a time gap between the ceremony and reception?

• Are you taking more photos after the ceremony?

• Are you hosting a cocktail hour?

• If so, how long will cocktail hour be?

2.a. Reception Time

• Are you planning a grand entrance?

• How long do you want the reception to go on?

• When will you serve food?

• Are there people giving speeches or toasts?

• If so, how many?

• Will they be spread out or all at once?

2 b. Special Moments

• Are you cutting the cake?

• Are you doing a bouquet toss?

• Will there be any surprises or performances?

• Are there any other traditions or events to fit into the timeline?

• If so, what are they?

2 c. Dancing

• Are you doing a first dance and/or parent dances?

• If so, which dances are you wanting to?

• When will this start?

• How long do you think it will last?

• Is there dancing or another activity planned?

• If so, when do you want it to start?

• How long do you want it to last?

3. The End

• What time do you want the celebration to end? ______________

• Are you doing a send-off? ☐ Yes ☐ No

• If so, when will it happen? ______________

Need help with the finer details? Whether you’re finalizing seating arrangements or need assistance coordinating your big day, I’m here to make sure everything is in place so you can relax and enjoy the moment. Let’s bring your vision to life!