Have you ever wondered why some weddings seem to run smooth and on time, while others feel hectic and stressful? I can tell you exactly why…..the timeline. The timeline for the wedding day sets the flow for the entire day. Obviously, your timeline will be a little bit dependent on the wedding photography package you purchased with your photographer. Typically, most wedding day packages are anywhere from eight to ten, even twelve hours long. I would highly recommend chatting with your photographer about what they recommend for you based on your wedding day details and logistics. Every wedding day is different, so it is important to understand that every timeline is different, as well.

I want to share the exact picture perfect wedding day timeline that I created and followed for this beautiful wedding day at The Dalmar Fort Lauderdale. When I tell you that everything ran perfectly smooth, I am not exaggerating. It was so smooth that I kept asking the planner, “Am I missing something?” And, yes, when things go too perfectly on a wedding day, your vendors do get nervous. HAHAHA

Sample 10 Hour Wedding Day Photo Timeline – The Dalmar Fort Lauderdale

12:30 – Photography Coverage Begins / Bridal Details

1:00 Hair and Makeup Completely Finished

1:30 Second shooter shoots groom details and getting ready (In Groom Suite)

1:30 Candids/Makeup Touchups (mom gets fully dressed at this time)

1:45 Bride into dress (mom to assist) / Finishing Touches

2:15 Groom Opens Bride Gift (Privately)

2:15 Bridesmaids First Look

2:20 Father/ Daughter First Look

2:30 Second shooter places groom for first look

2:45 B&G First Look into Portraits

3:30 Bridal Party Photos

4:15 Family Formals

4:45 Bride & Groom into hiding before ceremony / Shoot ceremony details

5:30 Ceremony Begins (30min)

6:00 Cocktail Hour Begins / Bride & Groom Sunset Photos

Sunset: 6:10PM

6:20 B&G Room Reveal and Private Cake Cutting

6:30 Reception Details / Cocktail Hour

7:00 Reception Begins

7:05 Entrances / B&G First Dance / Father/Daughter / Groom/Mother

7:20 Dinner

*Photographers Break and Dinner*

7:45 Toasts

8:15 Party Begins

10:30 Photography Coverage Ends

A couple things to note about this timeline, there is a lot of time for portraits! Typically, I like to allot 45min for first look and bride and groom portraits, 45min for bridal party portraits and about 20-30min for family formals (depending on family size). This allows plenty of time for different locations, poses, candids and photographer creativity to happen. When portraits are too rushed, it leads to very basic portrait poses and less creativity because your photographer is rushing to get the must have photos done.

Another important note about this timeline is the getting ready portion of the day is very organized. I always send a pre-wedding bridal prep email before wedding day, which includes a very detailed list of all of the details that you should have ready and waiting for me. If you need more info on this, see my blog post relating to Two Items to Elevate Bridal Details.

When everything is laid out waiting for me when I arrive, I am able to jump right into details and not waste time searching for items. Also, and very importantly, hair and makeup and touchups can be a huge factor in making the timeline run behind. I always tell my brides to have hair and makeup completely finished (touch ups and all) 30 minutes after I arrive. That way, touch ups are being done when I am photographing details and then as soon as I finish, we can start pajama pics and we don’t need to waste time waiting around for the last bridesmaid to get her hair done. We’ve all been there……

Like I mentioned previously, every wedding day timeline is different and can be adjusted to your needs, but this timeline mentioned above, was the PICTURE PERFECT timeline that led to a stress free day, no crazy running around and lots of great photos. If you need further assistance with your timeline, reach out to me!

XOXO, Savannah