Let’s not kid ourselves: it’s not easy planning out the logistics of the biggest day of your lives. There are a lot of moving parts that have to be taken into consideration. Typically your coordinator will be the one handling this part of things. But for those of you who want to know how Wild Heart likes to set up their wedding days, here are a few general rules:

Time breakdown

Detail shots: 30 minutes

Candids: 30 minutes

First look: 30 minutes

Couple’s photos: 30 minutes

Wedding party: 30 minutes – 1 hour (This includes bride with her bridesmaids as a group and individually, groom with his groomsmen as a group and individually, and then the full party together)

Ceremony: 30 minutes – 1 hour

Family photos: 30 minutes

Sunset photos: 20 minutes prior to sunset, while the guests are eating or dancing

Sample timeline

Because it’s easier to show, not tell. This is a sample timeline of an 8 hour wedding day. Each wedding is nuanced and so this is not a one size fits all plan! But this may be helpful for those of you who want to just see what a full day could look like, so you have a jumping off point.

9:00       Bridesmaids’ Hair & Makeup Begins

2:00    Photography begins, starting with details then candids.

2:30    Hair and makeup is wrapped, we capture final touch-ups

3:00    Bride puts on dress

3:30       First Look + Portraits

4:00       Wedding Party Photos

5:00    (Everyone hides while guests arrive)

5:30       Ceremony

6:00    Cocktail hour for guests, family photos

7:00       Entrance into reception, first dances

7:15    Dinner Begins

8:00       Toasts

8:20    Dance floor opens, we sneak out for quick sunset photos

10:00  Exit

I hope this helps to give you a general idea of how we like to do things. I do complimentary consultations with all of my couples to help with timeline planning, so if you need any help please schedule a phone call with me and we’ll talk through the specifics of your day!