Your guide to a stress-free Wedding Day:
A timeline for a Perfectly Relaxed Wedding Day

1. Enjoy a calm start to the day
Allow: As much time as possible :)
A time to enjoy that coffee, spend a few moments in quiet reflection and breathe. This time is important for setting a relaxed tone for the day. Allow at least two hours for this before starting hair and makeup.

*Tip: Plan a light breakfast for you and your bridal party. Fresh fruits, yogurt, and pastries are great lighter options.*


2. Getting Ready: Bridal Preparation
Allow: 3-4 Hours depending on the size of your bridal party and number of artists
Your wedding day starts early, with plenty of time scheduled for hair, makeup, and getting dressed. It's ideal to have your hair and makeup artist arrive at least 4 hours before your ceremony. This gives them plenty of time to work their magic on you and your wedding party.  

Photographer’s Tips:
- Have a designated person to take any phone calls so you can enjoy this time getting ready.
- This is when I capture those beautiful candid shots of everyone getting ready, detail shots of your dress, rings, and shoes and some bridal portraits of you getting the finishing touches done. I will be heading for the lightest room in the house, so it’s always helpful to keep this space clear of luggage and rubbish.  


3. First Look and Bridal Party Portraits 
Allow: 1 Hour
The first look is a lovely moment that many couples choose to include in their timeline. It is private moment between you and your partner (or family members) to see each other before the ceremony. After having some time to admire each other, I will capture some beautiful portraits of the two of you, as well as group shots with your wedding party.

Photographer’s Tip:
- This is a relaxed time where you can get a lot more photos without the pressure of rushing to the reception. There are many pros and cons for having a first look and it is entirely up to you.
- You can read more about a First Look here.   

4. Ceremony
Allow: 30-60 Minutes approx
Ceremonies can vary in length depending on whether you’re having a religious service or a registry office ceremony. It is important to allow enough time for any readings, vows, and other traditions you would like to include.

Photographer’s Tips:
- It’s important to discuss your ceremony layout and any restrictions that might be in place for photography during the service. For example: flash restrictions in a Church Ceremony.
- Always allow for a bit of extra time, especially if your ceremony is outdoors, in case of any last-minute changes due to weather or other unforeseen reasons. Allow a bit of time to be in “hiding” prior to walking down the aisle to the love of your life. This allows you a chance to catch your breath.

5. Family Formals
Allow: 30-45 Minutes
After the ceremony, I like to go straight into family and group photos. To ensure this part of the day runs smoothly, it is important to have already created family groupings and held discussions with your photographer. This session can be completed relatively quickly if your photographer has a list of your “must have” groups

Photographer’s Tips:
- I like to start with the largest group first, then any guests with small children or mobility issues so they can move on to the reception. We will then work through your lists until we get down to the bridal party. Note: While I try to stick to ten groupings for this session, the groupings list is just a guideline and if time allows, I will always offer additional groupings (and 9 times out of 10 these are requested). Otherwise we can always get extra family photos at the reception.
- Assign a member of your bridal party or a close friend to help gather people for the photos. This will keep things moving smoothly.

6. Wedding Party and Just Married Photos
Allow: 1 hour
If you are having a First Look, this time will be a lot shorter, as you would have already had your photos taken prior to the ceremony. This is where we have some fun with you and your wedding party and then some romantic “Just Married” photographs.  

Photographer's Tips:
- Discuss with your photographer, or share a mood board of any must have shots prior to the day so that they can include these during this time. While we like to get the creative flow going (and sometimes must have shots can stop this) your photographer will do their best to incorporated them here.

7. Cocktail Hour
Allow: 1 Hour
While we are taking Bridal Party and Just Married Photos, your guests will likely be enjoying cocktail hour.  

Photographer’s Tips:
- This is a great time for candid photographs to be taken of guests enjoying themselves, so make sure you plan your timeline so that you have some time to relax join your guests before the reception begins.
- I will also be photographing detail shots of the reception setup before everyone enters.

8. Reception Entrance and Dinner
Allow: 2-3 Hours
Time to party!! The reception kicks off with your entrance as newlyweds, followed by dinner and formalities. Plan your reception timeline to include any speeches and cake cutting around your meals ensuring you and your guests can enjoy their meal without too many interruptions.

Photographer’s Tips:
- This is where I will be capturing the energy and excitement of your entrance, and those emotional moments during speeches.
- Coordinate timing and song choices with your DJ or band to match your planned activities.

9. First Dance, Cake Cutting, and Special Moments
Allow: 1-1.5 Hours
Your first dance, bouquet tossing, and any other traditional moments should be planned to flow naturally after dinner. By spacing these out, you can keep the energy up and give your guests something to look forward to throughout the evening.
  
Photographer’s Tips:
- Remember this is your day so do it your way. If you don’t eat to throw a bouquet, or wear a garter then you don’t have to! And just keep turning during that dance to allow me to capture loads of your first dance as a married couple.
- Consider scheduling a real banger after your first dance if you want to get everybody on the dance floor. 

10. Party Time: Open Dance Floor
Allow: 2-3 Hours
Now it's time to let loose and enjoy the party! The open dance floor is when your guests can truly celebrate with you. Make sure you’ve allocated enough time for everyone to dance, mingle, and enjoy themselves.

Photographer’s Tips:
- Yes I will be on or near the dance floor capturing those moves! This is a great time for candid photos, and I will be there for it until things either start getting messy or people get sick of me (I’m great at reading the room :)

11. Exit
Allow: 15-30 Minutes
End the night with a memorable send-off. Whether it’s sparklers, confetti, or a classic car departure, make sure this final moment is as special as the rest of your day.

Photographer’s Tips:
- During our pre wedding meetings, we would have discussed any exit plans so I will be there ready for your send off.
- You can also have a fake exit a bit earlier in the night, which is staged with your bridal party so that you have your bridal party all around you as you exit.

Click here for your perfect Wedding Day timeline PDF! 

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