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Wedding Timeline of Events

Timeline of Events

Wedding coverage usually starts about 2.5 hours before the ceremony as the bride and groom are getting ready and goes until 30 minutes after the last big event at the reception. For most weddings, this is a full 8-hour day. Listed below is a breakdown of the moments I look for.

Getting Ready

  • Bride’s accessories (dress, shoes, jewelry, veil, garter, perfume, purse, vows, etc.)
  • Bride getting ready (final touches of hair and makeup)
  • Bridal portrait, alone
  • Bride w/ Bridesmaids
  • Groom getting ready
  • Groom’s accessories (suit, shoes, tie, socks, cufflinks, cologne, watch, vows, etc.)
  • Groom portrait, alone
  • Groom w/ Groomsmen
  • The Rings (engagement ring, both wedding bands)
  • Bridal Bouquet + Bridesmaid Bouquets (suggested delivery to bridal suite)
  • Boutonnieres (designate someone to pin these on the guys)
  • Wedding invitation suite (stamped and addressed to the bride and groom)

First Look

Some couples choose to exchange gifts, say a prayer, or just enjoy a quiet moment together before the day unfolds. A first look will also allow time for more romantic portraits before the ceremony, freeing up more time later in the day to mingle with guests.

  • First Look with B&G
  • Romantics of B&G
  • B&G with Bridal Party (optional)

Ceremony

  • Ceremony décor and details (at least 20 minutes before the ceremony starts)
  • Processional - Bride walking down the aisle and Groom's reaction
  • Bride and Groom together (vows, ring exchange, guest candids)
  • Recessional (the kiss and coming back down the aisle)

The Formal Shot List

  • Immediate Family 1-3 minutes per small group, 2-4 minutes for each group up to 8 people, and 5+ minutes for larger groups of 8+ people. (I suggest doing formal portraits immediately following the ceremony, before the guests move to cocktail hour)
  • B&G with wedding officiant (optional, as this will be captured during the ceremony)
  • B&G with parents of the bride
  • B&G with parents of the bride and siblings
  • B&G with parents of the groom
  • B&G with parents of the groom and siblings
  • B&G with both sets of parents together
  • B&G with both sets of parents together and siblings
  • B&G with immediate family members
  • B&G with children attendants

Reception

  • Cocktail hour (décor, food, drinks, candids)
  • Reception space (escort cards, table settings, centerpieces, before guests enter)
  • Bride & Groom's Grand Entrance
  • First Dance(s) (Mother/ Son, Father/ Daughter, Bride/ Groom)
  • Toast(s)
  • Food / Drinks
  • Bouquet / Garter Toss
  • Cake / Cake Cutting
  • Entertainment
  • Couple’s departure