Client Resource
Assembling a Wedding Timeline
The staple, the hero, the absolute must-have of every wedding is the wedding day timeline. Every vendor will live and breath by this thing on the day of your wedding. It lets everyone know when they are expected to arrive, the order in which events will be taking place, and how long their services will be required. The timeline isn't just for the vendors however. It is also crucial for the couple because, when put together correctly, will dedicate a period of time to cover everything that is important to the couple - family portraits, first dance, etc. At least when it comes to photography, if it's not on the timeline, there is a good chance that thing may be obsolete from the footage all together.
Here are pro tips when assembling your timeline:
- Be realistic - Allow yourself the proper amount of time for each dedicated block. Consider if you need to include time for preparation of a task, relocating for a photo, and any breaks that might be desired or required in between each task.
- Err on the side of caution - Build in buffer periods in your timeline incase things start to fall behind schedule for whatever reason.
- Remember to distribute it- The entire vendor team, including the venue, will need a copy of the timeline as well as your immediate family and the entire wedding party. Keep everyone on the same page and the day should run smoothly.
A timeline should be customized to fit your specific day and expectations. A complete timeline will include all services for the day - catering, cake delivery, photography, etc. Below are a few samples to help get you started with the photography portion of your day.
 
Wedding Day Sample
Photography Timeline
6 Hours
1:00 Outfit Details
1:30 Bride gets dressed
2:00 Bridesmaid portraits
2:30 Groom gets dressed
3:00 Groomsmen portraits
3:30 Rest & prep for ceremony
4:00 Ceremony
4:30 Cocktail Hour & Formal portraits
5:30 Reception Entrance
5:35 Formal Dancing
5:40 Dinner
6:25 Speeches
6:40 Dance Floor Opens
7:00 Footage wraps
8 Hours
12:30 Outfit Details
1:00 Bride gets dressed
1:30 Groom gets dressed
2:00 Bride & Groom first look
2:20 Wedding Party portraits
3:30 Rest & prep for ceremony
4:00 Ceremony
4:30 Cocktail Hour & Formal portraits
5:30 Reception Entrance
5:35 Formal Dancing
5:40 Dinner
6:25 Speeches
6:40 Garter & Bouquet Toss
6:50 Dance Floor Opens
8:15 Line up for fake exit
8:30 Footage wraps
10 Hours
11:30 Outfit Details
12:30 Bride gets dressed
1:00 Bridesmaid reveal
1:15 Dad's first look with bride
1:30 Groom gets dressed
2:00 Bride & Groom first look
2:20 Wedding Party portraits
3:30 Rest & prep for ceremony
4:00 Ceremony
4:30 Cocktail Hour & Formal portraits
5:30 Reception Entrance
5:35 Formal Dancing
5:40 Dinner
6:40 Photo with each table
7:00 Sunset portraits
7:15 Speeches
7:30 Garter & Bouquet Toss
7:40 Dance Floor Opens
9:15 Line up for exit
9:30 Footage wraps
 
Inquire today at LaVonda Gale Photography to schedule a no pressure consultation where I will build you a custom wedding day timeline to show you exactly what it will look like to work with me on your wedding day. I'd love to hear from you.
Lots of love,
LaVonda Gale