Wedding Time Frames

Once you’ve figured out your layout, you can start to work on timings.

Getting Ready

Whether you are doing your own hair and make-up or getting it 

professionally done, be sure you know how long it will take to do. Do trails and have it locked down. This will give you a good idea of how long you need to get ready. Depending on the number of people getting ready, it can take anywhere between 2-5 hours. 

Ceremony 

The length of the ceremony completely depends on your desires. 

Church/religious ceremonies often last 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, whereas small intimate ceremonies with an officiant/marriage commissioner generally run 15-30min.  

Formal Photos

Depending on which layout you choose, timings will generally change. 

Traditional layouts often allow for 1.5-2 hours of photo time after thanking guests and traveling to and from locations. 

Modern layouts often allow for 2-3 hours of photo time, as travel is generally limited, as well as the number of people (family and friends).

Reception

Setting a rough time frame for events of the reception will help keep the night flowing and will also help you decide how late you want your photographer to stay. 

Example Timings

Traditional

Morning Routine: 8am

Bridal Hair and make-up: 9am-12pm

Lunch: 12pm-1230pm 

Getting into dress- 1230pm

Groom arrives at Ceremony Location: 1pm

Bride arrives at ceremony location: 130pm

Ceremony: 2pm

Receiving line: 330pm

Formal Photos: 4pm

Cocktails: 5pm

Arrive for Diner: 6pm

Toasts: 730pm

Cake cut and first Dance: 8pm

Modern

Morning Routine: 9am

Bridal hair and Make-up:  10am- 1pm

Lunch: 1pm

Getting into dress: 130pm

Groom arrives at first look/ formals location:2pm

Bride arrives at first look/ formals location: 230pm

Cocktails: 430pm

Bride and Groom arrive for Ceremony: 530pm

Diner: 6pm

Toasts: 730pm

Cake cut and First Dance: 8pm