creating your timeline
Once you've booked your venue, it's time to think about your timeline for your wedding day! It can be difficult to know exactly how much time to allot for each part of your day, especially if you haven't made a wedding timeline before- and most people haven't! That's where I'm here to help you out.
things to consider when you're
Depending on how many bridesmaids and hair/makeup artists you have, hair and makeup can take a few hours. As a general guideline, hair and makeup will usually take 30-45 minutes per bridesmaid/mother of the bride, and 60-90 minutes for the bride. If in doubt about the time it will take, I always suggest planning for it to take more time rather than less. That way, the day of the wedding, we'll have some flexibility. And if hair and makeup finishes up a little early, that just means less stress and more time to relax on the big day!
to do a first look or not?
now here's that million dollar question...
If you're on the fence about whether or not to do a first look (which many couples are), here are a few benefits of each option!
• You may be able to alleviate some nervousness before the ceremony
• You'll get to spend more time with your guests at cocktail hour instead of having to take photos
• You get to see each other for the first time privately, which may be more emotional and intimate for you two
if you choose to do a first look...
• You'll be able to share the moment you see each other for the first time with your guests and families
• You won't have to get as early of a start to your day because most photos will be happening after your ceremony
• You'll be following the more traditional route, which is very important to some couples
if you choose not to do a first look...
sample timeline
7:00AM - Wake up, eat breakfast
8:00AM - Hair and makeup begins
2:00PM - Groom + groomsmen get dressed
2:15PM - Hair and makeup finishes (this schedule is for 5 bridesmaids + the bride) and bridesmaids put their dresses on
2:30PM - Bride puts on dress
3:00PM - First look
3:15PM - Wedding party photos
3:40PM - Photos with immediate family
4:00PM - Photos wrap up, bride and groom/bridal party hide and refresh as guests begin to arrive
4:30PM - Ceremony begins
5:00PM - Ceremony ends, sign marriage license
5:15PM - Photos with extended family, cocktail hour begins
5:40PM - Bride and groom go to cocktail hour
6:00PM - Optional - Photos of bride and groom at sunset
6:15PM - Cocktail hour concludes, guests welcomed into reception hall
6:30PM - Wedding party, bride and groom make entrances into reception
6:40PM - First dance
6:45PM - Dinner served
7:45PM - Begin toasts
8:05PM - Parent dances
8:15PM - Dance floor opens up to guests
8:45PM - Cake cutting/bouquet and garter toss
9:00PM - Dancing continues
10:45PM - Sparkler exit
11:00PM - Reception ends