Sample wedding timelines
Sample Wedding Timelines
These two timeline samples are provide a great foundation for you to build your custom timeline. No two wedding days are the same, so build what works for you!
The first sample is for a wedding day featuring a first look. (Why I love first looks). With a first look, you’ll see one another during a calm, romantic moment without your whole guest list watching. You’ll get to talk with one another, which can help with nerves. You’ll also be able to do group photos before the ceremony, freeing up time afterward.
The second sample below is for those of you who prefer not to see one another until the ceremony. If you prefer the traditional walking-down-the-aisle moment, this sample is for you. You’re more likely to have extra getting ready time with your closest circle which is awesome. Just be sure to factor in the sunset time so you don’t end up having to take cocktail hour group photos in the dark (unless you want to).
Timeline samples below, and tons of other wedding planning info at our wedding guide:
Wedding timeline with a first look:
2:00pm Coverage of getting ready and important details
3:00pm First look and couple portraits
3:30pm Group photos with wedding party
4:00pm Group photos with family
4:30pm Couple and wedding party hidden as guests arrive
5:00pm Ceremony
5:30pm Cocktail hour
6:30pm Reception entrance + any pre-dinner events
*** Golden hour/blue hour portraits — the exact time will depend on the sunset time on your wedding date ***
7:00pm Dinner + other events + party
*** after-dark portraits ***
10:00pm exit
Wedding timeline without a first look:
2:00pm Coverage of getting ready and important details
4:00pm Finishing touches + hidden as guests arrive
4:30pm Ceremony
5:00pm Cocktail hour
During cocktail hour, we’ll photograph (1) family groups, (2) wedding party, and (3) couple portraits. Depending on how big your families and/or wedding parties are, you may need more than an hour for cocktail “hour”
6:30pm Reception entrance + any pre-dinner events
*** Golden hour/blue hour portraits — the exact time will depend on the sunset time on your wedding date ***
7:00pm Dinner + other events + party
*** after-dark portraits ***
10:00pm exit
Both of these samples are based on 8 hours of photo coverage, but can easily be scaled down or up. The other things to note are the golden hour, blue hour, and after-dark sections. Depending on sunset time, you may want to allocate 10 minutes of cocktail hour or early in the reception to get gorgeous golden hour portraits of you two. And we LOVE nighttime photos, so if you’re down to sneak away from the dance floor later in the night, we can make some magic!
We believe that love is bright and colorful. And love is FUN.
Your wedding photographs should be fun, bright, and colorful too. Kivus & Camera are Raleigh wedding photographers who create unforgettable, breath-taking photographs. Your photos will stand out from the crowd. Your wedding story will be cemented by beautiful, artistic portraits AND enthusiastic, genuine moments. Want to know more? Click below. Can’t wait to hear from you!
