Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Every wedding day is as unique as the couple who celebrates it, but timelines are surprisingly predictable. Over my years of experience as a wedding photographer, I've developed countless timelines that helped ensure stress-free days where events unfold naturally - so that my couples can relax and enjoy their wedding.
Whether you're planning to go the an elaborate city affair, or a casual beach elopement, the same guidelines will work for you wedding day. Below, you'll find a guide for both traditional wedding days as well as wedding days that opt for a first look. Ready to get started?
Let's start planning!
Wedding Day Timeline
building the perfect
Whether you choose to do a first look or the traditional "no see before the ceremony" I will work with you on making sure you have the best timeline and plan for images.
If you're choosing to go traditional, you'll need two different sets of photo times: images taken before the ceremony and images taken after the ceremony.
You'll need to plan for about one hour of pre-ceremony bridal photos (bridesmaids and bride's family) and about one hour of pre-ceremony groom photos (groomsmen and groom's family). You'll also need 15 minutes of combined bridal party portraits, 15 minutes of combined family portraits and at least 30 -45 minutes of couple's portraits after the ceremony if you're not doing any portraits together until after the ceremony.
Whether you're planning a first look or sticking with tradition and not seeing your groom until you walk down the aisle, I have tips to help make planning your timeline as easy as possible!
If you're doing a first look, photos can be done all at one time, taking an average total of 2 hours pre-ceremony (although I also LOVE grabbing just the two of you for a few additional bride and groom photos at sunset!)
If you choose a traditional aisle reveal, all I ask is that you keep your ceremony time in mind when planning your wedding.
If you're planning a sunset ceremony, an evening ceremony, or getting married during good ol' daylight savings time in the winter months, it's best to do all photos before the wedding, as daylight is crucial to getting amazing portraits for your families, bridal party and your couples portraits. Making sure I have enough time while the sun is up is a great way to make the traditional ceremony work.
1 p.m.
Rachael arrives at Bride’s getting ready location and her assistant arrives at Groom’s getting ready location.
1 pm - Getting Ready & details
Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.
2:00 p.m.
Groom + groomsmen depart for portrait and/or ceremony site.
2:00 pm - Guys Depart
2:30 p.m.
Bride and bridesmaids depart for portrait and/or ceremony location.
2:30pm - Ladies Depart
2:45 p.m.
The first look takes place.
2:45 First Look
Note: The First Look can take place at the getting ready location, ceremony, or reception location. It’s up to you! Although we’re happy to make recommendations.
3:00 p.m.
Bride & Groom + bridal party portraits.
3:00pm - Portraits
Note: I plan for around 60-90 minutes for portraits, and want to have the bride tucked away at least 30 minutes prior to the ceremony start time.
5:00 p.m.
The ceremony takes place.
5:00PM Ceremony
5:30 p.m.
Family portraits.
5:30pm Family Portraits
Note: I do family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. If you can give your family notice that we’ll be taking pictures immediately after the ceremony, that will also ensure that no one wanders off. I’ll help you create a list of family portraits before the big day.
6:00 P.M.
Additional Bridal Party and Bride & Groom Portraits
6:00pm Portraits
Note: Depending on what was taken before the ceremony, I might grab 1 or 2 more full bridal party shots.
5:30 - 6:30 p.M.
Cocktail Hour
5:30 - 6:30 pm Cocktail Hour
Note: The great thing about doing a First Look is that it gives you more time at cocktail hour. My assistant will grab some pictures of your guests while you enjoy the hour, meanwhile, I'll have the chance to photograph all your reception details.
6:45 P.M.
Introductions & First Dance
6:45 pm Introductions
Note: Some couples opt to start their reception with a first dance, others opt to start with cutting the cake. You may want to discuss this with your planner, venue, or DJ - I'm happy to help as well!
7:00 P.M.
Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
7:00pm Dinner
Note: I highly recommend asking your caterer to serve vendors dinner at the same time as the wedding party. This ensures we are all ready to go when you are - and saves us from wasting valuable time.
7:45 P.M.
Sunset Portraits
7:30 pm Sunset Portraits
Note: When possible, I love to grab the couple for a few portraits 30-45 min before sunset. This is usually the best light of the day! Keep in mind the sunset time will vary depending on the date of your wedding.
8:00 P.M.
Dancing begins
8:00 pm Dancing
9:00 P.M.
Photographers Depart
9:00pm Photographers Depart
1 p.m.
Rachael arrives at Bride’s getting ready location and her assistant arrives at Groom’s getting ready location.
1pm - Getting Ready
Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.
2:00 p.m.
Groom + groomsmen depart for ceremony site & take pre-ceremony group photos.
2:00pm - Guys Depart
2:15 p.m.
Bride and bridesmaids depart for ceremony location and take pre-ceremony group photos.
2:15pm - Ladies Depart
3:00 p.m.
The ceremony takes place.
3:00PM Ceremony
3:30 p.m.
Family portraits.
3:30pm Family Portraits
Note: I do family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. If you can give your family notice that I’ll be taking pictures immediately after the ceremony, that will also ensure that no one wanders off. I’ll help you create a list of family portraits before the big day.
4:00 P.M.
Bridal Party and Bride & Groom Portraits
4:00pm Portraits
Note: Depending on what was taken before the ceremony, this normally takes about an hour total.
5:30 P.M.
Introductions & First Dance
5:30pm Introductions
Note: Some couples opt to start their reception with a first dance, others opt to start with cutting the cake. You may want to discuss this with your planner, venue, or DJ - I'm happy to help as well!
6:00 P.M.
Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
6:00pm Dinner
Note: I highly recommend asking your caterer to serve vendors dinner at the same time as the wedding party. This ensures we are all ready to go when you are - and saves us from wasting valuable time.
7:30 P.M.
Sunset Portraits
7:30pm Sunset Portraits
I’ll make sure to grab you two about 45 minutes before the sunsets. This is usually the best light of the day! Keep in mind sunset time will change depending on your wedding date.
8:00 P.M.
Dancing begins
8:00pm Dancing
8:30 P.M.
Cake cutting followed by bouquet toss.
8:30pm Traditions
9:00 P.M.
Photographer’s Depart
9:00pm Photographers Depart
Sample Wedding Day Timelines
8 HOURS + FIRST LOOK TEMPLATE:
1:00 P.M. Photographer arrives at Bride’s getting ready location; photo assistant arrives at Groom’s getting ready location.
2:00 P.M. Groom + groomsmen depart for portrait and/or ceremony site.
2:30 P.M. Bride and bridesmaids depart for portrait and/or ceremony location.
2:45 P.M. The first look takes place.
3:00 P.M. Bride & Groom + bridal party portraits.
5:00 P.M.T he ceremony takes place.
5:30 P.M. Family portraits.
6:00 P.M. Additional Bridal Party and Bride & Groom Portraits
5:30 - 6:30 P.M. Cocktail Hour
6:45 P.M. Introductions & First Dance
7:00 P.M. Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
7:45 P.M. Sunset Portraits
8:00 P.M. Dancing begins
9:00 P.M. Photographers Depart.
8 HOURS TRADITIONAL TEMPLATE:
1:00 P.M. Photographer arrives at Bride’s getting ready location; photo assistant arrives at Groom’s getting ready location.
2:00 P.M. Groom + groomsmen depart for portrait and/or ceremony site and take pre-ceremony group photos.
2:15 P.M. Bride and bridesmaids depart for portrait and/or ceremony location and take pre-ceremony group photos.
3:00 P.M. The ceremony takes place.
3:30 P.M. Family Portraits
4:00 P.M. Bride & Groom + bridal party portraits.
5:30 P.M. Introductions & First Dance
6:00 P.M. Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
7:30 P.M. Sunset Portraits
8:00 P.M. Dancing begins
9:00 P.M. Photographers Depart.
NOTE: Keep in mind that the time of year will effect the time of sunset, so you may need to adjust accordingly.
If you have any questions or would just like to chat, I'm here for you. I hope this timeline guide helps make the process of planning your wedding details much easier and less stressful. If you haven't yet booked a wedding photographer, I would love to chat with you about your wedding. Feel free to email reach out hello@rachaelosborn.com and I'll be happy to chat more with you
about your wedding, and see if we might be a good fit!