Having a wedding schedule for everyone to follow is so important, this helps everything go as smooth as possible and helps to make sure you have time for all the photos you desire.
It is easiest to first decide on your ceremony start time and work around that. Below are examples. You will want to be done with any photos and at Ceremony location 15 minutes prior to Ceremony Start time.
What time will the Ceremony begin?

ex: 4:00 pm

What time will the Ceremony end?

ex: 4:30 pm

Will you have a Receiving Line after the ceremony? *Add 20-30 minutes

ex: 4:30-5pm

Signing License after ceremony? *Add 5 minutes.

ex: 5-5:05pm
add 10 minutes to gather for family photos

Will Family Photos be before or after ceremony? *Add 15-30 minutes depending on how
large of families/groupings. ex: 5:15-5:45pm
Note: Typically it takes 2-3 minutes per grouping (unless they are really large groups like over 15-20) I recommend trying to keep it under 10 groupings if possible. We can do larger/extended family at reception if desired and time allows.

Will Bridal Party and Bride/Groom portraits be before or after ceremony? *Add 25 minutes for Bridal Party and 20 minutes for Bride/Groom.
ex: 5:45-6:30pm

Will you be taking a bus/limo/trolly to a separate location for photos? *Add travel time. Are you doing a Cocktail Hour after the ceremony?

Will the ceremony and location take place at different locations? *Add travel time. What time will the Grand Entrance be at the Reception?
 ex: 6:30
Cake cutting before (after grand entrance/after speeches) or after dinner? Time? *Add 5 minutes. ex: (after grand entrance) 
6:35-6:40pm
Speeches before/during salads/after dinner? *Add 20 minutes. ex: (before dinner) 
pro tip: i recommend MAKING a time limit ( like 5 minutes ) in advance to those giving speeches, people often get nervous and start to ramble on.
EX: 6:40-7pm
Time of Dinner? 
ex: 7-7:30pm

First Dance before or after dinner? Time? ex: (after dinner) 
EX: 7:35-7:40pm

Open Dance Floor time? 
ex: 7:40pm
Pro-tip: when scheduling your music with your DJ, think about what
songs you want played first while your videographer/photographer is there, this can reflect the energy of dancing in your video! ex: fast/ upbeat or slow/couples songs

Bride/Groom Sunset session? (Depends on time of year) *Add 15 minutes.
 ex: 8:00pm 
Other activities? (bouquet/garter, dollar dance, shoe game)

End time of Reception? 
ex: 11pm
Will you be having a “Send Off” (sparklers, glow sticks, lanterns)? 
If yes, we can PLAN TO do this earlier than the reception end time WHILE I'M STILL THERE. THIS GIVES EVERYONE A BREAK FROM DANCING AND SOME FRESH AIR, AND THOSE WHO ARE READY TO LEAVE CAN DO SO. YOU CAN ALSO DO THIS WITH JUST YOUR CLOSE FAMILY AND/OR BRIDAL PARTY!
ex: 9pm

Now go back and start from the beginning of your Wedding Day.

Will you be getting ready in the same location as ceremony or separate? *Add travel time.
Bride Getting Ready (finishing hair and makeup, dress, details, putting dress/veil on) *Add 30-60 minutes. It helps me out A LOT if the dress and details are already together and easy to get to. Details may include: shoes, veil, garter, all jewelry (including wedding rings), perfume, lipstick, invites.
Groom Getting Ready (Details may include: shoes, tie, belt, socks, wedding ring, watch, boutonniere, cologne) *Add 15 minutes.
Will the Bride and Groom be doing a “First Look” or “First Touch”? *Add 10-15 minutes.
IF YOU NEED HELP DECIDING ON A "FIRST LOOK" CHECK OUT MY FIRST LOOK GUIDE HERE.
 Any other “First Looks” (ex: Father of the Bride or Bridesmaids)? *Add 5-10 minutes each.
Will Family Photos be before or after ceremony? *Add 15-30 minutes depending on how large of families/groupings.
NOTE: Typically it takes 2-3 minutes per grouping (unless they are really large groups like over 15-20) I recommend trying to keep it under 10 groupings if possible. We can do larger/extended family at reception if desired and time allows.
Will Bridal Party and Bride/Groom portraits be before or after ceremony? *Add 25 minutes for Bridal Party and 20 minutes for Bride/Groom.
* time estimates may vary
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