You may have asked yourself, "How did other couples plan their weddings in regards to the timeline?"
Depending on if you are looking for photo and/or video these timelines may give you some insight.
Here are some samples from real weddings outlining 5, 8, and 12 hour days.
5 Hour Wedding Timeline
(Video Coverage | 1 Location)
4:30pm First Look
5:30pm Guests arrive
5:45pm Mariachi Mi Mexico arrives
6:00pm Ceremony begins
6:30pm Bride and groom photos, and appetizers and cocktail hour
7:30pm Bridal party entrances and Lion Dance performance
7:45pm Thank You Speech
7:47pm Dinner begins immediately after
8:05pm Table visits
8:35pm Speeches (4)
9:00 pm Cake cutting
9:05pm First Dance
9:10pm Mother-Daughter dance
9:15pm Mother-Son dance
9:30pm Coverage Wraps
8 Hour Wedding Timeline
(Photo + Video Coverage | 1 Location)
1:00pm Getting Ready Photos / Video Candids
3:00pm First Look / Couple Portraits / Video Candids
3:30pm Family Photos / Video Candids
4:00pm Video Preps for ceremony coverage and captures guests shots
4:40pm Mic the Groom and Officiant
5:00pm Ceremony
5:20pm Cocktail Hour, Guests, Decor, and Detail shots
5:25 - 5:45pm Tim does extended family photos
6:15pm Dinner seating begins
6:25pm Ariane and Michael make entrance from Juliet Balcony
6:30pm Welcome Toast by Jim and Elisabeth
6:50pm Vendor meals served
7:45pm Toasts
8:03pm B+G First Dance, Parent Dances, Open Dancing
8:20pm Sunset Photos
9:00pm Video and Photo Wrap
12 Hour Wedding Timeline (Photo + Video Coverage | 4 Locations)
9:00am Arrival at SF Fairmont (Location 1)
9:00am Detail Shots & Getting Ready Photos
9:45am Getting in Dress
10:00am First Look & Lobby Photos
10:30am Transit to City Hall ~10 minute drive with small time cushion
10:50am Arrival SF City Hall (Location 2)
11:00am Wedding Ceremony 4th Floor
11:30am Photos in City Hall
12:00pm Photos outside
12:30pm Depart for Palace of Fine Arts ~15-20 minute drive time
1:00pm Arrival at Palace of Fine Arts (Location 3)
1:00pm Photos
2:00pm Depart Palace of Fine Arts
SF to Pleasanton Transit is 1.5 - 2.5 hours depending on traffic
4:00pm Arrive at Ruby Hill (Location 4)
Bride and Groom freshen up
5:00pm Cocktail Hour + Photos (Couple Joins Cocktail Hour)
6:00pm Reception Grand Entrance
6:05pm Welcome Speech
6:10pm First Dance
6:15pm Dinner
6:35pm Couple slips out for portraits
6:37pm Golden Hour Photos
7:00pm Sunset
7:10pm Continue Reception Activities
Speeches
Couples Thank You Speech
Parent Dances
Bouquet
Garter
Cake
Open Dancing
9:00pm Photo / Video Coverage Ends
Even though you may have a planner or coordinator helping you with the timeline, we always like to be involved to ensure a smooth flow throughout the day.
We hope you find these samples helpful!