Wedding Day Timeline: Including a First Look
Hey there! Tanya from Tanya Kristine Photography here. Planning your wedding day timeline can feel like piecing together a giant puzzle. One element that can make your day even more special and streamlined is including a First Look. Not sure how to fit it all in? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Here’s a sample timeline to help make your day run smoothly and stress-free.
Check out my “Importance of First Looks” blog post!!
8:00 AM - Rise and Shine
Wake Up Refreshed: Get a good night’s sleep and start your day with a healthy breakfast.
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to stay refreshed and energized.
9:00 AM - Hair and Makeup Begins
Bridal Party: Hair and makeup for the bridal party should start early (your HMUA will let you know the exact time). The larger the wedding party, the earlier you will start!
Bride: Your hair and makeup can start around 10:00 AM to ensure you’re looking fresh for the First Look.
11:00 AM - Photographer Arrives
Detail Shots: We’ll capture the dress, shoes, jewelry, and other details.
Getting Ready Photos: Candid moments of you and your bridal party getting ready.
12:00 PM - Groom Gets Ready
Groom and Groomsmen: The guys should start getting ready. We’ll capture those moments too.
1:00 PM - First Look
Private Moment: Find a quiet, picturesque spot for your First Look.
Capture the Emotions: This intimate moment is perfect for photos and helps ease the nerves.
1:30 PM - Couples Portraits
Romantic Shots: Take advantage of this time for beautiful, relaxed photos of just the two of you.
2:00 PM - Bridal Party Photos
Group Shots: Get all the important shots with your bridal party while everyone is fresh.
3:00 PM - Immediate Family Photos
Family Time: Capture these important moments with your closest family members.
3:30 PM - Relax and Refresh
Break Time: Take a moment to relax, touch up makeup, and hydrate before the ceremony.
4:00 PM - Ceremony Begins
The Big Moment: Walk down the aisle, exchange vows, and say “I do.”
4:30 PM - Post-Ceremony Photos
Extended Family Photos: Capture these right after the ceremony while everyone is still gathered.
Additional Couple Shots: Get a few more romantic shots with the glow of “just married” excitement.
5:30 PM - Cocktail Hour
Guests Mingle: While your guests enjoy cocktails and appetizers, we’ll capture candid moments and reception details.
6:30 PM - Reception Begins
Grand Entrance: Make your grand entrance as a married couple.
First Dance: Kick off the reception with your first dance.
7:00 PM - Dinner and Toasts
Dinner: Enjoy your meal and take a moment to breathe.
Toasts: Hear heartfelt speeches from your loved ones.
8:00 PM - Dance Party
Open Dance Floor: Get the party started and dance the night away.
Cake Cutting: Don’t forget to capture this sweet moment.
9:30 PM - Golden Hour Photos
Sneak Away: If the timing works, sneak out for some stunning sunset shots.
10:00 PM - Late-Night Fun
More Dancing: Keep the dance floor alive with your favorite tunes.
Farewell Photos: Capture your grand exit, whether it’s with sparklers, confetti, or something unique.
11:00 PM - End of the Night
Wrap Up: Say goodbye to your guests and head off to start your new adventure together.
Final Thoughts
Including a First Look in your wedding day timeline not only gives you a private moment together but also helps ensure you get plenty of beautiful photos without feeling rushed. At Tanya Kristine Photography, my goal is to capture every magical moment of your day, so you can relive it for years to come.
Here’s to a beautiful and seamless wedding day!
Best wishes,
Tanya
