Creating the perfect wedding timeline for yourself and your vendors is key to a stress-free wedding!

Wedding planning is some of the best parts of your engagement! You are surrounded by glistening details, blooming florals, and elegant bridal gowns. And beneath all of these gorgeous styles and details, are a few more looming To-Do’s on your list, that need to be completed (but are necessary!) Take for example, the scary Wedding Timeline!

Ok ok, it’s not actually that scary. BUT your wedding timeline is one of the most important wedding details that has the potential to make your day awesome or perhaps…not so great.

But how can you possibly know what time you should start your ceremony?

Are you supposed to have your family portraits before or after your ceremony?

Brides everywhere are asking these important questions, but I am here to help!

Check out this sample timeline below to view my suggested timeline for all the events of your wedding day, and how long each event approximately lasts.

9:00 am – Hair & makeup begins for mothers + bridesmaids.
Bride is always last to get hair/makeup completed. Photographer arrives 1 hour before bride puts on her dress, to spend approx 45 minutes with detail images, and finishing with the last minute makeup touches. Specific photos during this time include details, jewelry, dress hanging, invitations, ect. The second photographer will simultaneously, be taking photos of the groom and his groomsmen with their tuxes, boutonnieres, and toasts!

1:30 p.m. First Look occurs 1.5 hours before start of ceremony.
This includes private portraits between Bride & Groom. This will be held as a private session for just us, so that you guys can experience the love, joy, and excitement that builds as you approach your ceremony!
Meanwhile, the Wedding Party and Family assembles and lines up for ceremony.
3:00 pm Ceremony starts (usual length is 30 min)
Photos include: Wedding Party walking down aisle, guests reactions, bride and groom shared looks and moments, ring exchanges, vows, hand holding
3:30 pm Family portraits start after ceremony ends ( photos last approx 20-30 min.)
Wedding Party photos + Bride/ Groom portraits at varying locations via party bus or shuttle (approx. 1-1.5 hours). We always coordinate your specific shot list and any ideas you specifically want for your formal portraits ahead of the wedding. 5 weeks before your big day, we will send you a Shot List for you to check off all of the pictures you desire!
5:45 pm Wedding Party arrives at reception and lines up for DJ announcement.
Photographer enters reception room and photographs centerpieces, florals, table decor, hall lighting, ect.
6 pm Reception Events

• 6 pm Cake Cutting
• 6:10 pm Toasts
• 7:30 First Dance Mother/Son & Dad/Daughter
• 8 pm Bouquet Toss
• 8: 10 pm Garter Toss
• 8:15 Wedding Guest dancing starts (suggested time for photos is 45 min.)

HELPFUL WEDDING RESOURCES FOR YOU:

• 5 MUST HAVE Steps to Looking Great in Your Wedding Dress
• The Secrets Your Wedding Photographer Never Told You!
• The Pros & Cons of a First Look (And Why Most Brides Recommend It!)
• How To Create a Plan B For Rain or Bad Weather on Your Wedding Day

Don’t yet have a wedding photographer for your wedding? No problem! Contact me today for a FREE quote on wedding photography packages and prices! We offer varying prices and packages, as well as custom designed photography packages to fit your budget!

See what other brides just like you are saying!

“There is a reason why Lux Light Photography is ranked as one of the best in Northern Michigan! What an incredibly personal, fun, laid back and professional experience they provide! The photographers were easy to work with and Melissa makes the whole process very easy. If you are wavering back and forth between another norther Michigan photographer, take a look at Lux Light’s portfolio and your decision will be made for you! They know exactly how to capture the natural beauty of what northern Michigan has to offer and the photos truly speak for themselves! Absolutely stunning!”

Traverse City Wedding photography by Lux Light Photography, captures beautiful and intimate portraits for your wedding, engagement, family, newborn, and boudoir photography session in all of northern Michigan, including Traverse City, Petoskey, Inn at Bay Harbor, Crystal Mountain, Homestead Resort, Bowers Harbor, Mission Table, Glen Arbor, and Charlevoix!

Contact us today for your FREE Quote!
Lux Light Photography
13300 S W Bay Shore Drive
Traverse City Michigan 49684
melissa@luxlightphotography
231-633-9410