If you’re anything like me, you can never be too prepared for a big event.

Of course, every wedding and every wedding day is different. What works for one couple might not work for another. And just because it’s “how things should go,” that doesn’t mean it’s how you should plan YOUR day to go!

However, there still needs to be some order to the day. Otherwise nothing will move forward! I once second shot a wedding where the DJ didn’t keep the timeline moving. So the cake didn’t get cut until two hours past when it was supposed to, and the bride and groom never did end up doing the bouquet and garter toss because they just ran out of time. So while you don’t want to be rigid and uptight about the schedule of your wedding day, you still need to have some sort of plan to follow!

Here’s a suggested day of timeline for a wedding during the summer months, all at one venue. This sample timeline format will allow you to get the most out of your wedding day, give you the most efficient use of photo time, and still let you have an easygoing, relaxing day without feeling rushed or like everything was packed together. Of course, specific times and order of events might be different for you!

• 10:15 – 10:45 Alayna and Breanna arrive, photograph bride’s details / groom’s details (if he’s getting ready in the same location)
• 11:00 – 11:15 Alayna photographs candids / final touches of hair and makeup. Breanna photographs groom and groomsmen final prep (if he’s getting ready in the same location)
• 11:30 – 11:45 Alayna and Breanna photograph bride getting into dress/ putting on final touches
• 12:00 – 12:15 Walk to / prep for first look
• 12:15 – 12:30 First look
• 12:30 – 1:00 Bride and groom portraits, bride and groom individuals
• 1:15 – 1:30 Alayna photographs bride with each bridesmaid. Breanna photographs each bridesmaid individually. Alayna and Breanna photograph bride with all bridesmaids
• 1:45 – 2:00 Alayna photographs groom with each groomsmen. Breanna photographs each groomsman individually. Alayna and Breanna photograph groom with all groomsmen
• 2:15 – 2:45 Full bridal party portraits
• 3:00 – 3:30 Bride and groom rest, retouch, prep for ceremony. Alayna and Breanna photograph ceremony space
• 3:30 – 4:00 Wedding ceremony
• 4:15 – 4:45 Immediate family photos with bride and groom together, bride with her family, groom with his family
• 4:45 – 5:00 Bride and groom join cocktail hour / Alayna and Breanna photograph cocktail hour and reception space.
• 5:00 – 5:15 Guests seated and grand entrances
• 6:45 – 7:00 Husband and wife sunset portraits
• 7:50 Sunset
• 6:00 – 8:00 Alayna and Breanna photograph the reception events

Do you have any questions about planning your wedding? Comment below or email hello@alaynaparker.com!

All content and images in this post are copyright of Alayna Parker Photography and can not be used or reproduced without exclusive permission.