PLANNING YOUR WEDDING DAY TIMELINE | UK
Trying to put together the timings for your wedding day might feel a bit like that gif of Zach Galifianakis with all the numbers flying around his head - that is to say, it can feel completely overwhelming, but please don’t panic! As your wedding photographer, part of my job is to help my couples put together their wedding day timeline for their UK weddings, and make sure they’ve allowed enough breathing room for everything.
HOW TO PUT TOGETHER YOUR WEDDING TIMELINE (UK)
The reason I say a wedding day timeline for UK weddings is because your timeline may differ depending on whereabouts in the world you are. For example, I’ve noticed that UK weddings (where I live) often have an early afternoon ceremony with a meal afterwards, followed by evening guests and then more food at the reception; whereas in contrast, most New Zealand weddings (where I’m from) have a late afternoon ceremony followed by just the one meal. (If you’d like to see more details of a wedding day timeline for New Zealand, head to this blog post!)
However, this doesn’t mean there’s a right or wrong way to do it - all of this to say, in fact, the opposite! Your wedding should be done your way, in line with your priorities and what you’ve got planned, and so these example timelines can just be starting points.
(Often the main thing to take away from them is that some seemingly quick things can take a lot longer than you think, e.g. getting your outfit on around an hour before you leave!)
CLASSIC WEDDING TIMELINE UK:
09:30 | I Arrive for Getting Ready & Detail Photos
11:15 | All Hair & Makeup Finished
11:30 | Dress On & Final Touches
11.45 | First Look with Bridesmaids / Father of the Bride
12:00 | Bride & Bridesmaids Portraits
12:30 | Travel to Ceremony location
13:00 | Ceremony Begins
13:30 | Ceremony Ends
13:40 | Canapes and greetings | Candid shots
14:00 | Full group Photo
14:10 | Family Portraits & Friend Group Photos
14:30 | Wedding Party Portraits
15:00 | Bride & Groom Portraits
15:20 | Guests are Seated for Dinner
15:30 | Grand Entrance to Reception
15:40 | Food & Speeches
18:00 | Evening Guests arrive & Cocktail Hour
19:30 | Golden Hour / Sunset Couple shoot (depending on sunset time)
20:00 | First Dance
21:00 | Evening Food
21:30 | Party the night away!
As your photographer I'm 100% here to help plan your day! Your wedding day timeline depends on so many factors , but these examples are a great starting point. I work with you to customise a plan which means you can relax and enjoy the day!