Wedding season is approaching again–which is hard to believe since it’s currently 20 degrees out with a bitterly cold wind–and I am working with many spring brides to put together and finalize their wedding day timelines. While there are many factors that go into each couple’s timeline, I want to start by showing a sample timeline, which is really my ideal breakdown of a wedding day.

Since 95% of my couples share a First Look on their wedding day, I’ve based my ideal timeline off of being able to do all portraits prior to the ceremony. And while I’ve listed out all the “steps” above in the graphic for the ideal wedding day, I thought I should point out these time totals so you know how much time to expect even if your day won’t look exactly like the timeline shown. (For example, if you are not sharing a First Look and planning on doing all portraits after the ceremony, you’ll want to plan a longer cocktail hour (and a half) for your guests.)

• Details & Prep: 1.5 hours
• First Look & Portraits : 30-45 minutes
• Bridal Party: 30-40 minutes (smaller bridal parties require less time; larger ones more)
• Family Formals: 30 minutes
• Extra Portrait Time: As much as you’ll give me! 🙂