LDS Wedding Sample Timeline
Organizing the timeline can be the most intimidating part of wedding planning. No stress...I’ve done it for you!! I know this isn’t the most fun part of the wedding planning, but it can make or break your photography!
I have outlined an ideal wedding day working. This also includes the First Look. 90% of my couples choose to do a First Look.
Please remember that that the sun sets at different time throughout the year. I highly recommend scheduling your day so we can take portraits outside an hour before the sun sets. Remember that all wedding days are different, and your timeline may differ due to travel times and unique situations.
APPROXIMATE TIMES:
Details & Prep : 1.5 HOURS
First look & Portraits : 30-40 MINS
Luncheon/Dinner: 90 MINS
Temple: 90-120 MINS
Sealing: 60 MINS INSIDE TEMPLE
Temple exit: 10 MINS
Family formals: 30-40 MINS
Bridal party : 15 MINS
Couple formals: 30 MINS
Reception: most receptions are 2.5 HRS
A TRADITIONAL RECEPTION INCLUDES:
Grand Enterance (DJ announces couple and bridal party, “Give a round of applause for the new Mr and Mrs....” Bride and Groom walk right into the dance floor for their first dance.) 5 MINS
Receiveing Line: 60 MINS
Cake Cutting: 5 MINS
Bouquet Toss/Garter: 5 MINS
Mingling: 30 MINS
Daddy/Daughter + Mother/Son Dances: 10 MINS
Dancing: 30 MINS
Sparkler Exit: 15 MINS
1.
10:00 AM - TEMPLE
Temple Exit
Family Photos
Bridal Party Photos
Bride + Groom Photos
6:00 PM - DINNER
Typically during dinner speeches are given by the parents, best
man and maid of honor to celebrate the couple. Speeches are
also a way to entertain your guests as they eat. In my experience
this is one of the most powerful moments of the wedding day...
everyone coming together to talk about the reason for
celebrating. *I can also grab photos of your rings and details
during the dinner.
7:00-9:30 PM - RECEPTION
2.
12:00 PM - LUNCHEON
Typically during luncheon speeches are given by the parents,
best man and maid of honor to celebrate the couple. Speeches
are also a way to entertain your guests as they eat. In my experience
this is one of the most powerful moments of the wedding
day...everyone coming together to talk about the reason for
celebrating. *I can also grab photos of your rings and details
during the luncheon.
3:00 PM - TEMPLE
Temple Exit
Family Photos
Bridal Party Photos
Bride + Groom Photos
7:00-9:30 PM - RECEPTION
3.
10:00 AM - TEMPLE
Temple Exit
Fast Family Photos
Bride + Groom Photos
4:00 PM - RING CEREMONY
Most ceremonies are 30 minutes long. I wrote a blog post detailing
the order, and script of traditional ceremonies. Let me know
if you want that blog post.
Family Photos
Bridal Party Photos
Bride + Groom Photos
5:00 PM - COCKTAIL HOUR
(or half hour)
Set out snacks for your guests so that they have something to do
during the time when you are taking couple photos. OR, don’t
schedule cocktail hour and go straight into dinner...the couple
will likely be late to dinner while they finish their photos.
6:00 PM - DINNER
7:00-9:30 PM - RECEPTION
ADDING TO THE TIMELINE:
First Look: If you haven’t done a first look in a separate photo shoot, you may choose to add that in before you go into the
temple to be sealed. 90% of my couples choose to do a first look, and you can read more about that option a few pages over!
Getting Ready Photos: I’m happy to document your getting ready photos. I would also document your details during this
time, instead of during the dinner or luncheon.
Want to see what a Traditional Wedding Timeline looks like?
