Hey there, lovebirds!  We’re Jodi and Bryan, your friendly neighborhood wedding photographers based right here in beautiful Troy, Michigan. If you’re gearing up for your big day and feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the planning, don't worry—I've got you covered! One of the most crucial elements of a smooth-running wedding is a well-crafted timeline. A solid wedding timeline ensures that everything flows seamlessly, and you get the most out of your special day. So, let’s dive in and craft the perfect wedding timeline together!

Before diving into the details, start with a list of your wedding day schedule. This doesn’t have to be perfect; think of it as a starting point. Jot down the key events: ceremony, reception, and any special moments like the first dance, first look or cake cutting.  If there are special parts of the day you would like to include such as a first look, or a unique family tradition make sure they are on the list. 

Events such as the ceremony and dinner service will need to be established as anchors and then planned around. You should also consider which events are the most important.  Do you really want a first look before the ceremony?  Use the most important events as an anchor and set aside sufficient time for them.  Your venue plays a big role in shaping your timeline. If you’re getting married at a stunning location here in Troy, like the elegant San Marino Club or the charming Troy Historic Village, make sure to account for travel time between locations and any venue-specific restrictions. This will help you avoid any last-minute surprises. 

Begin your day with the prep time. This usually starts with hair and makeup for the bride and her party, often around 8 or 9 AM. I recommend at least 2 hours for getting ready—this should allow sufficient time for photos of both the Bride and Groom. If you’re planning to do a first look before the ceremony, make sure to allocate around 30 minutes for this as well.  Doing first looks ahead of time can allow for bridal portraits and formal photos to take place prior to the ceremony.  This would allow you  to mingle with guests after the ceremony rather than be whisked away for photos while the cocktail hour occurs.  

When it comes to your ceremony, timing is everything. Plan for everyone to be in place and ready at least 15-30 minutes prior. This buffer time helps ensure that everyone is settled and that you get those breathtaking pre-ceremony moments. Make sure to discuss how long the ceremony will be with the officiant and let your photographer know about any important parts of the ceremony or surprise events.  As your photographers, we’ll be there to capture every magical detail, but planning ahead helps make sure you have all the memories you want. 

After your “I dos,” it’s often time for portraits and mingling. Some couples will greet people as they leave the ceremony, and others prefer to run off to do formal photos and bridal portraits.  Depending on the size of your wedding and the locations, allow 1-2 hours for family photos and bridal party shots. If you’ve planned a cocktail hour, this is a great time to get those shots while guests are enjoying themselves.

With the formalities behind you, it’s time to enjoy dinner and dancing. Typically, couples make a grand entrance announced by a DJ, and dinner is served after that, with the first dance and other special moments like speeches and cake cutting following soon after. Make sure to plan for at least an hour for dinner, and don’t forget to allocate time for dancing and partying!  If your venue has a stunning outdoor area like a golf course or orchard, this is a great opportunity to take 15-30 minutes at sunset to get amazing photos.  

As the night winds down, you might have planned a grand exit like a sparkler send-off or a special farewell. Make sure to plan this in advance so we can capture those final, magical moments.

Make sure to communicate with your vendors. This includes the photographer, caterer, DJ, wedding planner and anyone else that is integral to your plans. Plan to be flexible. Not everything will go according to the plan, but know that ahead of time and be prepared.

We know that this seems like a huge task, but if you start early and allow your plan to evolve as you approach your wedding, it will seem like a simple process. We're here to give input and advice. If you need any questions answered, your friendly Troy Wedding Photographers are here to help. Happy planning, and we can’t wait to be a part of your big day!