Hello guys,
Today we’re talking about planning a winter wedding timeline! As we’re coming up on daylight savings time, this becomes even more important when planning your winter wedding. Most people have a general idea that lighting plays a huge role in wedding photography. However most people aren’t sure of how much time it takes to get all of the photos you’ll want and cherish, while working with shorter days and less light!
That’s why I wanted to lay out 2 great timeline options for those of you who are planning your winter wedding! I’ve attended more weddings than the average person and have professional insight on how long things like family formals will take. The difference between winter weddings and weddings in other seasons is definitely the shorter days and less light. So that’s why it’s so important to keep that in mind!
I’ve broken down 2 different timelines for you below. One is with a first look and one is without a first look. We’re going to pretend these weddings are taking place in December, when sunset is around 4:30 pm. The main difference is that with a first look, we are able to get the majority of your formal photos done before the ceremony. You’re also able to have your ceremony later in the day!
Timeline with a first look
10:15-11:15 am Getting ready photos with bride/detail photos
11:15-11:45 am Getting ready photos of groom
11:45 am-12:05 pm Drive time to ceremony location
12:05-12:15 pm First look with dad
12:15-12:30 pm First look with groom
12:30-1 pm Bridal portraits
1-2 pm Bridal party photos
2-3 pm Family photos
3-3:30 pm Relax before ceremony, grab a snack, etc
3:30-4 pm Ceremony
4-4:30 pm Final family photos, sunset photos, drive time, etc
4:30 pm Sunset
4:35-4:45 pm Grand entrance to reception
4:45-5:45 pm Dinner
5:45 pm Cake cutting
6-6:15 pm First dance and formal dances
Timeline without a first look
10:45-11:45 am Getting ready photos with bride/detail photos
11:45 am-12:15 pm Getting ready photos of groom
12:15-12:25 pm First look with dad
12:25-12:45 pm Drive time to ceremony location
12:45-1:15 pm Bridesmaid photos
1:15-1:45 pm Groomsmen photos
1:45-2:15 pm Relax before ceremony, grab a snack, etc
2:15-2:45 pm Ceremony
2:45-3:45 pm Family photos
3:45-4 pm Full bridal party photos
4-4:30 pm Bridal portraits
4:30 pm Sunset
4:35-4:45 pm Grand entrance to reception
4:45-5:45 pm Dinner
5:45 pm Cake cutting
6-6:15 pm First dance and formal dances
6:30-6:45 pm Faux exit
Whichever timeline you go with, ultimately you want to always keep in mind what time sunset is and if any other factors will play in. Of course these are just examples but for your day you may need extra drive time or want more time for bridal portraits. I can definitely help plan your own unique winter wedding timeline as well! Contact me today and let’s get a timeline planned to make your wedding day run smoothly.
-Liz
