Talking about wedding day timelines sparks that same feeling as picking up a cheesy wedding mag with articles like “how to create your dream wedding day”. Insert eye roll.

I tell my couples, it’s your day do what you want but you need to think about timing because being rushed sucks.

Time allows moments to be recorded simply by making room for them. When everything is squashed into an unrealistic timeline you’ll feel rushed and you run the risk of now allowing moments to happen because you’re rushing out the door.

I’ve gone through what normally happens on a wedding day and the timing that generally works. But there are a million ways to get married but however it is, just make sure your not short for time because that’s never fun.

Grooms preparation: 1 hour

The boys playing golf, hanging by the pool, getting ready, whatever, this should be plenty of time. I generally say be showered and ready to go when I arrive. Everyone can start getting ready once I get there. It will be chilled as.

Bride preparation: 1.5/2 hours

It’s all-fly on the wall type stuff.

Getting ready together: 1 hour.

I honestly don’t know why more couples don’t do this. I get the whole surprise thing, but on the flip side, why not spend as much time together on your wedding day as you can.

Ceremony: generally 30 mins

I arrive at the ceremony 30 minutes before it starts. I like to allow spare time just in case. I get the groom and the guests arriving and any details. Most ceremonies run for 30 minute.

Hugs kisses and family photos: 45 minutes

I allow a good 15/20 minutes after the ceremony for congratulations. Guests want to congratulate you, these moments are glorious. The rest for family photos.

After I feel the bride and groom have spoken to most of the guests I will whip them away (somewhere close) for family photos, which generally take around 20 mins. The more combinations of family members you do, the more time it will take so I say stick with the immediate family, you'll thank me later!

Canapés/games

Depending on what time you decide to have your ceremony you may have some spare time to hang out with your guests. Obviously, the earlier you get married the more time you have between the ceremony and portraits. The downside of this means the earlier in the day you get married the less than flattering the light (this wouldn’t be the case in winter). So it’s a bit of a trade-off but I think a good one if you get more time with your guests.

Portrait session: 1 hour including travel

I generally spend 10 mins with the bridal party and then send them back (if possible), and then it’s just the two of you.

This is where you guys get to hang together and finally get some time to talk about what just happened and just enjoy the moment.

I try and work this time around the best light, which is 1 hour before sunset. If that falls at an awkward time we can break the session up so we do a bit before you enter and then another 20 mins wherever we can fit it in i.e. between meals.

This is another section of time carved out for you guys to have a moment together. By this stage you might be a couple of drinks down and super chill so it will be relaxed as.

Reception: 1-4 hours

Coverage for this section is different for everyone. If you just want to cover the entrance then an hour max. But if you are wanting speeches and shenanigans on the dance floor then 1-3 hours. You just need to work out what’s important to you.