You’ve decided to go the traditional route and see each other down the aisle- great! Here’s a recent schedule from a wedding where the couple waited for the ceremony. The ceremony was at a local church and the reception was at a nearby barn venue. The trick here is to make sure you have PLENTY of time between the ceremony and reception. Guests often have no problem going out for a drink or relaxing at the hotel in-between events. This also takes into consideration the travel time between venues, and a bit of cushion in case we run into traffic (which does happen in/around Detroit) or the ceremony runs longer than expected. Sometimes the officiant has the best story about how you met that goes on, and on, and on…charming, and obviously heartfelt, but you have a raging dance party to get to!

Wedding Day Schedule

1pm- Photographers arrive, and document getting ready
Note: Please have all the wedding day details (dress, shoes, invite, etc.) all gathered in one spot and have the dress unpacked and on the hanger of choice.

2pm- Couple and wedding party travel to church separately
Note: To coordinate this, one side should head to the ceremony a bit early. That way, there’s no chance of an accidental rendezvous in the parking lot.

2:30pm- Wedding party does photos outside separately
Note: I always suggest a second photographer in this scenario for this reason. We stay in touch throughout the day to make sure nobody sees each other.

3pm- Wedding party heads inside to relax before the ceremony
Note: Photographers will document decor and guest arrival.

3:30pm- Ceremony

4:15pm- Ceremony complete! You’re married!
Note: Sign license immediately

4:30pm- Immediate family photos inside the church
Note: I always make a list with every couple to ensure we capture all the combinations they’re looking for. I advise scheduling about 2 minutes per small group, and 3-4 minutes per large group. If you would like to document larger extended family photos (above 15 people), we may need more time.

5:15pm- Couple portraits inside/around the church
Note: Second photographer will most likely leave for the reception to photograph decor and cocktail hour.

5:30pm- Everyone heads to the reception
Note: Cocktail hour started at this time with the other guests.

6pm- Wedding party arrives and finishes up photos around venue

6:20pm- Guests are seated

6:30pm- Wedding party announced into the reception
Note: Cut cake immediately upon entering. Catering staff often prefer this so they have a chance to cut and plate the cake or dessert while guests are eating dinner.

6:40pm- toasts/speeches
Note: I encourage toasts and speeches before dinner because you have everyone’s attention, and it leads to better photos and videos. A lot of couples want candid photos of their guests at the reception and that can be difficult if the prime moments are in the middle of dinner. No one wants photos of themselves eating, I promise.

7pm- dinner begins

8pm(ish)- first dance
Note: Guests may still be finishing up dinner or dessert- it’s okay to get the events going. I think this leads to a smooth transition to an open dance floor.

8:05pm- Parental dances or other special events

8:10pm- Open dance floor!

8:30pm(ish)- Couple sneaks out for sunset photos, if wanted.

9pm- Photography coverage complete
Note: I ALWAYS check in before departure to make sure you don’t have any last photo requests.