THE TIMELINE

What will your big day actually look like?

MIXING IT UP

Your wedding schedule needn’t be set in stone. Take liberties with the timeline so it seamlessly suits your needs.

THE FIRST LOOK

Instead of scheduling a portrait session for after the ceremony, many couples opt to get the bulk of the photos done beforehand, in a ‘first look’ session. Your photographer will arrange for you to meet at a specific location, so that first moment you see each other will be documented. This means your hair and makeup will be fresh, and you won’t have to rush off after the ceremony. Schedule your beauty appointments for slightly earlier, or arrange for your ceremony to start at 5pm instead of 4pm.

THE CAKE CUTTING

If your photographer is only staying until the beginning of the reception, schedule your cake cutting for the beginning or end of cocktail hour. It’ll mean you can snap a picture of the moment, and you won’t interrupt the momentum of the party later on.

THE EXIT

Traditionally, the bride and groom depart the venue before all other guests. However, if you’d rather stay on and party, it’s a good idea to include this in the MC’S notes for guests, so they don’t feel impolite by leaving before the bride and groom.