As a seasoned wedding photographer, I understand that orchestrating the perfect 12-hour wedding timeline is an art in itself. When the ceremony and reception grace the same venue, every minute must be choreographed with precision. This meticulous planning ensures that each cherished moment is captured in its full glory. So, let’s embark on a step-by-step journey through the perfect 12-hour wedding timeline, where every hour is a brushstroke on the canvas of a couple’s unforgettable day.

Here’s my idea of the perfect 12 hour wedding timeline for weddings that have every event of your day happening at the same place:

10:00 a.m. Hair and makeup for bridesmaids begins / getting ready/ photographer arrives

11:00 a.m. Vendors arrive for setup/ photographers takes flat lay detail shots

12:00 p.m. Bride begins hair and makeup

1:00 p.m. Second photographer arrives; begins shooting groom getting-ready photos

2:00 p.m. Bride gets into her wedding dress (photographer takes photos of bride with mom & dad)

2:30-3:00 p.m. Couples’ “first look” and portraits

3:30-4:30 p.m. Wedding party and family photos with the couple

4:30 p.m. Guests begin to arrive / pre-ceremony music starts

5:00 p.m. Ceremony start time

5:30-6:00 p.m. Ceremony ends / cocktail hour begins

7:00 p.m. Cocktail hour ends / guests are invited into the reception

7:15 p.m. Grand entrance and lead into first dance

7:30-8:30pm Welcome toast and dinner is served (photographer and second photographer take an hour break during this time and eat dinner)

8:30-9:00 p.m. Best man and maid of honor toasts

9:00 p.m. Parent dances (father-daughter dance and mother-son dance)

9:10 p.m. All guests invited onto the dance floor

10:00 p.m. Cake cutting / dessert is served

10:55 p.m. Last song

11:00 p.m. Grand exit

Midnight Breakdown complete.

To listen to my podcast episode about this topic follow the links below:

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