Many of my clients ask me how their wedding day should flow and how much time they should allocate to each portion. If you're not working with a wedding planner, your photographer can be the next best person to help you with this. I am always happy to work with my clients to create the best timeline that works with them and all vendors.

The timeline is a guideline to help keep the day on track, but it may not always go as planned, and that's okay. The most important thing is to keep the start and end times on time so that all vendors can provide the best service possible.

When I work on a timeline with clients, I base the day around the ceremony time. Next, I consider when would be the best time for portraits. If the client is having an early ceremony, then I would suggest portraits after the ceremony. If they are having a later ceremony, then doing a first look and portraits before the ceremony would be better. You can find more information about first-looks here!

These suggestions are based on my 10-hour package. Keep in mind that your timeline is based on the package you have booked, and these are just suggestions that don't take into consideration travel time or other traditions that might be a part of your day.

Private vows during first look — First Look

**2 Hours** - Getting ready / Details
**2 Hours** - First Look / Couples Portraits
**1 Hour** - Bridal Party Portraits
**1/2 Hour** - Ceremony
**1/2 Hour** - Family Portraits
**1 Hour** - Cocktail Hour / Reception Details
**3 Hours** - Reception
*based on one photographer

Wedding ceremony with bubbles — Traditional

**2 Hours** - Getting ready / Details
**1/2 Hour** - Ceremony
**1/2 Hour** - Family Portraits
**1 Hour** - Bridal Party Portraits
**2 Hours** -Couples Portraits
**1 Hour** - Cocktail Hour / Reception Details
**3 Hours** - Reception
*based on one photographer

I highly recommend hiring a wedding planner if you can afford one. They can help create timelines and coordinate with other vendors, ensuring that the big day runs smoothly. If you need more reasons to hire a wedding planner, check out our friends at Julianne Young Weddings.

Here are some of my favourite Calgary Wedding Planners to work with:

Julianne Young Weddings / Moments by Madeleine / Lynn Fletcher Weddings