How to Build the Perfect Wedding Day Timeline: A Guide for Columbus, Ohio Couples

Planning a wedding is no small feat, and one of the most important elements of a smooth and stress-free day is a well-structured timeline. As a Columbus-based wedding photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how a great timeline can make all the difference. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a wedding day timeline that ensures your special day is everything you’ve dreamed of.

1. Start with the Ceremony Time

The ceremony is the cornerstone of your wedding day, so it’s best to plan backward and forward from this point. Consider factors like whether your ceremony is indoors or outdoors (sunset ceremonies are popular in Columbus!), and make sure to include buffer time for guests to arrive and settle in.

2. Plan Getting Ready Time

Allow ample time for hair, makeup, and getting dressed. A good rule of thumb is 3-5 hours, depending on the size of your bridal party and how many services are booked. Don't forget to factor in travel time if your getting-ready location is different from your venue.

Example:

• Hair & Makeup: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

• Getting Dressed: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

• First Look Prep: 12:30 PM - 12:45 PM

3. Schedule a First Look (Optional)

If you’re planning a first look, allocate about 30 minutes for the moment and portraits afterward. The first look not only allows you to have a private, emotional moment together but also helps ease the photo schedule later in the day.

Example:

• First Look: 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

• Couple’s Portraits: 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM

4. Family and Wedding Party Photos

Group photos can take longer than expected, so plan accordingly. I recommend scheduling at least 45 minutes for family and wedding party portraits. I will send over a pre-wedding questionnaire before the wedding so you can write out a list of all family members and groupings that you want photos with.

• -Pro Tip: I always recommend having a “photo helper” to assist with family formals. An aunt, cousin, or relative that knows everyone by name and isn’t afraid to call them up for photos and make sure we have everyone on the list. This makes the process go faster for the family formals so everyone can go and enjoy cocktail hour afterwards!

5. Build in Buffer Time

Things rarely go exactly as planned, so include 10-15 minutes of buffer time between key events. This extra time can accommodate minor delays or give you a moment to breathe.

Example:

• Buffer Time: 3:00 PM - 3:15 PM

6. Pre-Ceremony Details

If you’re having an unplugged ceremony or special rituals, let your coordinator or officiant know in advance so they can guide your guests. This is also the time to ensure your photographer captures the ceremony decor and guests arriving.

Example:

• Ceremony Details & Guest Arrival: 3:15 PM - 3:50 PM

7. Reception Events

Your reception timeline will depend on the events you’ve planned, like a grand entrance, dinner, toasts, first dances, and cake cutting. Work with your DJ or band to ensure smooth transitions.

Example:

• Cocktail Hour: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

• Grand Entrance & First Dance: 6:00 PM - 6:15 PM

• Dinner: 6:15 PM - 7:15 PM

• Toasts: 7:15 PM - 7:45 PM

• Cake Cutting: 7:45 PM - 8:00 PM

• Open Dance Floor: 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM

8. Golden Hour Photos

Columbus sunsets are breathtaking, especially in the fall! Check the sunset time for your wedding day and plan 15-20 minutes for golden hour portraits.

Example:

• Golden Hour Photos: 6:45 PM - 7:05 PM

9. The Send-Off

Whether you’re doing a sparkler exit, a classic car getaway, or something unique, plan your send-off timing to match your reception’s energy. If you want photos of the send-off, ensure your photographer’s coverage includes this moment.

Sample Wedding Day Timeline

No First Look - 8 Hours of Photography Coverage (1:30 - 9:30)

5:30pm Ceremony

Getting Ready

1:00 - Photographers arrive to look around / set up

1:30 - Photography coverage starts

• Details and getting ready photos

• Things to leave out for details (dress, hanger, shoes, all three rings, ring box, flowers, invitation suite, jewelry, any other special touches - Helpful to bring a bag or box for this stuff)

2:00 - Photos of bride getting ready - hair and makeup, candids of the girls, champagne, gifts, pajamas, etc.

2:30 - Photos of guys getting ready

• - Tie, jacket, cufflinks, shoes, etc. 

• - Groom portraits

• - Immediate family photos with Groom

3:00 - All Groomsmen photos (individual and group)

3:30 - Bride gets dressed

• - Bridal portraits

• - First look with dad and bridesmaids

• - Immediate family photos

4:00 - All bridesmaid photos (individual and group)

4:30 - Details of ceremony space + any other candids at this time

Ceremony

5:00 - Guest arrival - Bride + Groom rest up and final touches before ceremony

5:30 - Ceremony

6:00 - Cocktail Hour / Family Formals

6:30 - All Bridal Party Photos

6:40 - Newlywed Photos

Reception

6:50 - Guest Seating

7:00 - Entrances

7:15 - Father of bride welcome toast

7:20 - Dinner Service Begins (photographers eat while bride and groom eat)

8:00 - Cake cutting 

8:10 - Speeches

8:20 - Parent Dances

8:30 - Bride & Groom first dance

• Big Group Photo on the dance floor!

8:40 - Open dancing 

8:45 - Golden hour photos - grab veil and flowers

9:30 - Photography coverage ends

Final Tips

• Communicate with Vendors: Share your timeline with all vendors, including your photographer, DJ, and coordinator, so everyone is on the same page.

• Work with a Coordinator: If you’re hiring a wedding planner or day-of coordinator, they can help refine and manage your timeline.

• Be Flexible: Unexpected delays can happen, but with a solid timeline and a little grace, your day will still be magical.