the wedding guide

helpful tips and tricks for making your wedding day a success!

hold up, babe!

Biscuit chupa chups croissant ice cream. Icing bonbon caramels sugar plum dessert toffee pastry chocolate cheesecake. Sugar plum jelly beans sweet. Powder carrot cake tart. Candy canes cake sweet oat cake chocolate bar apple pie ice cream. Dragée marzipan chupa chups topping chocolate bar fruitcake jujubes. Apple pie pastry pastry soufflé.

Lemon drops cookie marzipan jujubes. Oat cake chocolate tootsie roll. Candy canes jujubes sugar plum icing tootsie roll sesame snaps muffin jelly beans. Jelly oat cake cake. Wafer tootsie roll sweet pastry icing icing sesame snaps. Tart bear claw topping candy canes dessert sweet roll gummies. Danish bear claw sugar plum macaroon tiramisu cake.

xo, Carolina

tips for stress free wedding planning:

- Utilize a wedding timeline: This is not one of those fly by the seat of your pants type events. Make an outline of what's going to happen and stick to it. 

 -Delegate: If someone else is fully capable of doing it and you trust them completely, then loosen the reigns just a tad and let them handle it. 

-Prep your emergency bag: Your wedding is going to be an extremely long day. You may need to pack a few supplies to help you get through it all. I'm talking about: stain remover, a minature sewing kit, double sided tape, safety pins, bobby pins and other items to touch up your makeup later in the evening.

- Prepare tip envelopes for vendors: It's not uncommon to tip the vendors at your wedding. My personal suggestion is to prep tip envelopes and give them to someone you trust, so they can make sure your vendors get them on the big day. 

-Think about vendor meals: This is another thing people forget all about. When you're planning the number of people who are going to be eating, make sure you include a few for vendors.

-Establish "No Wedding Talk" Time ASAP: Wedding planning is stressful and can take over your entire life and relationship. Make sure you have some sacred time to just be with your love and enjoy life.

Figure out your priorities: Figure out what needs to be done and when, so you're not running around trying to do things like get a marriage license on the day of your wedding. 

Narrowing down your wedding wants!

Let's have a little fun. How does playing a quick game of THIS or THAT sound?

hiring a full service wedding planner

Buying / renting decor for the event(s)

or

getting a day-of coordinator

or

diy projects to save some coins

All inclusive wedding venue

or

Hiring multiple vendors 

Amazing, jaw dropping venue

or

Somewhere that is ok, and convenient

Bigger guest list & less food

or

Smaller guest list & more food

Rock out with a band

or

Get down with a DJ

Off season wedding 

or

Marry during the Spring or Summer

Leave for honeymoon after reception

or

Post wedding brunch

Get married as soon as humanly possible

or

Leave more time for the planning

take advantage of the wisdom of others:

Sometimes the easiest thing to do to make sure you get everything that you want on your wedding day is to ask someone else about their day. Below you have a list of questions to ask a few of your recently wed friends.

- Favorite memory from your wedding?
- Number one piece of advice for planning?
- One thing we have to do on our wedding day?
- Thing you worried most about that didn't even matter on the day?
- What part do you wish you spent more time planning?
- What do you wish you spent less money on?
- Logistics you wish you'd thought about?

wedding planning timeline

A timeline fit for a queen, just like you! We're going to make sure all the T's are crossed and all of your I's are dotted. I got your back!

WHEN YOU GET ENGAGED:
- Decide on your budget
- Start gathering names and address of guests
- Narrow down your potential date down to two or three days
- Start looking for a venue
- Create a wedding website

12 MONTHS BEFORE: 
- Begin shopping for wedding dress
- Choose your bridal party
- Finalize your date with the venue and vendors
- Book a block of hotel rooms for out of town guests

11 MONTHS BEFORE: 
- Begin planning ceremony and reception
- Make an appointment with a florist to discuss details including bouquets, centerpieces and all that jazz
- Book a caterer

10 MONTHS BEFORE: 
- Finalize guest list
- Set up gift registry if you haven't already
- Begin search for wedding officiant
- Start planning wedding and reception music

9 MONTHS BEFORE: 
- Purchase your dress
- Potentially start the alteration process

8 MONTHS BEFORE: 
- Purchase hair accessories
- Order any jewelry that will be worn
- Plan, and potentially book your honeymoon (if you're going out of the country)

6 MONTHS BEFORE: 
- Proof, print or order your wedding invitations
- Test hair and makeup

5 MONTHS BEFORE: 
- Make rental arrangements

4 MONTHS BEFORE: 
- Choose significant other's attire
- Purchase any remaining bridal accessories
- Plan, and potentially book your honeymoon (If you haven't)
-Send out save the date cards

3 MONTHS BEFORE: 
- Book wedding night accommodations 

2 MONTHS BEFORE: 
- Address, stamp & send your wedding invitations
- Finalize the menu

6 WEEKS  BEFORE: 
- Purchase your wedding bands
- Confirm needed numbers with florist

4 WEEKS BEFORE: 
- Finish any DIY project that you were working on

2 WEEKS BEFORE: 
- Get your marriage license
- Creating your wedding day schedule and pass it to the important participants
- Give final head count to caterer
- Finalize seating charts
- Confirm vendors' arrival time

what are your wedding planning personalities?

Who you are and how you go about planning things will more than likely translate right into your wedding planning. No biggie. It's just nice to be aware of who is more capable of handling what so it's a team effort.

Wants to plan the wedding with our guests in mind

Me |OR| Them

Wants to plan the wedding with our wants & need at the top of the priority list.

Me |OR| Them

wants to eliminate as many unnecessary to-dos as possible

Me |OR| Them

Likes to make list and will often use them to stay on task

Me |OR| Them

Likes the idea of planning bits and pieces each day

Me |OR| Them

Type A all the way, and great at planning

Me |OR| Them

Me |OR| Them

Not a planner, in the slightest, & is very disorganized 

Me |OR| Them

Absolutely obsessed with planning things online, we are talking google docs, pinterest, the whole nine.

Me |OR| Them

Likes planning the "old fashioned" way. Magazines, vision boards. Real photos & tear outs. 

Me |OR| Them

Wants to have a clear schedule of when things should get done and who is doing them. 

Me |OR| Them

More laid back, in general

wedding food ideas

I remember a time when the only thing you were guaranteed to be served at a wedding on the food front was practically chicken. Now there are a ton of options. Quite literally tons. Incase you don't believe me, here are a few of them. 

Fajita + Taco Bar

Whew, do you really want your guest to Taco bout your party or not? Not only are fajitas and tacos super cost effective, but your guest have the option of build- ing their plate just the way they like it.

Filet Mignon w/ Green Beans

Ok, this sounds like super fancy. If you have a super upscale wedding I could totally see your guest being treated like royalty with Filet Mignon.

Fried Chicken, Mac & Cheese & Biscuits

Yes, it’s basically a southerner’s dream. Although it is chicken it isn’t the standard baked chicken that I know your mind went to when I mentioned wedding chicken earlier.

Chicken & Waffles

Sweet & savory. Your guest would die of happiness. I just know it. 

Wood-Fired Pizza

Ok, I'm just going to say it. I am happy with anything involving pizza so not only does this sound like a great idea, it sounds delicious. 

American Barbecue

Imagine it is the Fourth of July, but at your wedding. Bring out the grill and all of the food that comes along with it. 

Butternut Squash, Fresh Fruit & Steak

This is kind of perfect regardless of the type of wedding. It's a nice alternative to the baked chicken. 

Pretzel Bar

You know what is better than a pretzel bar? Not much. I don't believe there are a lot of things that are better than fresh pretzels. 

Sushi Station

There are people out here in the world that this is perfect for. No judgment here. 

French Fry Station

I know i'm not the only person who would be ridiculously excited if I saw a station full of french fries. 

Build Your Own Burger Bar

Combine this one with the french fry station and you're in business. 

Pasta & Salad

A great way to give your guest a sit down experience while also saving your pockets. 

Lobster & Mashed Potatoes

Fancy is an understatement here. People would never want to go home. 

Breakfast Buffet

Personally, I believe that breakfast is good at all times of day. Some would argue and say that this should only be served at morning weddings. 

who's invited?

Bridal Shower

bachelorette party

wedding party, family & out of town guest

Rehearsal dinner

family, friends & others

THE WEDDING

bridal party, family & friends

bridal party, close family members & friends

choosing table names:

Really quick I want to give you a few ideas for your table names at your reception so your guests can find their seats and you can add a ton of personality to the special day.

1. Standard Table Names

2. Cities you've traveled to

3. Favorite TV Shows

4. Favorite Movies

5. Favorite Literary Figures

6. Superheroes

7. Words for "Love" in other languages

8. Colors

9. Favorite Bands

10. Famous Couples

11. Animals

12. Significant years in your lives

the wedding website

Not only is a website for your wedding pretty eco-friendly and a super easy way to share information with guests pretty much all around the world, but it's just a smart idea. This is the 21st century after all. 

THE BASICS:
- name
- date
- important times
- locations
- countdown

TRAVEL: 
- airport information
- where to stay
- how to get around
- what to do in town

YOUR STORY:
- how you met
- when you knew
- the proposal
- a day in the life

PHOTOS:
- across the years
- engagement photos
- venue photos

RSVP: 
- attending | not attending
- number of guests
- mailing address
- dietary restrictions
- meal choice

FAQS:
- rsvp deadline
- plus ones
- are children allowed
- what to wear
- parking
- indoor or outdoor
- accessibility
- photos & social media rules

REGISTRY:
- link

SCHEDULE:
- pre-wedding activities 
- day-of wedding
- post wedding events

CONTACT:
- phone or email

WEDDING PARTY:
- list of wedding party
- photos of wedding party

top registry items

WEDDING REGISTRY DOs

WEDDING REGISTRY DON'Ts

A few tips before we hop in:

- Set up your wedding registry as soon as possible
- include your website link on all wedding stationary
- give a range of options and price points
- send hand written thank you notes

When it comes to the wedding gift registry, there may be a ton of things you "need" and a few things you actually need. That's not for me to decide at all. But, I know that alot of people struggle with figuring out where to start and what to put on their wedding registry so here are some ideas of the most popular items.

- take your wedding registry down right after the wedding. wait a few months for everyone who hasn't had the chance to purchase something yet. 
- use your invitation to advertise where you're registered at. Send them to your website and let the website take care of the rest!
- ask for money straight out. instead say something like: * help us take our dream honeymoon or * help us get the downpayment on our forever home. people are more likely to fork over cash if they know exactly what it will be used for. just keep that in mind when asking. 

- mixer
- pots & pans
- measuring cups
- cookie sheets
- gift cards
- cooling racks
- spatula
- tongs
- serving utensils
- ice cream scoop
- plates
- knife set
- bedding
- towels
- wash cloths
- vacuum
- throw blanket
- cake stand
- soap dispenser
- shower curtains
- rugs

- glassware
- Luggage set
- blender
- sheet sets
- wine | bottle rack
- throw blanket
- bathrobes
- bar tool set
- picnic pack
- crock-pot
- waffle maker
- pillows
- luggage tags
- electric wine opener
- steamer 
- bluetooth speaker 
- camera
- clean robot
- tv
- planters
- bathtub caddy

bridesmaid-posals

The world gave your proposals, prom-posals & now the one that is sweeping the wedding scene: bridesmaid-posals. i am about to show you just how much i love some stores. Are you ready for a DIY bridesmaid-posal breakdown that is sure to make your besties melt? I figured you were. 

what to buy & where you can find it:

target
- "hello gorgeous" mug | Or | any jaw dropping mug
- barefoot bubbly pink moscato 
- faux succulent

Hobby lobby
- 16.5 in x 11.88 in. large box

amazon
- makeup bag
- ivory crinkle cut packing paper
 
white barn
- any single wick candle
I personally love the limoncello or midnight blue citrus



wedding songs

Who doesn't love good music? I know that I do. Sometimes it's difficult to know what songs to add to your wed- ding playlist. Sometimes the DJ, or live band, has you covered and often times they want to know what songs are you dying to hear. This somewhat hefty playlist should definitely help you out.

- all of me: john legend
- a thousand years: christina perri
- I wanna dance with somebody: whitney houston
- marry you: bruno mars
- my girl: the temptations
- don't stop believin': journey
- uptown funk: bruno mars
- make you feel my love: adele
- i'm yours: jason mraz
- i gotta feeling: the black eyed peas
- let's stay together: al green
- september: earth, wind & fire
- happy: pharrell williams
-  hey ya!: outkast
- sweet caroline: neil diamond
- crazy in love: beyonce
- thinking out loud: ed sheeran
- signed, sealed, delivered: stevie wonder
- ho hey: the lumineers
- dancing queen: abba
- I won't give up: jason mraz
- marry me: train
- all you need is love: the beatles
- aint no mountain high enough: marvin gaye
- cupid shuffle: cupid
- blurred lines: robin thicke
- can't stop this feeling: justin timberlake
- livin' on a prayer: bon jovi
- twist & shout: the beatles
- because you loved me: celine dion
- single ladies: beyonce
- cha cha slide: DJ casper
- the time of my life: bill medley
- endless love: diana ross
- how deep is your love: bee gees
- best part: daniel caesar ft. H.e.r
- i could fall in love: selena
- wonderful world: sam cooke
- speechless: dan + shay
- like a star: corinne bailey rae
- dont change: musiq soulchild
- as: marsha ambrosius & anthony hamilton
- say you won't let go: james arthur
- adorn:: miguel
- at last: etta james
- love you i do: jennifer hudson
- when a man loves a woman: percy sledge
- a moment like this: kelly clarkson
- the only exception: paramore
- perfect: ed sheeran ft. beyonce
- at your best: aaliyah
- like a natural woman: aretha franklin
- lucky: jason mraz ft. colbie caillat
- slow jam: usher ft. monica
- thinkin' bout you: frank ocean

- until the end of time: justin timberlake ft.beyonce
- angel of mine: monica
- never too much: luther vandross
- dangeriously in love: beyonce
- just the way you are: bruno mars
- glamorous: fergie ft. ludacris
- shake it off: taylor shift
- raise your glass: pink
- your love: nicki minaj
- halo: beyonce
- good life: kanye west ft. t-pain
- forever: chris brown
- sugar: maroon 5
- my girl: the temptations
- here comes the sun: the beatles
- my best friend: tim mcgraw
- all my life: kc & jojo
- wobble: v.i.c
- watch me: silento
- billie jean: micheal jackson
- firework: katy perry
- someone you loved: lewis capaldi
- everything i wanted: billie eilish
- if the world was ending: jp saxe ft. julia
- cuz i love you: lizzo
- baby, you make me crazy: sam smith
- juice: lizzo
- just us: dj khaled ft. sza
- mood 4 eva: beyonce
- feels: kehlani
- love language: kehlani
- focus: h.e.r
- suge: dababy
- bop: dababy
- 10,000 hours: dan + shay ft. justin beiber
- sweetener: ariana grande
- 7 rings: ariana grande
- good time: niko moon
- cover me up: morgan wallen
- lovin' on you: luke combs
- big, big plans: chris lane
- anything she says: mitchell tenpenny
- you da one: rihanna
- dance for you: beyonce
- ego: beyonce
- cheers (drink to that): rihanna
- beautiful people: ed sheeran ft. khalid
- saturday nights: khalid
- watermelon sugar: harry styles
- adore you: harry styles
- superstar: luther vandross
- rodeo: lil nas x ft. cardi b
- please me: cardi b ft. bruno mars
- attention: charli puth
- that's what i like: bruno mars
- sucker: jonas brothers

the father-daughter dance

Ok, if you want to see someone turn into a puddle of tears, then let's just keep talking about the father-daughter dance. There are few things on earth that almost every single girl dreams of, but for most, this is one. Don't quote me on that as i have absolutely no research to back it up. 

seriously though, this moment is truly  one of the most touching moments of the entire wedding, and i get the struggle you're facing. there are alot of songs out there, and you want to make sure you pick the perfect one to dance with your father to. 

well, let me help you out just bit. here are some of the top father daughter dance songs.


- my little girl: tim mcgraw
- dance with my father: luther vandross
- unforgettable: natalie cole & nat king cole
- my girl: the temptations
- count on me: bruno mars
- daddy: beyonce
- daughters: john mayer
- hero: mariah carey
- my wish: rascal flatts
- your song: elton john
- sunshine of my life: stevie wonder
- to make you feel my love: bob dylan
- lullaby: billy joel
- you'll be in my heart: phil collins
- love me now: john legend
- ready set go: billy ray cyrus
- i lived: one republic
- one call away: charlie puth
- don't blink: kenny chesney
- roots and wings: miranda lambert
- god gave me you: blake shelton
- isn't she lovely: stevie wonder

the first look:

I know you've heard of it: the coveted first look. Everyone is doing it, but you aren't sold. I get it. When I first heard of it I was like, "No Way! That's against tradition". And, that is true. It breaks the mold on everything we know of weddings, goodbye to the days of waiting until the doors fling open to see what the bride went with for her wedding dress.

If you would have asked me a while back, I would have told you, don't do it. But today, I say let's roll with it. Highly recommend would be an understatement. Here are a few reasons why:

no more hiding

You probably feel like I'm joking here, but I'm not. This is actually a highlight. You don't have to run around, duck and dodge from your significant other because, well, they have already seen you. 

you get to spend more time together

No need to lock your better half up in a dungeon until it's show time. You get the chance to be taken to a private location, with absolutely no distractions. So you get to have all of their attention. 

it's a smart decision for the sake of time

You get to take alot of your photos prior to the wedding because your significant other has already seen you in the dress. which means you are that much closer to the dance floor and enjoying your day. Say bye to the thought of missing all of cocktail hour. 

you get more photographs

Ok tradition aside, you're going to get more photos. and, technically that's like maximizing your dollars. I don't think anyone would be against that.  

so much more time for emotions

 I know it is all about those real, raw emotions and this point is reason enough to consider it. Your spouse sees you and they totally break down and bawls their eyes out. Well, guess what, no one is rushing you to get on with the show. You have time to take this precious moment in. 

say "see ya" to a large chunk of stress

The day is already stressful. I totally get it! The first look allows you to have a fun moment and get some alone time prior to having all eyes on you. 

**If you and your partner can't agree on a first look, here are a few other options:
- first touch
- first hug
- first read
- first gifts
- first song
- first poem
- first prayer
- first call
- Partial first look | this could be that your hair, makeup and nails are done and you show up wearing sweats. So they still don't get to see you in the dress just yet. 

MORNING WEDDING TIMELINE
7:00 AM - Hair & makeup / Getting ready
8:30 AM - Vendors arrive / Setup starts
9:00 AM - First look & couple's portraits
9:30 AM - Family pictures
9:30 AM - Doors open/ Pre-Ceremony music starts playing / Guests enter
10:00 AM - Invite time
10:15 AM - Ceremony starts
10:45 AM - Ceremony concludes
10:45 AM - Cocktail hour starts/ Addition- al family photos
11:30 AM - Brunch starts
12:15 PM - Toasts
1:00 PM - First Dance
1:30 PM - Cake cutting/ Dessert
2:45 PM - Couple departs
3:00 PM - Guests depart
3:00 PM - Breakdown commences
4:00 PM - All vendors out

Whew, you have no clue how many times every wedding photographer all over the world has been asked about a wedding timeline, or asked to weigh in on when things should be done. Which makes complete sense, we are the peeps taking the photos, so I'm putting one in to help you out. This could be one of those things you totally didnt know that you needed, I am giving you the wedding time line breakdown for some of the most common wedding times.

Complete wedding timelines

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EARLY AFTERNOON WEDDING TIMELINE
9:00 AM - Hair & makeup / Getting ready
9:30 AM - Vendors arrive / Setup starts
10:30 AM - Getting ready photos start
11:00 AM - First look & couple’s portraits
11:45 AM - Family pictures
12:30 PM - Doors open/ Pre-Ceremony music starts playing / Guests enter
1:00 PM - Invite time
1:15 PM - Ceremony starts
1:35 PM - Ceremony concludes
1:40 PM - Cocktail hour starts/ Additional family photos
2:30 PM - Lunch starts
3:00 PM - Toasts
3:30 PM - First Dance
5:00 PM - Cake cutting/ Dessert
6:15 PM - Couple departs
6:30 PM - Guests depart
6:30 PM - Breakdown commences
7:30 PM - All vendors out

Whew, you have no clue how many times every wedding photographer all over the world has been asked about a wedding timeline, or asked to weigh in on when things should be done. Which makes complete sense, we are the peeps taking the photos, so I'm putting one in to help you out. This could be one of those things you totally didnt know that you needed, I am giving you the wedding time line breakdown for some of the most common wedding times.

Complete wedding timelines

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LATE EVENING WEDDING TIMELINE
1:00 PM - Hair & makeup / Getting ready
4:30 PM - Vendors arrive / Setup starts
4:30 PM - Pre- Ceremony photos
5:30 PM - Couple arrives
6:00 PM - Doors open/ Room ready for guests/ Pre-ceremony music starts
6:30 PM - Invite time
6:45 PM - Ceremony starts
7:00 PM - Ceremony ends/ Guests move to cocktail hour
8:00 PM - Guests move to dinner
9:30 PM - Cake cutting/ Dessert served/ Toasts
9:45 PM - Dancing
11:45 PM - End time/ Guests out
12:45 AM - Breakdown/ Vendors depart

Whew, you have no clue how many times every wedding photographer all over the world has been asked about a wedding timeline, or asked to weigh in on when things should be done. Which makes complete sense, we are the peeps taking the photos, so I'm putting one in to help you out. This could be one of those things you totally didnt know that you needed, I am giving you the wedding time line breakdown for some of the most common wedding times.

Complete wedding timelines

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COCKTAIL PARTY STYLE RECEPTION TIMELINE
3:00 PM - Vendors arrive for setup
4:30 PM - Doors open/ Room ready for guests/ Pre-ceremony music starts
5:00 PM - Invite time
5:15 PM - Ceremony starts
5:30 PM - Ceremony ends
5:30 PM - First round of food comes out/ Bar opens
5:30 PM - Music starts inside
6:30 PM - Pre-sunset portraits
6:45 PM - Dinner rounds of food come out
7:07 PM - Sunset
7:15 PM - Toasts
7:30 PM - First dance
8:00 PM - Couple's "Thank You" toast followed by cake cutting
9:00 PM - Couple and guests depart
10:00 PM - Breakdown done/ vendors out

Whew, you have no clue how many times every wedding photographer all over the world has been asked about a wedding timeline, or asked to weigh in on when things should be done. Which makes complete sense, we are the peeps taking the photos, so I'm putting one in to help you out. This could be one of those things you totally didnt know that you needed, I am giving you the wedding time line breakdown for some of the most common wedding times.

Complete wedding timelines

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SEPARATE CEREMONY & RECEPTION TIMES
9:00 AM - Hair & makeup / Getting ready
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM - Vendors arrive for ceremony setup
12:00 PM - Wedding party and family photos start 
1:30 PM - Doors open/ Guests begin to arrive/ Pre-ceremony music starts
2:00 PM - Ceremony invite time
2:15 PM - Ceremony starts
3:00 PM - Ceremony ends
3:00 PM - Vendors start to arrive for reception set up
3:30 PM - Guests gone from ceremony site
4:00 PM - Ceremony site cleaned up/ Vendors depart
4:30 PM - Doors open/ Guests begin to arrive/ Am- bient music starts
5:00 PM - Reception invite time/ Cocktail hour starts
6:30 PM - Move guests into dinner
6:45 PM - Buffet opens/ Dinner served
7:00 PM - All guests have food
7:15 PM - Toasts
8:00 PM - First dance
8:05 PM - General dancing music starts
8:05 PM - Second set of pre-sunset portraits 8:26 PM - Sunset
8:45 PM - Dessert
9:45 PM - Last Call
9:55 - Last Call
10:00 PM - Guests Depart
11:00 PM - Breakdown/ Staff departs

Whew, you have no clue how many times every wedding photographer all over the world has been asked about a wedding timeline, or asked to weigh in on when things should be done. Which makes complete sense, we are the peeps taking the photos, so I'm putting one in to help you out. This could be one of those things you totally didnt know that you needed, I am giving you the wedding time line breakdown for some of the most common wedding times.

Complete wedding timelines

PR
EV

NE
XT

MORNING WEDDING TIMELINE
7:00 AM - Hair & makeup / Getting ready
8:30 AM - Vendors arrive / Setup starts
9:00 AM - First look & couple's portraits
9:30 AM - Family pictures
9:30 AM -Doors open/ Pre-Ceremony music starts playing / Guests enter
10:00 AM - Invite time
10:15 AM - Ceremony starts
10:45 AM - Ceremony concludes
10:45 AM - Cocktail hour starts/ Addition- al family photos
11:30 AM - Brunch starts
12:15 PM - Toasts
1:00 PM - First Dance
1:30 PM - Cake cutting/ Dessert
2:45 PM - Couple departs
3:00 PM - Guests depart
3:00 PM - Breakdown commences
4:00 PM - All vendors out

Whew, you have no clue how many times every wedding photographer all over the world has been asked about a wedding timeline, or asked to weigh in on when things should be done. Which makes complete sense, we are the peeps taking the photos, so I'm putting one in to help you out. This could be one of those things you totally didnt know that you needed, I am giving you the wedding time line breakdown for some of the most common wedding times.

Complete wedding timelines

EARLY AFTERNOON WEDDING TIMELINE
9:00 AM - Hair & makeup / Getting ready
9:30 AM - Vendors arrive / Setup starts
10:30 AM - Getting ready photos start
11:00 AM - First look & couple’s portraits
11:45 AM - Family pictures
12:30 PM - Doors open/ Pre-Ceremony music starts playing / Guests enter
1:00 PM - Invite time
1:15 PM - Ceremony starts
1:35 PM - Ceremony concludes
1:40 PM - Cocktail hour starts/ Additional family photos
2:30 PM - Lunch starts
3:00 PM - Toasts
3:30 PM - First Dance
5:00 PM - Cake cutting/ Dessert
6:15 PM - Couple departs
6:30 PM - Guests depart
6:30 PM - Breakdown commences
7:30 PM - All vendors out

Whew, you have no clue how many times every wedding photographer all over the world has been asked about a wedding timeline, or asked to weigh in on when things should be done. Which makes complete sense, we are the peeps taking the photos, so I'm putting one in to help you out. This could be one of those things you totally didnt know that you needed, I am giving you the wedding time line breakdown for some of the most common wedding times.

Complete wedding timelines

LATE EVENING WEDDING TIMELINE
1:00 PM - Hair & makeup / Getting ready
4:30 PM - Vendors arrive / Setup starts
4:30 PM - Pre- Ceremony photos
5:30 PM - Couple arrives
6:00 PM - Doors open/ Room ready for guests/ Pre-ceremony music starts
6:30 PM - Invite time
6:45 PM - Ceremony starts
7:00 PM - Ceremony ends/ Guests move to cocktail hour
8:00 PM - Guests move to dinner
9:30 PM - Cake cutting/ Dessert served/ Toasts
9:45 PM - Dancing
11:45 PM - End time/ Guests out
12:45 AM - Breakdown/ Vendors depart

Whew, you have no clue how many times every wedding photographer all over the world has been asked about a wedding timeline, or asked to weigh in on when things should be done. Which makes complete sense, we are the peeps taking the photos, so I'm putting one in to help you out. This could be one of those things you totally didnt know that you needed, I am giving you the wedding time line breakdown for some of the most common wedding times.

Complete wedding timelines

COCKTAIL PARTY STYLE RECEPTION TIMELINE
3:00 PM - Vendors arrive for setup
4:30 PM - Doors open/ Room ready for guests/ Pre-ceremony music starts
5:00 PM - Invite time
5:15 PM - Ceremony starts
5:30 PM - Ceremony ends
5:30 PM - First round of food comes out/ Bar opens
5:30 PM - Music starts inside
6:30 PM - Pre-sunset portraits
6:45 PM - Dinner rounds of food come out
7:07 PM - Sunset
7:15 PM - Toasts
7:30 PM - First dance
8:00 PM - Couple's "Thank You" toast followed by cake cutting
9:00 PM - Couple and guests depart
10:00 PM - Breakdown done/ vendors out

Whew, you have no clue how many times every wedding photographer all over the world has been asked about a wedding timeline, or asked to weigh in on when things should be done. Which makes complete sense, we are the peeps taking the photos, so I'm putting one in to help you out. This could be one of those things you totally didnt know that you needed, I am giving you the wedding time line breakdown for some of the most common wedding times.

Complete wedding timelines

SEPARATE CEREMONY & RECEPTION TIMES
9:00 AM - Hair & makeup / Getting ready
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM - Vendors arrive for ceremony setup
12:00 PM - Wedding party and family photos start 
1:30 PM - Doors open/ Guests begin to arrive/ Pre-ceremony music starts
2:00 PM - Ceremony invite time
2:15 PM - Ceremony starts
3:00 PM - Ceremony ends
3:00 PM - Vendors start to arrive for reception set up
3:30 PM - Guests gone from ceremony site
4:00 PM - Ceremony site cleaned up/ Vendors depart
4:30 PM - Doors open/ Guests begin to arrive/ Am- bient music starts
5:00 PM - Reception invite time/ Cocktail hour starts
6:30 PM - Move guests into dinner
6:45 PM - Buffet opens/ Dinner served
7:00 PM - All guests have food
7:15 PM - Toasts
8:00 PM - First dance
8:05 PM - General dancing music starts
8:05 PM - Second set of pre-sunset portraits 8:26 PM - Sunset
8:45 PM - Dessert
9:45 PM - Last Call
9:55 - Last Call
10:00 PM - Guests Depart
11:00 PM - Breakdown/ Staff departs

Whew, you have no clue how many times every wedding photographer all over the world has been asked about a wedding timeline, or asked to weigh in on when things should be done. Which makes complete sense, we are the peeps taking the photos, so I'm putting one in to help you out. This could be one of those things you totally didnt know that you needed, I am giving you the wedding time line breakdown for some of the most common wedding times.

Complete wedding timelines

sendoff ideas

There was a time not long ago when people chucked rice at the couple.  I mean, that was absolutely adorable, perfect for sunday dinner, joking here, but now people are getting really creative with how they are sending the couple off. Here are some ideas... that are not rice.


1. Flowers and Petals
2. artificial Snow
3. Leaves
4. Birdseed
5. Ribbon Wands
6. Bubbles
7. Confetti
8. Lavender
9. Aromatics
10. Feathers
11. Sparklers
12. Cap Guns
13. Glitter
14. Sequins
15. Pom Poms
16. Ballons
17. Paper Airplanes
18. Glow Sticks
19. Eco-fetti
20. Ribbon & Bell Wands
21. Heart Shaped Confetti
22. Rainbow Sprinkles
23. Spirited Cheer Poms
24. Mini Beach Balls
25. Sky Lanterns
26. White Streamers
27. Cheery Flags
28. Napkins
29. Bells
30. Silver & Gold Confetti
31. Kazoos
32. Marshmallows
33. Silly String
34. Pinwheels
35. Herb Toss (Mint, Basil, etc)
36. Light Saber
37. Harry Potter Wands
38. Colorful Smoke Bombs
39. Maracas

thank you, friend!

Biscuit chupa chups croissant ice cream. Icing bonbon caramels sugar plum dessert toffee pastry chocolate cheesecake. Sugar plum jelly beans sweet. Powder carrot cake tart. Candy canes cake sweet oat cake chocolate bar apple pie ice cream. Dragée marzipan chupa chups topping chocolate bar fruitcake jujubes. Apple pie pastry pastry soufflé.

Lemon drops cookie marzipan jujubes. Oat cake chocolate tootsie roll. Candy canes jujubes sugar plum icing tootsie roll sesame snaps muffin jelly beans. Jelly oat cake cake. Wafer tootsie roll sweet pastry icing icing sesame snaps. Tart bear claw topping candy canes dessert sweet roll gummies. Danish bear claw sugar plum macaroon tiramisu cake.

Chocolate cookie fruitcake bonbon liquorice muffin cupcake. Sugar plum soufflé chupa chups gummies cookie sweet. Candy canes brownie bonbon. Bonbon cotton candy apple pie. Bear claw powder liquorice danish sweet roll wafer marzipan. Chupa chups pudding bear claw brownie lemon drops. Bear claw gummies oat cake halvah cotton candy chocolate bar fruitcake liquorice liquorice. Wafer tart jelly muffin cotton candy chocolate.

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xo, Carolina

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