Ceremony Times: When They Should Start Might Surprise You!
When planning your wedding day, timing is everything—especially when it comes to capturing those magical moments in the best light. Whether you're dreaming of a golden hour sunset or want to sneak in some time to relax before the reception, timing the ceremony start just right can make all the difference. Here’s my take on how to plan your wedding ceremony time like a pro!
Step 1: Work Backwards from Sunset
The golden rule? Start with sunset and work your way back. The light just before sunset, known as "golden hour," is every photographer’s dream—soft, warm, and flattering. Let’s say sunset is at 5:30 PM, and your reception is planned to start at 6:00 PM (or 5:45 PM if you need a moment to decompress, hit the bathroom, or have a quick run-through of your first dance). Here’s how you can plan the rest of your day around that perfect light:
Suggested Timeline for Non-Daylight Saving Times
(For example, when sunset is around 5:30 PM)
Ceremony Start: 2:30 PM
Family Photos: 3:00 PM
Bridal Party Photos: 3:30 PM
Reception Start: 6:00 PM
By working backward, you’ll ensure you have enough time for each part of the day without feeling rushed, and most importantly, you won’t miss the sunset! This approach also aligns with the recommended times photographers often suggest:
Recommended Time Frames:
Groom Prep 1 hr
Bridal Prep 2 hr
Ceremony 30 min
Family Photos 45 min
Bridal Party Photos 2 hr
Step 2: What About Daylight Saving?
In Australia, Daylight Saving Time (DST) can throw a curveball into your planning. Depending on the time of year, sunset might be much later. Here’s when DST applies in Australia:
Starts: First Sunday in October
Ends: First Sunday in April
During these months, you’ll have a longer daylight window. For example, if sunset is at 7:30 PM, here’s how to adjust your timeline:
Adjusted Timeline for Daylight Saving Times
(For example, when sunset is around 7:30 PM)
Ceremony Start: 3:30 PM
Family Photos: 4:00 PM
Bridal Party Photos: 4:30 PM
Enter Reception: 6:00 or 6:30 PM
Sunset Sneak-Out: Around 7:30 PM (for sunset/golden hour shots) sneak out for 30 minutes just yourselves.
This plan allows you to sneak out during your reception for some beautiful golden hour shots without interrupting the flow of your day. Trust me, this is often one of the most magical moments, where the stress has melted away, and you can enjoy a quiet moment together—while I capture the glow of the day’s best light!
Step 3: Plan for Some “You” Time
Weddings can be overwhelming, and it's easy to forget to take a breather. Consider adding in a little buffer time between events, whether that’s to practice your first dance moves or just enjoy a moment alone together before diving into the reception. For instance, if your ceremony ends at 3:30 PM, schedule the reception to start at 6:00 PM to give yourselves some downtime, take a breath, and savor the excitement of the day before the party starts.
In Summary:
Check the sunset time for your wedding day and work your ceremony schedule backward.
Finish your formal photos (family, bridal party, etc.) before sunset so you can sneak out for those dreamy golden hour shots during the reception.
Adjust your timeline based on Daylight Saving Time for a longer daylight window in the summer and shorter days in the winter.
Add buffer time to reduce stress and create a more relaxed day.
Need more tips on planning your perfect wedding timeline? Feel free to get in touch! Let’s make sure your big day is captured in the best light—literally!