There are a lot of little things that happen right after a ceremony that brides often don’t think about when creating their timelines. Will you have a receiving line or dismiss your guest row by row? Did you already take your family and bridal party portraits or do you have more to take after the wedding? How long does a receiving line take and is there any way to help it go a little faster?
Here is what we have found to consider as you are planning. =)
Ceremony ends 5:00
Receiving line 15-30 minutes 5:00-5:30
This greatly depends on how many guests you have invited as well as how long you talk to them. If you are hoping to save time we suggest limiting the receiving line to only parents and you and your husband if not, just the two of you. This will help cut down tie and the random “hi, I’m so and so” with the bridal party since everyone doesn’t typically know your whole bridal party.
Formal Exit 5 minutes 5:30
Have your bridal party pass out the bubbles or whatever they are tossing while you are greeting guests in the receiving line. As the line finishes up then you can exit.
Family Formals 5:40-6:00
Ask the family to go directly back to the ceremony site for pictures. Telling them who they are before hand is a great way to help save time so they know where to go. These typically take about 2 minutes per pose. Basic groupings can go really fast more extended family will take a little longer. We typically plan between 15-30 minutes to be safe and if we get done early, great!
Any travel time to the picture location if they haven’t been done already.
Bridal Party Portraits 6:10-6:30
We can get these done fairly quickly so your bridal party can relax and you and your groom have more time for portraits. We have a system that helps us run through a variety of poses quickly. If we didn’t get photos of the bride and bridesmaids and the groom with his groomsmen then we will split up and do this during this time as well!
Bride and Groom Portraits 6:30-7:00
Time will vary depending on the variety that you would like for your portraits. We can get a lot done in a small amount of time though. These are the images that you will likely print and hang on your walls for years so come! It is also extra cuddle time with your new spouse!
Head to reception and enter reception
While this particular timeline seems late, keep in mind that the ceremony time is also later. With a first look and all portraits being done before hand they could leave for the reception at either 5:30 after the exit or right at 6:00 after family formals.
Check back soon for ideas with your reception timeline.
To read more of our tips on the Wedding Day Timeline visit these posts:
