Timeline Creator.
A timeline is simply a schedule for your day. It lets us know when everything is happening and is a super important element of any wedding day. This is what we'll follow on the day of to make sure we stay on time and know what's happening next.
It's important to get this sorted out earlier than later so when your florist + hair and makeup artists say, "When do I need to be there?" You'll be able to refer back to the timeline you created to make sure everything runs smoothly. Below, we've put together a worksheet that will walk you through creating your timeline from the time we arrive, through to the time we leave to make sure you're getting all that you want covered in the the time that you have us!
Step 1: How many hours do you have Big Day Cinema contracted for?
Check out your contract and/or invoice to see how long you have us for!
If you're having a special exit you want captured - do the math backwards to see our arrival time. EX: Exit at 10pm + you have us for 10 hours = we arrive at 11a and leave at 9p.
Step 2: Decide on your ceremony time.
**Both scenarios below are based on a 20-30 minute ceremony.
No first look? We recommend starting your ceremony 2-2.5 hours before sunset because we will need the sun to be up long enough for full wedding party photos, couples portraits, as well as family photos after your ceremony.
Step 3: Create your timeline!
Having a first look or not having a first look will change the structure of your timeline entirely. Because of that, I've put templates below of both a timeline made for a first look and one made for no first look. Make sure you use the correct template when working out your timeline!
Start with the ceremony time and work backwards and forward from there with the examples + template.
NOTE: When creating your timeline, only list the starting time in the parenthesis. (ex: "4:00pm")
DO NOT LIST TIME BLOCKS. (ex. 4:00p-4:30p)
There are two timeline templates below to help you get started: one including a first look, the other not. Make sure you use the correct one. The timeline templates are built for an 8 hour day. If you have less coverage, some cutting will have to happen so pick what you prioritize capturing! If you have more than 8 hours of coverage, we can take things a little slower :)
Father First Looks + Bridesmaid reveals aren't included in the templates. If you want those captured, leave about 15 minutes for each of those things!
FULL DAY TEMPLATE / WITHOUT FIRST LOOK
(our arrival time): Photographers Arrive + Capture Details
(30 minutes later): Bride/Groom "Getting Ready"
(30 minutes later): Bride/Groom "Getting Ready
(30 minutes later): Bride/Bridesmaids or Groom/Groomsmen Photos
(30 minutes later): Bride/Bridesmaids or Groom/Groomsmen Photos
(30 minutes later): Tucked Away (hidden from guests)
(30 minutes later): Ceremony Begins
(ceremony ending time): Ceremony Ends | Family Formals Begin
(30-45 minutes later): Full Wedding Party Portraits Begin
(15 minutes later): Couple's Portraits Begin
(25 minutes later): Announced into Reception + First Dance
(10 minutes later): Dinner Begins
(45 minutes later): Speeches / Toasts
(10-15 minutes later): Cake Cutting
(10 minutes later): Parent Dances
(10 minutes later): DJ Invites for Open Dancing
SKIP TO THE EXIT TIME!
(45 minutes before exit): Bouquet + Garter Toss then Open Dancing
(10 minutes before exit): Private Last Dance
(exit time): Special Exit (sparkler, bubbles, ecofetti, etc)
FULL DAY TEMPLATE / WITH FIRST LOOK
(our arrival time): Photographers Arrive + Capture Details
(30 minutes later): Bride/Groom "Getting Ready"
(30 minutes later): Bride/Groom "Getting Ready
(30 minutes later): First Look + Couple's Portraits
(45 minutes later): Full Wedding Party Portraits
(15 minutes later): Bride/Bridesmaids or Groom/Groomsmen Photos
(30 minutes later): Bride/Bridesmaids or Groom/Groomsmen Photos
(30 minutes later): Tucked Away (hidden from guests)
(30 minutes later): Ceremony Begins
(ceremony end time): Ceremony Ends | Family Formals Begin
(30-45 minutes later): A Few Sunset Couple's Portraits Begin
(20 minutes later): Announced into Reception + First Dance
(10 minutes later): Dinner Begins
(45 minutes later): Speeches / Toasts
(10 minutes later): Cake Cutting
(10 minutes later): Parent Dances
(10 minutes later): DJ Invites for Open Dancing
SKIP TO THE EXIT TIME!
(45 minutes before exit): Bouquet + Garter Toss then Open Dancing
(10 minutes before exit): Private Last Dance
(exit time): Special (sparkler, bubble, etc) Exit