Planning your wedding in Toronto? A well-thought-out wedding timeline is essential for ensuring that every magical moment is captured beautifully. From the first look to the final dance, allocating enough time for each photography segment will help your big day run smoothly. Here’s how to create the perfect wedding timeline for your Toronto celebration.
1. Start with Your Ceremony Time
The ceremony time anchors your wedding day schedule. Whether it’s a traditional church ceremony or an outdoor event in a stunning Toronto venue, plan backward and forward from this time to allocate slots for key moments, like getting ready and formal portraits.
2. Allow Extra Time for Hair and Makeup
Delays often happen during hair and makeup, so build in a buffer. Allocate at least 90 minutes for the bride and 60 minutes for the bridal party. Aim to finish early to give the photographer time to capture candid getting-ready moments.
3. Schedule a First Look (Optional)
A first look can be a beautiful private moment for the couple before the ceremony. It’s also a practical choice for completing some portraits early, freeing up time later in the day. Plan 30 minutes for this intimate session.
4. Plan Time for Family and Group Photos
Group photos can take longer than expected, especially with large families. Set aside 30–45 minutes for group photos immediately following the ceremony or before the reception for a smooth experience.
As part of my standard wedding photography planning process, I work with couples to create a detailed family shot list and photography timeline. Based on our 6-weeks out call, we’ll review and approve this list in advance to ensure no important family portraits, group photos, or special moments are missed. This combined with the overall timeline keeps the day organized, stress-free, and efficient—allowing Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, (and even you) to actually enjoy cocktail hour! See more about this here.
5. Golden Hour Portraits
Toronto’s natural beauty shines during the golden hour, the hour before sunset. Schedule 20–30 minutes for romantic couple portraits during this time for the most flattering, dreamy light.
6. Factor in Travel Time
Toronto traffic can be unpredictable, so plan extra time for traveling between locations. If your wedding spans multiple venues, ensure your timeline accounts for transit delays to avoid feeling rushed.
7. Reception Details and Candid Moments
Photographers often capture the reception decor before guests arrive. Schedule 15–20 minutes for these detail shots. During the reception, candid photos of speeches, dances, and guest interactions will naturally unfold.
8. Coordinate with Your Photographer
Your Toronto wedding photographer is your best resource for creating a realistic timeline. Share your vision and let them guide you on how much time is needed for each segment based on your preferences and venue logistics.
Sample Toronto Wedding Timeline
Here’s a sample timeline to help you visualize your day:
8:00 AM: Hair and makeup begin
11:00 AM: Photographer arrives for getting-ready photos
12:30 PM: First look and couple portraits
2:00 PM: Ceremony
3:00 PM: Family and group photos
4:00 PM: Cocktail hour and reception decor photos
5:30 PM: Golden hour portraits
6:30 PM: Reception begins
9:00 PM: First dance and speeches
10:30 PM: Late-night photos and dance floor candids
Final Thoughts
A well-planned timeline ensures you get the most out of your wedding photography while enjoying a stress-free day. Work closely with your photographer and vendors to create a schedule that captures every cherished moment.
Ready to plan your perfect Toronto wedding timeline? Learn more about my process and get in touch here.
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