Summer Wedding Timeline Tips

Creating your summer wedding timeline is something that couples often struggle with. Summer is a popular time for weddings in New Hampshire as the weather is gorgeous, but with the daylight hours changing so frequently, it can be confusing to figure out the timeline of your wedding day! Today I’m sharing my best tips for creating a summer wedding timeline that perfectly suits you and your fiancé.

In New Hampshire most summer weddings will be very bright the entire day which is something important to consider when planning. June through August have late sunset times! If you're hoping for dreamy golden hour photos or a big sparkler exit make sure to chat with your photographer about those logistics. Planning an 8pm sparkler exit when it's not fully dark until 9 or 10pm just doesn't have the same effect. So I always suggest working with your photographer to determine when sunset is on your date, and what time you should schedule your ceremony accordingly. Consider the lighting at your ceremony space as well, as it will differ throughout the day.

Once you have your ceremony time selected, work backward to figure out what time you will need to be getting ready. The biggest tip I have for your getting-ready timeline is to allow for more time than you think you need. And again, talk with your photographer about these details, especially what time you will get into your dress!

Some other things to consider about getting ready is the space - look for somewhere with good natural light. This is great for photos as well as for your hair and makeup artists’ needs too! Grooms, it’s always great to capture photos of you putting on your jacket, tie, and boutonniere if wearing one, so it is helpful to wait for those things until your photographer arrives if possible. Lastly, it is helpful to have the flat-lay detail items you would like photographed already gathered together for when your photographer arrives as well.

Decide If You Will Have A First Look

Aside from setting your ceremony start time, deciding whether or not you will have a first look is the other major decision you will make that will determine your timeline for the day. Whether or not you have a first look with your fiancé before the ceremony, your energy during the ceremony will still be magical. There are several pros to having one - primarily it helps to save time after the ceremony. You can be mingling with your guests during cocktail hour instead of taking portraits the entire time. It also is a great way to calm the pre-wedding jitters, and enjoy a romantic moment together before the ceremony!

Many couples will also opt to take family and/or wedding party portraits before the ceremony as well, again because this allows you to enjoy the party that you have worked so hard to plan, instead of taking time for pictures!

No matter what though, we will work together to ensure that you are completely happy with the photo timeline for your wedding day.

{Looking for more wedding day tips? You might like this post!}

Plan Your Wedding Reception Timeline

Finally, it’s time to plan your reception timeline! Your venue coordinator will most likely be helpful in this process, but things to consider are what time cocktail hour will be, what time dinner will be served, when you will have your first dance/grand entrance, when toasts and special dances will occur, and when open dancing will begin.

As your wedding photographer, one of my favorite moments is stealing couples away for a few minutes to capture golden hour portraits just before sunset. The lighting is spectacular at this time, and the photos come out unbelievably romantic! Plus, it is another opportunity to enjoy being alone together as newlyweds. As you’re putting together your summer wedding timeline, I highly recommend including time for this - you won’t regret it!

Looking For A New Hampshire Wedding Photographer?

Every wedding is different, so therefore every wedding timeline is unique to the couple and their desires for the day. The most important thing you can do when creating your summer wedding timeline is to plan plenty of buffer time so that you can actually enjoy your day. And rest assured, I will work with you to figure all of this out! Regardless of the amount of photography coverage you book, we will create the perfect photo timeline for you.

Still looking for your dream New Hampshire wedding photographer? Reach out to me! Simply fill out my contact form and I will be in touch in 24 hours to learn all about your visions for your day.