Planning a winter wedding without the first look is easier than you think! In this article, we’ll show you how to plan a perfect winter wedding without the first glance.

This timeline would be used if you have hired both a photographer and a filmmaker on your wedding day, from both myself as a photographer and a wedding videographer. Note that this timeline works without a filmmaker too but please make sure to allow time for both creatives to tell your story if you have them. A timeline like this would be a best if you are having your ceremony and reception in the same place; a place like Glass On Enchanted Acres. In the winter, it gets dark much earlier, and therefore everything will need to start slightly earlier so that you have time for photos after. Planning a winter wedding without the first look is easier than you think!

12:00 Filmmaker Arrives, Begins Setup
12:30 Photographer Arrives – Begins Detail Shots
(bring invitation and place all special items in a box and have both dress and florals ready)
2:00 Bride + Bridesmaids Get Ready
1:20 Groom + Groomsmen Get Ready/Toast
1:35 Groom – Letter Reading
(bridesmaids should be dressed before bride is dressed)
2:00 Bride – Letter Reading
2:15 Bride in Gown
2:30 Pre-Ceremony Photos Conclude
(if the bride would like a first look with dad, this is when she would schedule that)
3:00 Ceremony Music Begins/Guests Arrive
3:30 Ceremony Begins
4:00 Ceremony Ends, Family Formals Begins
4:15 Wedding Party Portraits
4:30 Wedding Couple Portraits
5:00 Reception Introductions
5:20 Dinner is Served
(at this point, the DJ will take the lead and reception special events are scheduled loosely)
6:15 Cake Cutting
6:25 First Dance, followed by other special dances
6:40 Toasts
7:00 Bouquet Toss, Garter Throw (optional)
7:20 Optional Sparkler Photo Opp
(because some of the guests will leave before wedding couple, placing the sparkler photo opportunity at dark will allow the majority to take part in this celebration)
7:20 Party Time – Photographer/Filmmaker leave after special events and some dancing

Pro Tip: Allow 5-10 minutes for sunset photos during your reception. This time of day offers you fantastic lighting outside and taking a few minutes away from your guests after they are fed is no big deal. The timing of this depends on the time of sunset on your wedding day, but this idea will help you effortlessly plan out your wedding day timeline.

If you still have questions about your winter wedding timeline without a first look, please contact us for help!