Hi there my friend, it looks like you’re planning your micro wedding. Here’s some good news, after reading this quick blog you’ll be 100% ready to tackle your timeline since it’s basically done for you, below!

There are some pretty amazing benefits to having a micro wedding, not to mention with all the Covid mandates in 2020 and potentially in 2021, Micro Weddings are where it is at. One of the biggest reasons couples pick to have a Micro Wedding is because it’s easily one of the most relaxing and intimate ways to celebrate. It also allows for a more relaxed atmosphere for you and your guests.

I highly encourage you to create a micro wedding timeline so that your day does not get off course. A timeline will help you keep track of the time and allow you to implement flexibility during your micro wedding celebration.

It’s vital to ensure that your day has a natural flow for you, your guests, and your vendors.

Let’s jump in and start planning your micro wedding day timeline! 👇🏻

Your Micro Wedding Needs A Timeline

As mentioned above, I highly recommend creating a micro wedding day timeline. Have you ever attended a wedding and sort of felt like you had no idea what was going on? You weren’t sure when the food was going to be served when you could grab a drink, or even when the event would be over?

Yeah, me too!

Due to the smaller and more intimate feeling that your micro wedding will provide for you and your guests, it’s essential to have a timeline in place so that your guests don’t end up feeling like they’re attending a never-ending backyard party.

Things to think about when putting your micro wedding timeline together.

• Think about any potential downtime you, your family, or your guest will have between planned points during your micro wedding. 
• Make sure your guests aren’t waiting around in one spot for too long. It’s normal to put blocks of time in your timeline for portraits, but anything over 30-45 during a micro wedding is too long for your guest to wait. 
• If you and your partner aren’t into having typical wedding traditions, don’t have them. After all, it’s your wedding!

photo by Heather J Keys Photography

Start With What Matters Most

It would help if you highlighted the things that matter the most to you and that are essential to your wedding day. It’s also crucial to add in wiggle room. As a photographer, I can tell you some of the most amazing memories I’ve captured for my couples, are the unplanned moments. 

Pro Tip From Your Favorite Wedding Photographer

“On your wedding day, don’t be afraid to stary off your timeline a little. As long as I’m aware of the shift in the timeline, I can help make adjustments as needed and I won’t miss any planned shots.”
– Heather J. Keys

Basic Micro Wedding Timeline

If you’re looking for a basic micro wedding timeline, here is what we suggest your timeline look like.

• 2:45 pm: Photographer Arrives
• 3 pm – 4 pm: Getting Ready & Detail Photos
• 4:15 pm: Couples First Look
• 4:30 pm – 5:15 pm: Family Photos
• 5:30 pm: Ceremony
• 6:00 pm: Couples Romantic Photos
• 6:30 pm: Couple returns to the reception
• 6:00 – 9 pm: Dinner & Reception

Adventurous Micro Wedding Timeline

As an adventurous wedding and elopement photographer, I genuinely love the idea of being involved in your adventurous micro wedding timeline.

• 6:00 – 7:30 am | Sunrise hike and photos 
• 9 – 11 am | Wake up call, breakfast, and yoga as a wedding team (include friends and family to attend)
• 9:30 am | Planner and Florist arrive to the venue to start setting up 
• 12:00 pm | Hair and Makeup (HMU) starts
• 2:30 pm | Photographer + videographer arrive for getting ready photos + detail photos
• 3:30 pm | HMU final touches
• 3:45 pm | Bride puts dress on (photographer captures moments)
• 4 pm | Wedding Party Photos 
• 4:30 pm | Ceremony & Reception Vendors arrive for set up
• 4:40 pm | Formal Portraits of Bride
• 5 pm | Ceremony & Reception detail photos + video
• 5:30 pm | Guests arrive
• 6 pm | Ceremony starts
• 6:20 pm | Wedding party photos together
• 6:30 pm | Immediate family photos with couple
• 6:45-7:45 pm | Cocktail hour
• 6:50-7:30 pm | Couple romantic photos // Sunset is at 7:45 
• 7:50-8 pm | Grand Entrance + Couples First Dance
• 8-9pm(ish) | Welcome speed by couple + dinner
• 8:30 pm | Cake cutting
• 8:45 pm | Parent dances
• 9 pm | Photographer leaves
• 10:30 pm | vendor clean up after guest depart

  

  

  
  

   

Don’t Forget—This Day is Special

Your intimate micro wedding will give you and your partner a chance to express yourself and celebrate the way that feels most authentic to you. No anxiety, no massive stress, and no crowds. 

Don’t forget what matters most—the celebration of your love.

Are you looking for tips on the rest of your micro wedding planning? We’ve got you covered.