Wedding Timeline Tips
Having a schedule sets the tone for a wedding-- it can make the difference from the day feeling frazzled and stressed versus smooth and flawless. This is the best timeline from experience to get the important moments.
I recommend maximizing time for scheduling and photography instead of allocating time to travel-- for locations that require a lot of travel time, these can make great engagement sessions instead during perfect lighting-- weddings may not have perfect lighting so an engagement session is the perfect 'dry run' without the additional stress and to feel confident in the end result. If there is only a 'cocktail hour' set aside for the wedding photography, you do not want to be spending 75% of it hiking up a mountain (unless hiking up the mountain is part of your adventure, of course!)
Remember:
Please keep in mind the ceremony is usually 30-45 minutes from start to finish. This timeline does not include reception.
Here’s how much time I typically suggest allocating for each section:
1.5 hours for the Bride Getting Ready (includes 30 minutes of rings, dress, shoes and other details). Make sure to have your details together so they can be done when I arrive, including a nice copy of your invitations and save the dates! Placing them in a basket works best! Lead shooter stays with the bride and second shooter goes to the groom (if hired).
1 hour for the Groom Getting Ready (recommended with second shooter)
First look- 30 minutes (if desired, please note if midday, shaded areas will be found for this to prevent harsh lighting and scowls)
Ceremony (45-1 hour)
45 min to 1 hour for family photos (depending on how many people there are)
45 min for Bridal Party Photos
1 hour for Bride and Groom Portraits -recommended to be late afternoon when the lighting is warmer and avoid high light times for the best photography outcomes.
15 min – 30 min to photograph reception decor (prior to the arrival of guests, if possible
Dinner & Cake (45min-1hr) (save time by starting speeches once the head table is done!)
Reception (variable coverage time)— highly recommend a second shooter for candid moments.
15 minutes sunset photographs with bride and groom -the ‘sneak out’
Be mindful of allowing wiggle room for these time frames! You don’t want things to constrict and feel uncomfortable the day of, but rather have an ease and flow to them.
Here is the compact list of a 7 hour timeline excluding reception and any travel time:
1 hour for the Groom Getting Ready (can overlap with Bride with second shooter)
1.5 hours for the Bride Getting Ready (Inlcudes 30 minutes for details at the beginning)
First look- 30 minutes
Ceremony (45-1 hour)
45 min to 1 hour for family photos (depending on how many people there are)
45 min for Bridal Party Photos
1 hour for Bride and Groom Portraits
15 min – 30 min to photograph reception decor (prior to the arrival of guests, if possible)
Reception can vary depending on what your vision is. Meals commonly take an hour and need to be factored into the overall timeline. These times are suggested for best outcomes, but I am adaptable and open the the priorities needed to make your wedding successful.
‘Can you break it down for me?’
Generally, the detail shots are done during the getting ready when all the important items are together and not yet worn to not eat into other time frames later on that are faster paced. I recommend a few photos while the makeup and hair is fresh. Ceremonies generally are 45 minutes and can run longer depending on how long it takes to 'rally the troops'. Group photography typically takes place after the ceremony with a few notable exceptions listed below. Starting with family photos is ideal and then ‘dwindling down’ to smaller subgroups so people can get back to the celebrations-- family first and then the bridal party. Finally, the bride and groom portraits— keep in mind this may some of your only one-on-one time during the entire day! It also depends on if the pictures are on location or if people want to travel to another location (requiring additional travel time). Receptions can be variable for time frames so it depends on what is important to you!
Additional Tips & Suggestions:
Make sure to have all your details ready at the beginning for when I arrive to photograph! This includes but is not limited to save the dates, invites, shoes, rings, jewelry, flowers & boutineers, and other significant details.
We are often at the mercy of the venue for time of the ceremony— try to keep in mind lighting— harsh lighting may lead to scowls and even lighting is better. When in doubt, feel free to reach out and connect! I’m happy to assist!
I am happy to attend your wedding rehearsal if scheduling allows to provide feedback to help make your day the best it can be! It also gives me a good idea of where to stand and maneuver about on your wedding day. I’m also happy to visit the venue with you leading up to the wedding if scheduling allows!
Set aside important details so I can photograph them right away when I arrive— then it’s one less weight on your mind!
Point out important people in your life to make they have special attention paid to them for candids!
Wooden hangers are much more appealing in photos than metal hangers.
During the ceremony, make sure everyone walks down the aisle very slowly or these moments may be missed. Nerves are a real thing and anxiety makes you think you are walking slower when you are actually going pretty quick!
First kiss: Kiss long and kiss twice, this leads to a better chance of getting a different perspective.
Have a family list/schedule. Make sure to ask everyone beforehand that they give consent for the photos and then assign a family member or friend who is aware of most of the people present and with a loud voice who can call and direct people for the family photos. This is especially important to designate an individual familiar with people to help control the chaos during this moment and make things run more smoothly.
Make sure elderly or more immobile people are attended to first during these photos so they may relax and sit down again.
If you are wearing high heels, consider 'heel stompers' to add to your heels so you don't sink into the ground.
During family photos, I will ask that no one stands behind me and uses cell phones (unless I ask someone specifically to act silly for laughs!) This is to prevent wandering eyes and make sure everyone's focus is on the camera.
Once food is served (if you’re doing this), people will eat in intervals often over the course of 45 minutes to 1 hour. Consider beginning speeches once the head table has finished eating to save time and maximize your schedule.
Consider cake cutting immediately following speeches to finish ‘formal’ dining and allow you to let loose!
Make sure to leave wiggle room in your scheduling for a breather or for the unexpected so your day can go more smoothly-- worst case scenario, you end up with a moment between you and your intended on your otherwise busy day!
Make sure to make time for fun! Don't hold back laughs and laugh often! These make for the most beautiful photographs!
Things to be Mindful of:
Be aware of permits and other fees. Some popular locations require permits over one year in advance for photography so be mindful of this when planning the day!
Be aware that some locations you choose may need the use of flash photography-- even if you don't expect it. This is especially true indoors. Make sure to check with officiants about rules and guidelines for locations, especially if using a church as sometimes flash photography is not possible and then every best effort will be done to get your photos without flash.
People often forget travel to and from locations. This needs to be incorporated in addition to the scheduling.
In order to have fresh, beautiful photos, be mindful of the mess. Assign a bridesmaid to tidying areas and keeping them clean. You may also see me or my second shooters moving things or objects around to help in this regard too-- try to ignore us if we are not giving direct instructions as we are more 'flies on the wall' to not interfere with these moments of connection on your day. We will give direction as necessary to obtain certain photos.
If you have an outdoor wedding location, make sure to plan for a backup spot for photos in case of rain! This can be gazebos or treed areas-- I'm fine with standing in the rain for photos, but you shouldn't ruin the time and effort put into your day for photos! Clear umbrellas are also an excellent suggestion as a 'just in case'.
