Going into your wedding with a million dream shots in mind but no idea where they fit into the day? I'm here to help! Wedding days can be stressful, but they don't have to be. With the perfect timeline, you'll be able to sit back and relax, confident that not a moment is being missed as your photographer and planner guide you through the day. So let's get into it!
When crafting your wedding day photography timeline, you are going to want to consider these main photo groups:
DETAILS AND DECORATIONS
A lot of time and money has gone into your aesthetic vision for the day! Plan to give your photographer time to capture everything from what you'll be wearing to the floral arrangements around the reception space.
GETTING READY
No one wants photos taken on their wedding day before their makeup is on and their hair is done, so these photos are generally taken as final touches are being made or right after you finish getting ready!
FIRST LOOKS
First looks are an optional part of the day but do include a few benefits! First looks are most commonly done with your bridesmaids, dad, grandparents, and/or your fiancé!
FAMILY PHOTOS
The best way to make family photos a smooth process is to have a shot list ready for your photographer before the wedding and to start right after the ceremony while everyone is still in one area!
WEDDING PARTY PHOTOS
This part of the day will be one of the more time consuming as we have a lot of combinations to run through! The larger your wedding party, the more time we will need for these photos.
COUPLE PHOTOS
Finally! Time for photos of the two of you!
RECEPTION
The events throughout the rest of the night can be flexibly placed throughout the timeline however you prefer! This includes dinner, first dances, cake cutting, toasts, etc. Many receptions also end with photography coverage of a fun exit. This is something to consider when choosing how many hours of coverage you want to book your photographer for! Later coverage with a shorter timeline package will mean less coverage at the beginning of the day.
Now that we've covered that, let's look at a few wedding timeline examples! The following timelines will be considering there is a 5:00pm ceremony time and that the ceremony and reception take place at the same location.
8 HOUR TIMELINE WITH A FIRST LOOK
1:00pm - I arrive and begin taking photos of details and decorations
You will want to have all of your details set aside in a box and ready to go before I arrive!
2:00pm - Getting ready photos of bride
By this point you will want to be doing final touches on hair and makeup, and whoever is helping you get into your dress will need to be dressed and ready to go.
2:20pm - Getting ready photos of groom
At this point the groom and anyone he wants in these photos (possibly his best man or dad) will want to be dressed and ready to go.
2:40pm - First look
The first look itself will only take a minute! However, the extra time here is to get everyone in position.
3:00pm - Wedding party photos
30 minutes is typically plenty of time. However, the more people there are, the more time these photos take. More time may be necessary for wedding parties of 10+ people.
3:30pm - Family photos
Again, 30 minutes is typically plenty of time. However, the more people there are, the more time these photos take. It can be helpful to have a member of your family who knows everyone helping the planner or 2nd shooter assist in calling names and making sure everyone is where they need to be!
4:00pm - Relax until the ceremony! During this time I might snag a few more details shots
5:00pm - Ceremony
Most ceremonies are finished within 45 minutes. However, if you have any special additions to your ceremony or you are having a Catholic ceremony, more time may need to be added here.
5:45pm - Newlywed photos
If possible, I like to save these for as later in the day for the best lighting!
6:15pm - Join your guests and enjoy cocktail hour!
6:45pm - Reception begins
9:00pm - Photography coverage ends
8 HOUR TIMELINE WITHOUT A FIRST LOOK
2:00pm - I arrive and begin taking photos of details and decorations
3:00pm - Getting ready photos of bride
3:20pm - Getting ready photos of groom
3:40pm - Bride and bridesmaids photos
4:00pm - Groom and groomsmen
4:20pm - Relax until the ceremony! During this time I might snag a few more details shots
5:00pm - Ceremony
5:45pm - Family photos
6:05pm - Full wedding party photos
6:20pm - Newlywed photos
7:00pm - Reception begins
10:00pm - Photography coverage ends
Wedding timelines are flexible and should be crafted around what the most important parts of the day are to you - it's your day! In addition to these sample timelines, consider these 5 questions as you discuss your timeline for the day with your photographer and planner:
What time is sunset on my wedding date?
Am I doing a first look? If so, how many and with who?
How big is my wedding party?
Do I want my photography coverage to last until the very end of the night?
Is it important to me to attend and enjoy cocktail hour with my guests?
Hope this helps!
-Emma
Comments