Wedding Photography Timeline
Planning a wedding itself is quite stressful, and if you have to include chalking out a specific timeline for photos, the situation seems to get quite complex and tedious, but don’t forget you can easily create a wedding timeline and enjoy yourself on one of the most important day of your life.
How can you proceed?
The very first aspect is to pad the wedding photography timeline. Weddings tend to have unforeseen delays so using exact timings is not ideal. If you think something might take half an hour, schedule 45 minutes for it. If the venue is 20 minutes away from where you are getting ready, allot 30 minutes. Best case scenario, you run ahead of schedule and you have more time with your soon-to-be spouse and guests
Clean Room
Clean room on the wedding day can be somewhat difficult but a cluttered room will ruin your photos. Designate a closet or another room to put your suit cases, bags, laundry, and etc. Make sure there isn’t any trash lying around (food, drinks, tissues, etc.) When everything is cleaned before I arrive this will allow me to start working once I am at your location.
Wedding Details
30 MINUTES
Having at least 30 minutes for details ensures that we have plenty of time to get that perfect photo of the dress, rings, shoes, bouquets, and the other details of the day.
Please have the detail items in a shoe box so that way when I arrive I can start taking photos immediately.
Getting Ready
60 MINUTES
With 60 minutes to do the getting ready it allows the bride to relax while she puts on her dress, slips on jewelry, hugs her mom, and laughs with her bridesmaids. If the groom is getting ready in the same location that is a big plus but you have to allow at least a couple of hours for it. It is best for the bride and groom to get ready at the same location, but if that isn’t feasible, opt for a place that is situated just 10 to 15 minutes away with traffic from each other (don’t forget to take the traffic into account).
Individual Portraits
30 MINUTES
Right after the getting ready preparations, it's an ideal time to photograph the bride and groom separately. The ideal locations are outdoors, the bridal suit, hotel room or anywhere with natural light.
First Look & Couples Portraits
45 MINUTES
We’ll use this time to get both of you in position and ready to go so that we can document that perfect reaction. Once the first look is completed we’ll jump into couples portraits. Again, you’ve both just finished getting ready and feel and look your best so this is a great opportunity to get beautiful portrait of the two of you together for the first time on your wedding day.
Tip: Don’t rush the first look. This is one of the few moments during the day you’ll mostly have to yourselves. Enjoy it and be in the moment.
Wedding Party Photos
45 MINUTES
Now it’s time for photos with you and your bridal party. We’ll use this time to work through various different locations and poses, some more formal, some artistic, and some more fun! This is also the best time to get photos with each of your bridal party members individually as well.
Immediate Family
30-45 MINUTES
Similar to the bridal party photos, this is a great time to get some beautiful photos with yourselves and your immediate family. We again work through various grouping as well photos with individual family members.
Ceremony and Venue Details
30 MINUTES
Before you have the guests seated, it’s important that we are there to capture the complete set up of your ceremony site so we can capture the scene at its best. Please allow 30 minutes for the second shooter to take pictures of the ceremony site, completely set up with no guests or vendors in the area.
Family Formals
45-60 MINUTES
Now is when we’ll get formal photos of you with your immediate and extended family, as well as your bridal party. We’ll usually do this right at the ceremony site since everyone is already nearby.
Reception Details
30 MINUTES
Once the staff have finished setting up and before guests begin to take their seats, plan to set aside about 30 minutes to capture all beautiful details of your reception venue. You’ve spent so much time curating all the beautiful details and decorations of your venue and this is our chance to document how amazing it looks without any staff or guests in the area.
Couples Portraits
60 MINUTES
This when we’ll get those super perfect golden hour Pinterest ready couples portraits. Plan to set aside this time about an hour before sunset so that we have that amazing golden light. If there is one part of the day not to skip or skimp on, I’d say this is the one.