Wedding Day Timelines
Planning a wedding day timeline is essential to ensure you get all the portraits you’ve dreamed of! Below are two sample timelines: one for couples who choose a first look and one for those waiting until the ceremony to see each other. Every wedding is unique, and I’m here to help craft a timeline tailored to your needs.
A month before your wedding, I’ll send you a detailed questionnaire to capture all the important details and people for your big day. We’ll then schedule a consultation to finalize the timeline and address any last-minute questions. If you’d like to create your timeline before I reach out just email me and we can start that process whenever you are ready to do so. These sample timelines are simply a guide to help you visualize the flow of the day.
Sample Timeline #1: With a First Look
1:00 PM – Photograph details and final getting-ready moments
2:00 PM – First look with the couple
2:15 – 3:30 PM – Bridal party and couple’s portraits
3:30 PM – Immediate family portraits
4:00 PM – Pre-wedding portraits complete
4:30 PM – Ceremony
5:00 PM – Additional bridal party portraits and optional off-site locations
6:30 PM – Arrive at reception for announcements
7:00 PM – Reception events and candid coverage
9:30 PM – Night photos with the couple
10:00 PM – Photographer departs
Sample Timeline #2: No First Look
1:00 PM – Photograph details and getting ready
2:00 PM – Bride and bridesmaids portraits
2:30 PM – Groom and groomsmen portraits
3:00 PM – Pre-wedding portraits complete
3:30 PM – Ceremony
4:15 PM – Immediate family portraits
5:15 – 6:30 PM – Bridal party and couple’s portraits
6:30 PM – Arrive at reception for announcements
7:00 PM – Reception events and candid coverage
9:30 PM – Night photos with the couple
10:00 PM – Photographer departs
Additional Tips
- Plan for travel time: Account for transportation between locations. Party buses are a great option if you’re traveling with your bridal party.
- Receiving line or guest greeting: If you’re greeting guests after the ceremony, allocate 30-45 minutes (depending on your guest count).
- Family portraits: Let immediate family members know when and where to be for portraits. Punctuality helps ensure we have more time for creative portraits.
- Family portrait list: Email me a list of family groupings you’d like photographed. This ensures we capture everyone and keeps the process efficient. (Smaller groupings take 2-3 minutes, while larger groupings of 20+ people take around 5 minutes.)
- Details prep: When I arrive, I’ll begin photographing details. Set aside your dress, shoes, jewelry, invitation suite, signature perfume, and any sentimental items you’d like captured. Consider bringing a wooden hanger with notches—it photographs much better than a plastic one.
- Buffer Time: Build 10-15 minute buffers into key moments, like traveling between locations or transitioning from one event to another. This helps keep things running smoothly if there are any delays.
- Private Couple’s Moment: After the ceremony, schedule 5-10 minutes for just the two of you to enjoy the moment and soak it all in before diving into photos or the reception.
- Golden Hour Photos: If your timeline allows, set aside 15-20 minutes for golden hour portraits just before sunset. The light is magical and makes for stunning images.
- Hair and Makeup Schedule: Ensure hair and makeup are finished at least an hour before you need to leave for portraits. This allows for touch-ups and ensures there’s no rush.
- Keep the Space Tidy: For getting-ready photos, designate a corner of the room for personal belongings to keep the area looking clean and organized in pictures.
- First Dance: If you have prepared a special dance facing a specific direction please let me know so I setup my lighting to capture the right angles.
- Sneak Out for Night Shots: Schedule a 10-minute break during the reception to step outside for night photos. These often end up being some of the couple’s favorite images.
Your wedding day should be as stress-free as possible, and I’m here to help make that happen! If you have any questions or want to tweak your timeline, don’t hesitate to reach out.
