WEDDING DAY TIMELINE & PLANNING GUIDE
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
I have written a guide to help you plan your wedding day timeline and get the most out of your photographer and photos. It includes guidelines on how much time I need to photograph each part of the day perfectly, sample timelines for summer and winter months, as well as timing tips when planning things such as hair and make up. Each wedding is different, so this guide is here to serve as as a starting point, with the idea that we work together to tailor a timeline that best suits your needs and requirements for day. Happy wedding planning!
PHOTOGRAPHY TIME GUIDE
Below is a guideline of the approximate time we will need for each part of the day. I will work with you to help create a schedule to ensure we’re able to document everything perfectly.
GROOM – GETTING READY
1 hour
BRIDE – GETTING READY
1.5 hours
CEREMONY DECOR
10 mins
CEREMONY
30 mins
CONGRATULATIONS POST CEREMONY
30 mins
FAMILY PHOTOS
30 mins
WEDDING PARTY PHOTOS
15 – 30 mins
COUPLES PORTRAIT PHOTOS
30 mins – 1 hour
RECEPTION DECOR
15 mins
RECEPTION
All night baby!
WEDDING PLANNING TIMELINE TIPS
WHEN SHOULD MY HAIR AND MAKE UP BE FINISHED?
Wedding hair and makeup should be finished no later than a 1.5 hours before you have to leave for the ceremony. This will allow me time to photograph you putting on your dress, doing last minute touch ups, bridal and bridal party portraits, and any other group shots you would like with family.
WHEN SHOULD I GET INTO MY WEDDING DRESS?
A little over 1 hour before you want to leave for the ceremony. This always takes longer than you think!
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME FOR A WEDDING CEREMONY IN SUMMER?
For weddings between September to April, I recommend scheduling your ceremony after 3pm. It is best to avoid the hours between 10am and 2pm as the light is harsh and shadows are strong.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME FOR A WEDDING CEREMONY IN WINTER?
For weddings between May to August, the sun disappears early, so I recommend starting your ceremony no later than approximately 2.5 – 3 hours before sunset.
HOW LONG DO FAMILY PHOTOS TAKE?
A standard family photo list takes about 15 minutes. If you have a larger family you will need to allow more time. This takes much longer than you think so make sure you allocate family member from each side who can rally the troops!
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME FOR PORTRAITS?
The best time for any photos is about 1 hour before sunset. You would be surprised just how much light affects the final result of images. Late afternoon light is the best, it means softer shadows and even skin tones.
HOW MUCH TIME DO WE NEED FOR WEDDING PORTRAITS?
Ideally I would have 45 minutes for bride and groom portraits, plus about 20-30 minutes for bridal party (depending on the size of the bridal party). This is a comfortable amount, however, it can be squeezed if needed to.
SUMMER WEDDING TIMELINE EXAMPLE
This wedding day timeline is based on a summer wedding and sunset 7.30pm. It assumes each part of the day is within close proximity of each other, so you will need to adjust it accordingly. I encourage you to work with your venue and caterer for all reception timings. I just ask for a minimum of 15 minutes be set aside for sunset photos.
PHOTOGRAPHER ARRIVES AT BOYS
12:30pm
PHOTOGRAPHER ARRIVES AT GIRLS
1:30pm
BRIDES MAKE UP COMPLETE
1:30pm
BRIDE GETS INTO WEDDING DRESS
2 – 2:30pm
CEREMONY
4 – 4:30pm
POST CEREMONY CONGRATULATIONS
4:30 – 5pm
FAMILY PORTRAITS & COCKTAIL HOUR
5 – 5:30pm
BRIDAL PARTY PORTRAITS
5:30 – 6pm
BRIDE & GROOM PORTRAITS
6 – 6:30pm
RECEPTION ENTRY
6:30pm
MC WELCOME
6:35pm
SPEECHES & FIRST COURSE
6:40pm
SUNSET PORTRAITS
7:10 – 7:30pm
MAIN COURSE
7:35pm
TOASTS
8:15pm
CAKE CUTTING
8:25pm
FIRST DANCE
8:30pm
RECEPTION FINISHES
11 – 12pm
WINTER WEDDING TIMELINE EXAMPLE
This wedding day timeline is based on a winter wedding and sunset at 5.30pm. It assumes each part of the day is within close proximity of each other, so you will need to adjust it accordingly. I encourage you to work with your venue and caterer for all reception timings.
PHOTOGRAPHER ARRIVES AT BOYS
11am
PHOTOGRAPHER ARRIVES AT GIRLS
12pm
BRIDES MAKE UP COMPLETE
12pm
BRIDE GETS INTO WEDDING DRESS
12:30 – 1pm
CEREMONY
2:30 – 3pm
POST CEREMONY CONGRATULATIONS
3 – 3:30pm
FAMILY PORTRAITS & COCKTAIL HOUR
3:30 – 4pm
BRIDAL PARTY PORTRAITS
4 – 4:30pm
BRIDE & GROOM PORTRAITS
4:30 – 5:30pm
RECEPTION ENTRY
5:30pm
BRIDAL PARTY ENTRANCE
5:45pm
MC WELCOME & FIRST COURSE
5:50pm
SPEECHES
6:30pm
MAIN COURSE
6:45pm
MORE SPEECHES
7:30pm
TOASTS & CAKE CUTTING
7:45pm
FIRST DANCE
8pm
RECEPTION FINISHES
11pm
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