Wedding Day Timeline
Wedding magazines and blogs share sample timelines for a typical wedding day. They're often shown based on a 6-hour or an 8-hour wedding. These timelines don't take into account your priorities or preferences. They're great for general planning purposes, but it's best to work with your preferred vendors to prioritize what's most important to you and allocate time to the areas of the day that matter the most to you.
How much time do I need for photography?
On your wedding day, you will probably want photos of everything! From candid shots of wedding accessories such as shoes and rings, to genuine and natural portraits, and pictures of the wedding venue. However, it’s essential to remember that taking these photographs requires time, so plan ahead to capture the important memories you want to preserve. I work with my couples to create a timeline that ensures all the important details are captured on camera. Here are a few tips for allowing enough time for everything you want photographed.
Rings, Bling, and Pretty Little Things
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Although I specialize in candid and emotional photos of people, I also want to capture all the accessories and details of your special day. If you paid for it, I shoot it!
In order to get beautiful shots of the wedding rings lying on the table, the bride’s dress hanging before you put it on, or the bridal bouquet, you need to plan for it. It’s best to have these photos taken early before the mayhem begins. Have these items ready and waiting for your photographer to arrive. I generally spend 15-20 minutes on these details.
Preparation
If you’d like to have photos taken as you get your makeup done and get dressed, I suggest giving your photographer at least an hour to take these photos. These will be some of the most emotional images, highlighting the anticipation of what’s to come. This is also the most common time when things run behind schedule. You want to be sure you have enough time to capture it, so it’s best to add more time than you think you’ll need. Add an additional 30 minutes to capture the guys, not including travel time between locations.
Romantic Portraits
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It’s best for the bride and groom to have their romantic portraits taken right after they have prepped and gotten dressed. Not only is this a great time because the bride’s makeup and hair are fresh, but it also guarantees that a variety of portraits are created. The cocktail hour does not allow much time for family portraits, bridal party photos, and romantic portraits. The couple is often rushed and surrounded by people, which makes it hard to relax and be intimate. Once the reception begins, it will be hard to pull you or your spouse away to get additional portraits. Regardless of whether you do a first look or wait until after the ceremony, for portraits, you should allow at least 30 minutes to capture romantic portraits of you and your new spouse. If you want a fashion magazine look, allow at least an hour. This is the number one area that suffers when things run behind schedule.
Pre- and Post-Ceremony Buffer
No matter how perfectly things are running, we always pause portraits at least 30 minutes before the ceremony begins, finished or not. You’ll want that time to freshen up, hide from guests as they arrive, and simply breathe. After the ceremony, expect to wait another 10–15 minutes while guests clear the space and we gather your family and wedding party for formal portraits. Plan for at least 45 minutes around the ceremony when formal portraits are on pause, though candid moments can still be captured during that time. Building in this buffer helps the rest of the day feel less rushed and more relaxed.
Reception And Venue Details
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Most brides spend a lot of time picking out the perfect reception décor, only to never see it firsthand. The best way to capture its beauty is before the guests enter. This means you need to allow enough time to complete family portraits, wedding party portraits, and your romantic couple portraits, especially if you’re not having a first look before the guests arrive at the reception. Having a second photographer is the best way to do this without extending cocktail hour beyond an hour. If time allows, I will bring you into the space to photograph your reaction and some quick portraits. I'd plan 20-30 minutes if this is on your must-have list.
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Keep in mind that I only shared some time estimates for key moments based on my experience as a documentary-style wedding photographer, but this isn’t a full rundown of your entire day. If you’re still unsure how everything fits together, let’s talk it through and create a timeline that reflects your desires and priorities.
