Unraveling the Mystery of Your Wedding Day Timeline

Tailoring your wedding day timeline is an art, and flexibility is the key to success. The size of your wedding and the desired family portraits can influence the duration of each segment. Embrace this uniqueness, and rest assured, I'm here to adapt to your individual needs.

 

Insider Tips for a Smooth Day

1. Schedule Hair and Makeup Early:

• Begin these sessions early in the day to allow for unexpected delays and ensure everyone is camera-ready when we arrive for finishing touches.

2. Hire a Coordinator:

• Consider the invaluable support of a wedding coordinator to manage logistics, letting you focus on the joyous moments while we capture them.

3. Prepare a Details Box:

• Have a box of essential details ready for us, ensuring efficient capture of key elements like rings, invitation suites, and other meaningful items.

4. Inform Family Members:

• Ensure family members involved in photos are aware of the schedule, avoiding unnecessary delays through clear communication.

5. Discuss Ceremony Length:

• Have a conversation with your officiant about the desired ceremony length to help us plan subsequent events in your timeline.

6. Plan for Buffers:

• Incorporate buffers into your timeline to accommodate unexpected moments or delays, ensuring a stress-free day.

7. Create a Priority List:

• Develop a priority list to identify non-negotiable elements, facilitating quick decisions if adjustments are necessary.

8. Extended Family Photos During the Reception:

• Consider saving extended family photos for the reception, capturing moments with cousins, friends, or distant relatives.

9. Utilize the Questionnaire:

• Complete the questionnaire we provide, detailing family groupings and essential information to keep us organized.

 

Your Day, Your Way

Remember, these tips are designed to enhance your experience, not dictate it. Your wedding day is a unique expression of your love, and our goal is to seamlessly weave your story into every photograph. Embrace the journey, trust in the planning, and let us capture the magic of your once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

Sample Timeline: A Closer Look

For a more detailed understanding of how your day could unfold, consider this sample timeline:

12:00 PM: Begin getting ready and detail photos (tail end)

1:00 PM: Bride gets dressed (photos)

1:30 PM: First looks and couple photos

2:30 PM: Wedding party photos & some family

3:00 PM: Freshen up and chill (buffer)

3:30 PM: Ceremony

4:00 PM: Cocktail hour / any remaining photos

4:45 PM: Join cocktail hour or freshen up

5:00 PM: Grand Entrance & Dinner

6:00 PM: Speeches, first dance

6:45 PM: 10-minute sunset session

7:00 PM: Cake cutting, bouquet & garter toss

7:30 PM: Dance party

8:00 PM: Grand exit (Could be a mock exit)

 

The Photographer's Perspective

Crafting your timeline is no easy feat, especially if you're navigating it for the first time. As your experienced guide, let me share some crucial insights from a photography perspective to make this process smoother for you.

 

Coverage Options and Timelines

Deciding on coverage is a pivotal step. Here's a quick recap:

• 10-Hour Package: Comprehensive coverage for the entire day.
• 8-Hour Package: Extended coverage with flexibility on either end.
• 6-Hour Package: Focused coverage on main events only.

 

Insider Tips for Time Management

To ensure you get the most out of your chosen package, consider the following:

1. Consider a Mock Exit:

• If opting for a shorter package, a staged exit can provide a great alternative, all guests will still be around to participate and you can think of it as a fun photo op vs a true exit whether it involves confetti, sparklers, or bubbles!

2. Think About a First Look:

• While not mandatory, a first look can be a game-changer. It provides extra time for portraits and bridal party photos, all while offering a private moment before the ceremony. In my experience this does not usually take away from the magic at the ceremony.

 

How Much Time Do We Really Need?

In a perfect world, allowing at least an hour for couple photos is ideal. Here's a breakdown of typical time requirements for various photo ops:

• Photographing details and getting ready: 1-2 hours
• Bride getting dressed: 15-20 minutes
• Each first look: 10-15 minutes
• Couple photos: 45-60 minutes
• Bridal party photos: 30 minutes
• Family portraits: 30 minutes
• Sunset photos: 10-15 minutes
• Grand exit: 10-15 minutes

Remember, these are approximate times and can vary based on the size and preferences of your wedding.

 

Final Thoughts