The Perfect Wedding Timeline: How Much Photography Do We Need?
A well-planned wedding timeline is crucial because it allows you to enjoy your day without feeling rushed or chaotic. It makes all the difference between having ample time to relax and truly savor every moment versus feeling like you’re being hurried from one activity to the next which is not always enjoyable.
As wedding photographers, we excel at capturing your special moments smoothly and efficiently, but a solid timeline is crucial for making that happen.
Your timeline directly impacts what we can capture. For example, if romantic sunset photos with your significant other is a priority, that should be a timeline item we discuss. If you want candid moments with friends and family at cocktail hour, that’s a timeline decision, too. A reasonable timeline ensures we focus on what matters most to you, allowing us to capture those essential moments throughout the day.
Every couple is unique, so what constitutes essential moments can vary. However, some moments are universally significant. The people gathered to celebrate you—friends and family from both sides of your lives—are a big part of your wedding day. Capturing these connections is vital in our storytelling. Photos of you two on your wedding day create memories that will last forever. Looking back on those moments 10, 15, or 20 years down the line and remembering how much fun you had is an essential part of wedding photography.
When time is tight, prioritizing is key. I often joke that I’m never in the wrong location if I’m with the bride. If there’s a choice between capturing social moments or doing sunset portraits versus photographing inanimate objects like tablescapes and centerpieces, I’ll always choose the former. If those detail shots are important to you, communicate that to us as your wedding photographer, but know that the most meaningful moments are often with the people you love.
Getting ready photos can vary both in importance and significance. Sometimes, they involve arriving just before the dress goes on for those final hair and makeup touches. Other times, the bride wants to capture the entire morning in pajamas with her girls sipping on mimosas & having a dance party. As a photographer, I schedule time for details of your wedding accessories. Typically, arriving an hour before the dress goes on or an hour and a half before the first look is good timing to allow those special details that you have purchased to be a part of your wedding day.
The first look is a special moment when you as a couple can enjoy some “space” to enjoy together. With 20-30 minutes set aside for this, it is essential to capture those special moments for you as a couple to discuss things on your mind or heart and start to enjoy the day together versus playing hide and seek. It rarely takes that long, but the logistics of getting a dress on and reaching the first look location can take longer than expected. This buffer ensures you can take your time and enjoy the moment without feeling rushed. For additional couple’s portraits, 30 minutes later in the day is ideal, which we will usually find time during wedding party photos, along with a possibility of a sunset. I can create beautiful images quickly… even in 10-15 minutes, I can still make magic for those special moments.
Family and wedding party photos can take a lot of time. Immediate family pairings can be completed in around 30 minutes. Additional or extended family pairings will require some extra time. We will discuss this during our connection meeting: family portraits and dynamics. Bridal party photos are more fun and engaging, allowing for creative and candid shots. Setting aside about 30 minutes for these makes them an enjoyable part of your day both for you as a couple because who doesn’t want fun with friends, and for them as your support team the day of the wedding.
Ceremony coverage depends on the length and structure of your ceremony, but it is typically straightforward. Reception coverage varies, but a typical nine-hour wedding day usually covers partial getting ready to about an hour of open dancing. If you anticipate your friends and family will be lively and the dancing will be a highlight, more dance floor coverage can be added.
Buffer time in your wedding day timeline is crucial. Although it may seem unnecessary, this extra time allows for relaxation, conversation, and spontaneous moments. Buffer time ensures you can enjoy your day without rushing from event to event. It also helps your brain process and remember the day more clearly.
Unexpected delays happen. As wedding professionals, we’re equipped to handle them gracefully. The planner, videographer, photographer, florist, and DJ have all regularly experienced shifting timelines. We aim to keep your day smooth and enjoyable, making up lost time where possible. For photographers, this often means speeding up family and wedding party photos. I intentionally build a natural buffer into these moments to help us stay on track and help curate your wedding day timeline because of these unexpected expected delays.
Effective and clear communication with your photographer is crucial. Let me know your priorities for the day. If candid photos of friends are more important than formal portraits, please share them. If details are your priority, discuss whether a second photographer is needed. About a month before their wedding, I send a questionnaire to all my couples to gather their preferences and work with the planner (if you’ve hired, not required) to finalize the timeline,
Sample 9-Hour Timeline: 4:30 PM Ceremony, 6:00 PM Dinner
12:00 PM – Photographer arrives - details (dress, rings, shoes, etc)
12:30 PM - The wedding party gets dressed
1:15 PM – Bride gets dressed with final touches
2:00 PM – First look with couple & candids with couple
2:30 PM – Wedding party photos with couple
3:30 PM – Family photos with couple
4:30 PM – Ceremony coverage
5:00 PM – Cocktail hour candid shots
5:45 PM - Reception - grand entrance
5:50 PM - First Dance
6:00 PM – Dinner
7:15 PM – Toasts & Speeches
8:00 PM – Specialty dances - parents, anniversary, etc
8:30 PM – Open dance floor coverage
9:00 PM – Photographer wraps up
Sample 10-Hour Timeline: 4:00 PM Ceremony, 6:00 PM Dinner
11:00 AM – Photographer arrives - details (dress, rings, shoes, etc)
11:45 AM - The wedding party gets dressed
12:15 PM – Bride gets dressed with final touches
1:00 PM – First look with couple & candids with couple
1:45 PM – Wedding party photos with couple
3:00 PM – Family photos with couple
4:00 PM – Ceremony coverage.
5:00 PM – Cocktail hour candid shots.
5:45 PM - Reception - grand entrance
5:50 PM - First Dance
6:00 PM – Dinner
7:15 PM – Toasts & Speeches
8:00 PM – Specialty dances - parents, anniversary, etc
8:30 PM – Open dance floor coverage
9:00 PM – Photographer wraps up
Remember, your wedding day does not have to look or feel like anyone else’s. Spend time with your significant other to create a list of priorities for your wedding day. With those priorities in mind, we can create a timeline around them to ensure a relaxed and fun day.
Communicate your preferences clearly and early, and we’ll work together to make your day phenomenal. By planning through clear communication, we’ll ensure that your wedding day is beautiful, enjoyable, and memorable for everyone involved.