To ensure that your photographer captures EVERY important moment of your wedding day, you will want to consult with them as you create your timeline.
I confess that I had no idea that this was even a thing before I started shooting weddings! And I also admit that in the early days, I did learn the hard way just how critical a clear timeline is. The last thing you need at your wedding is your photographer scrambling like a lunatic because they are not present to what is about to happen!
So now I work with my couples to support them in coming up with a timeline for their day. From when the makeup artist arrives to when to light the sparklers for their Ceremony exit!
Here’s a few super important times to work out with your photographer:
1. Bride getting ready, minimum 2 hours
The getting ready part of your day is a HUGE opportunity to capture some really awesome shots. You are finally about to tie the knot, after months and months of anticipation and planning! The excitement, the butterflies, the love. It’s all on high alert and I get in there with you and document the hell out of it!
Some people want me to get the artsy styled detail shots, some prefer the documentary non-styled wedding-dress-on-the-body-not-the-coat-hanger shots.
The final touches to the hair and makeup are a precursor to the Big Moment when the Bride dons her dress. (I do spend 10 minutes with just the Bride for a mini-boudoir shoot at this point. You will be very thankful for these images in the years to come, I guarantee it!)
This is a great opportunity to do a reveal, for your bridesmaids, parents, grandparents, whomever you choose.
** Very important tip **
Be sure to have clear communication with your other vendors with a by when they are to be finished. I’ve had a few very frustrating experiences of hair and makeup starting too late and impacting Bride reveal and portrait timelines.
2. Groom getting ready, 1 hour
The timing for this is dependant on where the Groom will be getting dressed. Sometimes a 2nd photographer is required if the distance precludes my covering both parties getting ready. This is a conversation to have with your photographer as it will involve a further charge.
Allow a minimum of 1 hour for the detail shots, Groom portraiture plus shots with his groomsmen and family.
3. First Look, 30 minutes
While not everyone will go for the First Look idea, I do strongly promote it to my couples, it is so very special and intimate. (I have written a another Blog with all the reasons why, you can check it out here!)
4. Group shots, 20 - 30 minutes
This time can be a bit chaotic without some careful preparation. Be sure to have a clear list of the groups you want captured along with a designated (and bossy!) person to assist with herding the way-worse-than-cats people! A microphone is also an excellent idea.
This is the time to get the ‘must have’ shots with your Grandparents and your other fav people, with a list they will not be forgotten.
5. Bridal Shoot, 1.5 - 2 hours
This is such a fun part of your day, the scary bit is done, the adrenalin is still running high and now you get to start the party! And this is where your photographer will bring all their experience and dedication to their craft. Every wedding party shoot has a unique setting with it’s own particular lighting challenges so just trust your photographer, they will do absolutely everything possible to use the light and surroundings to deliver images you love.
If you did a First Look earlier in the proceedings, this will take some pressure off the Bride & Groom portraiture shots though I still make sure I spend a minimum of 45 minutes of this time with couple alone. There is no such thing as having too many gorgeous couple shots!
6. Bride & Groom's entrance to Ceremony
You will defs want the cool shots of you and your favourite human, finally hitched, entering your Reception to the roar of the crowd!
7. Sunset, 15 minutes
Often your Reception till have already cranked into gear before the sun sets so it is super important to allow for a quick shoot at this magical time of day. You have paid your hard earned to your Photographer and your wedding day happens only once! Capture the gorgeous, romantic vibe that only a sunset can provide.
This is also an awesome excuse to have 15 minutes alone together to catch your breath and shower each other with the love that will be VERY present by now!!
8. All things Reception! 2 - 3 hours
There are cakes to cut, dance floors to cut up and so much more! For those moments that are important to you, be sure to highlight them to your photographer. I am on high alert, ready for action and with an eye on my couple the whole time. Things can happen that make for an awesome shot and your photographer needs to be ready to pounce!
Happy planning Lovers ❣️
