Wedding Day Timeline Planning
There’s a lot that goes into planning the timeline for your wedding day which is why we highly recommend hiring a planner to make sure you don’t miss anything. However, there are also a few things to keep in mind when it comes to photographing the day in accordance to a timeline. Keeping these things in mind will help your day go smoother and allow for your photographer to capture all the photos they need to tell the story of your wedding day.
Getting Ready
The day of course starts with everyone getting ready. From the bride and bridesmaids who are going through hair and makeup, to all that needs to be setup. This is a great time to capture the bride and groom hanging out with their friends and details of the day.
30 minutes before the photographer arrives: all bridesmaids and groomsmen should be at the venue and close to photo ready.
2 hours prior to the ceremony: Photographer arrives to begin capturing the day. All photographers have their own way of doing things, but here’s what we prefer to do prior to the ceremony.
- Detail photos of the decor and any items the bride and groom may have set aside.
Tip: have bridal detail items such as wedding rings, jewelry, garter, shoes, invitations, bouquet, dress, veil and any other sentimental items ready to go in a box. Your photographer will be looking for these items first thing to capture the flat lays you often see!
- If you are opting for a first look, this is the time! We will do this shortly after I arrive so there is plenty of time to capture it and still have time before the ceremony.
- When possible, we like to get wedding party photos done prior to the ceremony. This includes the bride with her bridesmaids, groom with his groomsmen and the entire wedding party if a first look is done!
- Once the wedding party is tucked away, I will head to the reception area to capture finished photos of the setup! If this timing doesn’t work, we also sneak in right after the ceremony to take a few before letting any of the guests in.
My goal is to have the entire wedding party done with any photos 30 minutes prior to the ceremony so that you all can hang for a few more quiet minutes as guests arrive.
Ceremony
Planning your ceremony time, especially when outside is important when considering photos both during and after the ceremony.
1 and half hours before sunset: ceremony begins! Your ceremony will normally last between 20-30 minutes giving you just the perfect amount of time for family and golden hour photos after.
Immediately after ceremony: formal family photos will take place. Having a list of names for your photographer here is key to getting them done quickly! I have a shot list that helps makes thing flow smoothly here and makes sure everyone gets the photos they were hoping for. If a first look was not done, wedding party photos will also fall into this time.
Right at sunset: romantic golden hour photos with the newlyweds.
The suggested timeline above is based on 8 hours of coverage when the ceremony and reception are in the same location.
Tips For Your Wedding Day Photos
- I am ALWAYS up to sneak out of the reception and capture more photos. We can have some fun with night shots and give you two the moment to take a breather away from your guests!
- Remember to feed your vendors! We suggest that your photo and video team eat after the couple and wedding party has been served. This allows us to be ready for whenever the reception traditions begin!
- What should you use for your grand exit? First off, your venue could have some rules for this so make sure to check with them. However, we have seen sparklers, glow sticks, ribbons and bubbles and have loved them all!
Vendors
Venue: Canyonwood Ridge
Planning/Coordination: Tiny Pines Events
Photographer/Videographer: Witte Idea