I have written a guide to help you plan your wedding day timeline and get the most out of your photographer and photos. It includes guidelines on how much time I need to photograph each part of the day perfectly, sample timelines for summer and winter months, as well as timing tips when planning things such as hair and make up. Each wedding is different, so this guide is here to serve as as a starting point, with the idea that we work together to tailor a timeline that best suits your needs and requirements for day. Happy wedding planning!
PHOTOGRAPHY TIME GUIDE
Below is a guideline of the approximate time we will need for each part of the day. I will work with you to help create a schedule to ensure we're able to document everything perfectly.
Groom - getting ready
FAMILY PHOTOS
1 hour
30 mins
BRIDE - GETTING READY
WEDDING PARTY PHOTOS
1.5 hours
15 - 30 mins
CEREMONY DECOR
COUPLES PORTRAIT PHOTOS
10 mins
30 mins - 1 hour
RECEPTION DECOR
CEREMONY
15 mins
30 mins
RECEPTION
CONGRATULATIONS POST CEREMONY
All night baby!
30 mins
WEDDING PLANNING TIMELINE TIPS
WHEN SHOULD MY HAIR AND MAKE UP BE FINISHED?
Wedding hair and makeup should be finished no later than a 1.5 hours before you have to leave for the ceremony. This will allow me time to photograph you putting on your dress, doing last minute touch ups, bridal and bridal party portraits, and any other group shots you would like with family.
WHEN SHOULD I GET INTO MY WEDDING DRESS?
A little over 1 hour before you want to leave for the ceremony. This always takes longer than you think!
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME FOR A WEDDING CEREMONY IN SUMMER?
For weddings between September to April, I recommend scheduling your ceremony after 3pm. It is best to avoid the hours between 10am and 2pm as the light is harsh and shadows are strong.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME FOR A WEDDING CEREMONY IN WINTER?
For weddings between May to August, the sun disappears early, so I recommend starting your ceremony no later than approximately 2.5 - 3 hours before sunset.
HOW LONG DO FAMILY PHOTOS TAKE?
A standard family photo list takes about 30 minutes. If you have a larger family you will need to allow more time. This takes much longer than you think so make sure you allocate family member from each side who can rally the troops!
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME FOR PORTRAITS?
The best time for any photos is about 1 hour before sunset. You would be surprised just how much light affects the final result of images. Late afternoon light is the best, it means softer shadows and even skin tones.
HOW MUCH TIME DO WE NEED FOR WEDDING PORTRAITS?
Ideally I would have 1 hour for bride and groom portraits, plus about 30 minutes for bridal party photos. This is a comfortable amount, however, it can be halved if you are absolutely squeezed for time and there isn't much travel involved.
SUMMER WEDDING TIMELINE EXAMPLE
This wedding day timeline is based on a summer wedding and sunset 7.30pm. It assumes each part of the day is within close proximity of each other, so you will need to adjust it accordingly. I encourage you to work with your venue and caterer for all reception timings. I just ask for a minimum of 15 minutes be set aside for sunset photos.
FAMILY PORTRAITS & COCKTAIL HOUR
SUNSET PORTRAITS
PHOTOGRAPHER ARRIVES at boyS
5 - 5:30pm
7:10 - 7:30pm
12:30pm
BRIDAL PARTY PORTRAITS
MAIN COURSE
PHOTOGRAPHER ARRIVES AT GIRLS
5:30 - 6pm
7:35pm
1:30pm
TOASTS
BRIDE & GROOM PORTRAITS
BRIDES MAKE UP COMPLETE
8:15pm
6 - 6:30pm
1:30pm
CAKE CUTTING
RECEPTION ENTRY
BRIDE GETS INTO WEDDING DRESS
8:25pm
6:30pm
2 - 2:30pm
FIRST DANCE
MC WELCOME
CEREMONY
8:30pm
6:35pm
4 - 4:30pm
SPEECHES & FIRST COURSE
RECEPTION FINISHES
POST CEREMONY CONGRATULATIONS
6:40pm
11 - 12pm
4:30 - 5pm
WINTER WEDDING TIMELINE EXAMPLE
This wedding day timeline is based on a winter wedding and sunset at 5.30pm. It assumes each part of the day is within close proximity of each other, so you will need to adjust it accordingly. I encourage you to work with your venue and caterer for all reception timings.
FAMILY PORTRAITS & COCKTAIL HOUR
SPEECHES
PHOTOGRAPHER ARRIVES at boyS
3:30 - 4pm
6:30pm
11am
BRIDAL PARTY PORTRAITS
MAIN COURSE
PHOTOGRAPHER ARRIVES AT GIRLS
4 - 4:30pm
6:45pm
12pm
MORE SPEECHES
BRIDE & GROOM PORTRAITS
BRIDES MAKE UP COMPLETE
7:30pm
4:30 - 5:30pm
12pm
RECEPTION ENTRY
TOASTS & CAKE CUTTING
BRIDE GETS INTO WEDDING DRESS
7:45pm
5:30pm
12:30 - 1pm
BRIDAL PARTY ENTRANCE
FIRST DANCE
CEREMONY
5:45pm
8pm
2:30 - 3pm
MC WELCOME & FIRST COURSE
RECEPTION FINISHES
POST CEREMONY CONGRATULATIONS
5:50pm
11pm
3 - 3:30pm
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