TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR WEDDING DAY TIMELINE

A wedding is a whirlwind of events, gone in the blink of an eye. If you are looking to effectively plan out your wedding day with your wedding coordinator or fiance, here’s a look at a typical wedding timeline from a photography point of view to help you when you're working on  that pesky time schedule.


PHOTOGRAPHER STARTING TIME: Always remember to keep in mind the starting time of your photographer. Usually this is about 2 to 2.5 hours before your ceremony, depending on your chosen collection.


VENUE & DECOR SHOTS: 
  • This usually takes us about 20 - 30 minutes and we like to do this when we just arrive at the venue.
  • It really will help your photographer if your reception area is finished and ready to be photographed at least an hour before your photographer arrives. 
  • If your florist/stylist is unable to have this done so early, please ask them to have at least one table ready for the photographer to take some detail photographs.

BRIDE PREPARATION:
  • We usually come through to the Bride about 1,5 - 2 hours before the ceremony. By this time your make-up artist should be busy with finishing touches. Please be strict with your make-up artist and hair stylist to aim to be finished at least 1,5 hours before we have to leave for the ceremony. I'm sure you'd love to have your preparation photos done when you have make-up on so that you look your best in the photos. Try to have your make-up done in an area with a lot of light.
  • Ask your Bridesmaids to put all your accessories you'd like to have photographed together for the photographer to photograph as soon as they arrive.
  • Be sure that the room is neat and tidy and has some good light! 
  • Plan for your Bridesmaids to already be dressed and ready by the time your photographer arrives. By being ready early it also means that you can have some gorgeous shots of yourself getting into your dress with all your bridesmaids dressed and looking great.
  • If you want some special photographs with your mom and dad, be sure to let the photographer know as this is a great time to do it.



GROOM PREPARATION:
  • Have your details you'd like to have photographed ready. This includes your cologne, watch, shoes, jacket etc. Groom preparation photographs usually take about 20 - 30 minutes.
  • Make sure you have showered and are ready to get dressed when the photographer arrives.
  • Ask your Groomsmen to be ready to be photographed before the photographer arrives so that as many portraits as possible can be taken before the ceremony. 
  • Once these photos are done the guys can take off their jackets and relax a little.

CEREMONY:
  • Always make sure with your minister or officiant if there are any restrictions with regards to photography (e.g. no flash) and let your photographer know as soon as possible.
  • When planning the time that your ceremony will take place, take into consideration again what time the sun will set. You really don't want to rush your whole day in order to catch the last bit of light for your couple shoot.

FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHS:
  • This part of the day usually takes us about 20 - 25 minutes if all goes smoothly.
  • Immediate family takes the focus during this time.

BRIDAL PARTY:
  • This will take between 15 - 20 minutes.
  • Your photographer should take as many photos as possible of the bride & her bridesmaids and groom & his groomsmen before the ceremony, so that some formal photographs of the bridesmaids & groomsmen together can be taken during this time.

COUPLE PHOTOGRAPHS:
  • You really want to plan your day so that your creative couple session can be done in the best light possible.
  • Creative couple shoots take around 1 to 1,5 hours, so it is a good idea to take a look at the light during the season that your wedding is in, and plan from that. Ensure that you discuss this with your photographer.
  • A good tip is to also check the weather before your big day. If rain is forecast, throw in a few umbrellas to make some fun photographs.


When putting your schedule together, keep in mind how long you have booked your photographer for, and what is included in your chosen collection.

RECEPTION:
  • Try to have all your formalities (speeches, dances, bouquet and garter toss etc) completed at least 45 minutes before the photographer's time ends. 
  • A good tip is to cut the cake before opening the dance floor.
  • By getting all your formalities out of the way as quickly as possible, it gives time for everyone to relax and have fun. Keep in mind that if you run over schedule, the photographers will have to charge extra.

Good luck with your wedding planning!
If you'd like any more information on planning your day, please let me know. I hope this has helped a little bit.


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