Organizing the timeline can be the most intimidating part of wedding planning. No stress…I’ve done it for you!! I know this isn’t the most fun part of the wedding planning, but it can make or break your photography!
I have outlined an ideal wedding day working with a 6pm ceremony time frame and 8 hours of coverage. This also includes the First Look. 90% of my couples choose to do a First Look. Remember, all wedding days will be a bit different due to travel times and unique situations.
BRIDAL DETAILS
2:30 – 3:15
Every bride should have gorgeous shots of her bridal details. It’s an important part of your love story and I am always grateful to have some time to shoot the dress, shoes, jewelry, invitations, etc. These photos help me to get warmed up for the rest of the wedding day. While I’m taking these photos, I will also grab some shots of the bride and her girls getting ready. If the groom is getting ready nearby I’ll swing in and get some photos of him as well.
BRIDAL PREP
3:15-3:45
It’s time for the bride to put on her dress! I usually ask the mother of the bride and all the bridesmaids to be dressed by the time the bride is ready to get in her dress. That makes sure everyone looks their best when we take these photos.
FIRST LOOK
4:00
This is one of my favorite parts of the entire day! I will find the best location for the First Look that is private, secluded and beautiful. Don’t stress about that at all!
PORTRAITS
4:15-4:45
After the First Look I’ll take a few portraits of the couple while the emotions are still high! I will find the best locations for these photos as well. Remember, the LIGHT determines where we shoot so I won’t be able to select a location until the day of the wedding.
BRIDAL PARTY PORTRAITS
4:50 – 5:20
One way to stay right on schedule is to have someone put the boutonnieres on the men BEFORE they arrive for portraits. We will get great shots of the guys and girls both separately AND together.
BRIDE IN HIDING
5:30-6:00
After the bridal party photos are finished, the bride will hide so that early guests don’t see her dress.
RECEPTION DETAILS
5:30-5:50
This is when I can take photos of the reception decor UNTOUCHED before guests start laying coats on their seats.
CEREMONY
6:00-6:30
Most ceremonies are less than 30 minutes long. Enjoy the moments!!
FAMILY PORTRAITS
6:40-7:10
The best time for family formals is right after the ceremony, since all of your family is in one spot. We will need about 30 minutes for these photos, and I will send a questionnaire before the wedding to make sure we are on the same page about which photos you want me to take. I recommend shooting the photos outside!
“JUST MARRIED” PORTRAITS
7:15-7:30
This time of the day is so perfect for romantic, glowy images. This is when the sun is exactly where we want it to be. I LOVE having a few extra minutes with the bride and groom to get these “running into the sunset” portraits.
RECEPTION BEGINS
7:30
The bridal party will line up for the grand entrance and the party begins!
THE EXIT
10:30
If you want your exit photographed, there are a few different options. I suggest planning a controlled exit with just your bridal party about 1.5 hrs into your reception.
APPROXIMATE TIMES:
DETAILS & PREP : 1.5 HOURS
FIRST LOOK & PORTRAITS : 30-40 MINS
BRIDAL PARTY : 30-40 MINS
FAMILY FORMALS : 20-30 MINS
(LDS Brides, see timelines built with your Temple Sealing in mind.)
