Wedding Photography Timeline- How To Make Your Ideal Timeline

 

All weddings are different! So making a wedding photography timeline can drastically differ from what your cousin did last year at her wedding to what you should do at yours. Always remember you day is unique to you, your family, and guests. But there are typical guidelines that one must follow to make sure their wedding day runs smooth! A good photographer can pull great shots with any timeline, but here are some tips to make sure you give your photographer enough time to get all of the shots needed. As you start the process of making a timeline please reach out to me if you need help. Even if you want a laid back day a timeline that actually gives you the time to relax and soak in the day is what you need. When you go into it with the  we will go with the flow you will likely be disappointed. Its not that the whole day needs to be micro managed and feel like a flow of events from one photo aspect of the day to the next. But talking with me about your desires for the day will really help me guide you into the best timeline.

 

Note: Micro wedding/Small wedding advice at the bottom!

 

Transportation

Id first like to talk about transportation. Sometime Couples get limos or busses to transport their Wedding party. Depending on where the beginning and end of the route is for the bus/limo it is ideal that your photographers ride with you. This way they are not searching for parking when going to photo locations. Talk to your photographer to see if it’s best if they ride with you or on their own!

Detail Shots: Formal wear, cufflinks, dress, shoes, Lay flat images etc….

Capturing detail shots is typically the initial focus for your photographer in the beginning of the wedding day. It’s a wise strategy to arrange all your details the night before, allowing you to inform the photographer of their location in the morning, facilitating a swift start to the day. Alternatively, delegate this task to a member of the bridal party, given your preoccupied schedule. Consider asking your florist for additional greenery and flower clippings, especially for lay-flat shots (if you have a florist).

The getting-ready area may become crowded, prompting the photographer to relocate your dress and other details for photos. Allocating extra time at the beginning of the day for this process can significantly enhance the quality of the shots. Detail shots vary based on the number of elements you wish to capture. A more extensive collection requires more time. Even with limited time, your photographer can produce excellent images using simple set-up shots. However, if you desire a more elaborate detail shot featuring ribbons, stamps, extra florals, along with all your decor and stationary, additional time is essential. Prior to the wedding get out your stationary and save the dates so your photographer can use them in a layflat!

List of things that can be photographed:

• Dress
• Shoes
• Jewlery
• Cufflinks
• Bridal party gifts
• Stationary/ Invitations
• Gifts from the couples to one another
• Perfum and Cologne
• The rings
• Important keepsakes
• Hair pieces
• Family heirlooms

 

Time the photographer needs: 15-20 minutes for shoes, dress, small details . 30 minutes for shoes, dress, small details and stationary on a decorative set up done by the photographer.

Location: Home, hotel room, venue, church

Time: Morning or early afternoon

 

Getting Ready Photos

The wedding preparation marks the commencement of the significant day! Typically, women initiate their preparations early in the morning. During the initial stages of getting ready, the presence of photographers may not be as crucial. Usually, photographers arrive when the process of hairstyling and makeup application is underway or towards the end. As mentioned earlier, the focus is often on capturing detailed shots during these preparatory moments. Therefore, allowing time for both the preparatory steps and detail photography ensures the capture of dynamic and engaging morning shots.

In cases where your partner is getting ready at a different location and you desire photos of their preparation, it is advisable to consider hiring a second shooter. This ensures comprehensive coverage of both partners preparations, particularly when separate locations are involved. It can be challenging for a single photographer to navigate between distinct locations during the getting ready phase. If your partner’s preparation is occurring in the same hotel, venue, church, or home, one photographer can typically manage the coverage with the right amount of time between both. However, opting for a second shooter, if offered by your photographer, is highly recommended for enhanced documentation.

It’s essential to recognize that preferences for coverage during the preparation phase vary among individuals. Given that men often have a quicker getting-ready process, the option of staging or “faking” shots of the groom’s party getting ready can be considered if desired.

Time the photographer needs:  1 hour for females. 30-45 minutes for males (these times do not include the detail shots)

Location: Home, hotel room, venue, church

Time: Morning or early afternoon

 

Individual Portraits

Wedding days can be quite bustling, and as photographers, our goal is to efficiently accomplish tasks early on, allowing you to relish the remainder of the day without added photo-related stress. Typically, we aim to capture individual portraits immediately after the getting ready phase. This is also an opportune moment for group shots with members of your wedding party, enabling us to address some of those essential group photos right from the start.Also note you need to factor in the walk time to locations if heading outside. If you allocate 20 minutes for individual portraits and some wedding party shots it can take 10 minutes just to gather things, go down an elevator, walk 2 blocks to the desired location, etc… So also prep for this in the timeline. Its smart to think about these moments all through the day.

 

Time the photographer needs: 20-30  minutes

Location: Home, hotel room, venue, church, park, outside of the getting ready location

Time: Morning or early afternoon

 

The First Look/Before Ceremony Portraits

Some couples choose to embrace the concept of a first look, a delightful alternative that allows you to capture all your wedding party photos, couple portraits, and sometimes family formals before the ceremony begins. Many couples express gratitude after their wedding, emphasizing that having a first look was the highlight of their planning. Opting for a first look grants you ample time after the ceremony and family formals to simply savor the moments. While preserving the traditional essence of not seeing each other before the ceremony is a sentiment many hold dear, if you’re open to the idea of a first look, I highly recommend discussing this option with your photographer. It can be a wonderful addition to your wedding day, ensuring a smoother flow and more time to cherish the special moments without feeling rushed.

 

List of reasons I love first looks

1. Emotional Connection:
   • A first look provides an intimate and emotional moment for the couple to connect privately before the ceremony.
2. Calmer Atmosphere:
   • Seeing each other before the ceremony can help alleviate nerves, creating a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
3. Extended Photography Time:
   • Allows for more time to capture couple portraits, wedding party photos, and family formals, reducing the post-ceremony rush.
4. Natural Reactions:
   • Captures genuine and spontaneous reactions as the couple sees each other for the first time.
5. Maximized Daylight:
   • Utilizes natural daylight for photos, especially beneficial for outdoor ceremonies, and provides a wider range of lighting opportunities.
6. Private Moment:
   • Offers a private and personal moment for the couple away from the hustle and bustle of the wedding day.
7. Enjoyment of Reception:
   • Frees up time after the ceremony for the couple to fully enjoy their reception and spend more time with guests.
8. Reduced Stress:
   • Minimizes stress by front-loading photo sessions, allowing the couple to be fully present during the rest of the day.
9. Efficient Timeline:
   • Streamlines the wedding day timeline, ensuring a smoother flow of events.
10. More Photography Opportunities:
    • Provides additional opportunities for creative and unique photos without time constraints.
11. Memorable Experience:
    • Creates a memorable and special moment that the couple can cherish, adding a unique touch to their wedding day.
12. Flexibility in Locations:
    • Allows the couple to choose various locations for the first look, adding diversity to their photo album.
13. Opportunity for Reaction Photos:
    • Enables the photographer to capture not only the couple’s reaction but also the reactions of the wedding party, creating a comprehensive visual story.
14. Customization:
    • Offers the flexibility to customize the first look experience to match the couple’s preferences and style.
15. Enhanced Photo Quality:
    • Provides the opportunity for more thoughtful and composed photos, resulting in higher-quality images.
    • More Opportunities to work around bad weather.

 

Time the photographer needs: 5 minutes for first look alone, 30 minutes for the couples photos. If  doing the first look, couple portraits, and wedding party photos you can expect this time to be at least an hour. You can always try to do some family photos too!  Talk with your photographer to fine tune these ideas!

Location: Outside of the hotel, getting ready location,park or venue

Time: Morning or early afternoon

Ceremony Details

Wedding ceremonies boast a distinctive charm in their setup and adornments, particularly for those held outside of traditional church settings. Many non-church weddings feature an array of intricate details. Pittsburgh offers a diverse array of venues for tying the knot, and if you’ve adorned your wedding ceremony with unique touches, it’s essential to allocate time for your photographer to capture these details before attendees take their seats. In cases where the getting-ready location aligns with the reception venue, photographers often seize the opportunity to capture ceremony details and, if feasible, sneak into the reception area for photos. It’s beneficial to incorporate time in your schedule to allow your photographer the opportunity to document these nuanced elements. Additionally, during these moments, photographers frequently leverage second shooters to ensure comprehensive coverage of these intricate details.

 

Time the photographer needs: 15 minutes

Location: Church, venue

Time: Morning or afternoon

 

Receiving Lines And Special Exits

Opting for a receiving line after the ceremony is a choice made by some couples to express gratitude to all their guests upfront, eliminating the need for individual table visits during the reception. However, it’s crucial to allocate sufficient time for this gesture in your schedule. Receiving lines often consume more time than anticipated and can potentially disrupt the overall timeline. Therefore, it’s important to be mindful of this aspect when planning your schedule. Consider the number of guests in attendance when determining the appropriate time for the receiving line to ensure a smooth and unhurried experience for both you and your guests.

 

Time needed: 15-20 minutes

Location: Church, venue

Time:  Afternoon following the ceremony

 

Family Formals

Family formals typically follow the ceremony, and I strongly recommend scheduling them immediately afterward. It’s common for family members to disperse and engage in socializing, fueled by the excitement of the wedding. While many family members may be familiar with the process, there’s no harm in proactively communicating the details the night before at the rehearsal dinner. This includes outlining how family formals will be organized and where everyone should gather post-ceremony.

Having a knowledgeable bridal party member close by can be beneficial for ensuring everyone is attentive when the photographer calls out names. Another thing that is smart is to print out little papers that say “dont leave after the ceremony. You will be taking family photos with us.” Or you can be a modern person and have a family group text or email haha.   Your photographer will collaborate with you on a family shot list to establish a seamless order before commencing with the portraits. Additionally, it’s crucial to inform your photographer of any time constraints, especially if there’s a limited timeframe in the church or venue after the ceremony. This scenario often arises, especially in churches with subsequent weddings scheduled. In such cases, if time is tight, your photographer may prioritize capturing images of your immediate family.

 

Time needed:  up to 20 minutes for immediate families

Location: Church, venue

Time:  Afternoon following the ceremony

 

Extended Family Photos

 

For extended family photos you can use some of the advice like above. Its really smart to get these done after the ceremony since later in the day if alcohol is served at your wedding the family can start to disperse haha.

 

Time needed: up to 15 minutes

Location: Church, venue

Time:  Afternoon following the ceremony or at the reception

 

Wedding Party Photos

Efficient bridal party photos are possible when everyone is attentive. While weddings are a time for celebration, an overly intoxicated bridal party can pose challenges for smooth collaboration with photographers. Although photographers are adept at providing clear directions, it’s essential for the couple to ensure their photographer can take charge in such situations.

However, photographers are not babysitters, and the outcome of the photos may be influenced by the level of inebriation within the bridal party. Typically, allocating up to 30 minutes for bridal party photos is advisable, though this timeframe may vary if portraits were taken earlier in the day. It’s crucial to communicate with your photographer about your preferences.

Having a second shooter can expedite the process by splitting up groups, making the session more efficient. If your timeline allows flexibility, scheduling the bridal party photos.

 

Time needed: 30 minutes

Location: Venue, park, city, gardens etc…

Time:  Afternoon  to early evening

 

The Couple Portraits

Couple portraits are typically scheduled either concurrently with bridal party photos or immediately following, depending on the venue and various considerations. Personally, I prefer arranging couple portraits after the bridal party photos, as this timing often ensures a more serene atmosphere without the hustle and bustle (depending on the day’s schedule and layout). It’s a moment for the couple to catch their breath, potentially the first time they find themselves alone (apart from the ever-present photographer snapping away from a respectful distance!).

This tranquil interlude provides an ideal opportunity for capturing timeless photos, and it’s a phase where the couple can truly capitalize on the available time. It’s crucial to allocate a comfortable cushion of time to achieve the desired results.

Additionally, couples might want to explore the option of an “after wedding” session if their photographer offers it. This entails donning wedding attire once more for a dedicated session conducted on a different day. This approach minimizes the time spent on the wedding day itself and has gained popularity as a distinctive and enjoyable photo session.

 

Time needed: at least 30 minutes to 45 minutes

Location: Venue, park, city, overlooks, gardens etc…

Time:  Afternoon  to early evening

 

Reception Details

When you have a second shooter, this is typically the moment when they focus on capturing reception shots. If your venue and ceremony are in the same location, these shots are usually taken earlier in the day, especially if the reception setup is complete. During the cocktail hour, if available, your photographer can seize the opportunity to capture detail shots before guests settle in for introductions.

In cases where time is limited during the cocktail hour, photographers may opt to capture these details throughout the reception. However, it’s advisable to allocate dedicated time for either the main photographer or the second shooter to capture these shots before guests interact with the decor. This proactive approach ensures the preservation of the pristine state of the details and contributes to a more comprehensive coverage of the event.

Time needed: 15-20 minutes

Location: Venue

Time:  Early evening (generally)

 

The Sneak Away Portraits

 

These moments are among my personal favorites! Photographers often take a few minutes, either during sunset or in the evening, to capture unique photos. Since the photographer sets up and tests these shots while you’re enjoying the reception, the process is swift. A brief pause for a few photos, and before you realize it, you’re back on the dance floor, continuing the celebration.

 

Time needed: 5-10 minutes

Location: Venue

Time:  Evening

 

The Exit

 

The end of the wedding! It might go fast but you will have amazing photos to relive it all! Depending on how long you have your photographer you might plan an exit. Even if your photographer is leaving earlier than the end of the reception you can plan a “get away photo” anytime you want!  Just be sure to talk to your photographer about the planned exit so they can plan accordingly for lighting. Sparklers are popular but they can be hard to orchestrate by the photographers and staff. Guests are usually drunk and it usually causes some chaos. People have been burned so be mindful of the space you have to do these. There are lots of alternatives to sparklers. SOme other ideas are listed below.

 

Biodegradable Confetti or Petals

Bubbles

Glow Sticks

Ribbon Wands

Dried Leaves or Herbs

Miniature Flags

Vintage Car Exit

 

Exits are not a need just a thought.

 

Time needed: 5-15 minutes

Location: Venue

Time:  Late in the evening

 

 

*These suggested times are flexible and can provide you with a general idea of the timeline. It’s crucial to consider travel time between locations and factor in potential traffic issues. Additionally, check for any events or road closures in your city on the wedding day that could impact your schedule.

Engage in a conversation with your photographer to tailor the timeline to your needs. If you have a limo or bus, consider having your photographer ride with you to save time on parking, particularly in city settings where parking can be challenging.

For those with a videographer, coordinate with them regarding the timeline and required shots. Share the videographer’s details with your photographer before the wedding to facilitate smooth collaboration. Communication between the two ensures they can work seamlessly throughout the day, understanding each other’s requirements.

I trust these insights assist you in planning your significant day. Open communication with your photographer and careful planning will contribute to a stress-free wedding day, allowing you to fully enjoy the moments without concerns about capturing memorable photos!

To view more work from Courtney head to www.ctgphotography.net