Planning a wedding without a coordinator or planner? Overwhelmed at the thought of working out your timeline? No worries! Here is a sample timeline for you that can hopefully help as you plan your big day. Keep in mind most of this is photo-related and there are many factors that may change your timeline including whether or not you do a first look, have a separate ceremony and reception site, cultural or religious traditions, and the time of day of your wedding.
This timeline is based on a 6 hour wedding (my most popular package), with a 5:00 ceremony, at one venue and including a first look with the couple.
2:30 PM: Photographers Arrive – Getting Ready Photos
I typically arrive well before my designated start time to stash my bags, set up my gear and scout locations at the venue. Even if I have shot there before, it is nice to see if anything has changed, what the light is doing that day and, if shooting outdoors, what the light and landscape looks like. It is ideal to have the bride and bridesmaids in the last stages of hair and makeup, if not already done, that way I can photograph the dress and accessories, the bride and bridal party in any special outfits or robes, giving gifts, etc., and then capture the bride getting in her dress. I often tell my brides to be one of the first in the party to get hair and makeup done. I know you want your hair and makeup as fresh as possible, but trust me when I say that your stylist will do her best to make sure you look great all day. For the sake of time, its best to make sure the bride is ready before everyone else is. I have seen ceremonies get pushed more than an hour because the bride was not ready and the day simply can’t move forward without her.
At my own wedding, I was the last to get beautified and while my stylists stayed right on schedule, had I gotten ready earlier in the day, we could’ve done our first look sooner and enjoyed the impromptu cocktail party that broke out in my suite with our entire family and wedding party instead of being locked in a bathroom “hiding” from everyone until I was finished getting ready.
At this same time, my 2nd photographer will be with the groom and groomsmen photographing them and all their pre-ceremony shenanigans and keeping them on schedule as well.
3:00 PM: Bride & Groom Get Dressed
Time to get dressed! At this point the bride and groom put on their ceremony attire and accessories. It is a personal decision on whether or not you want this portion of the day photographed, so just let me know what you are comfortable with. Also, be sure to decide and communicate whom you would like helping you into your dress. It is typically the duty of the mom, sister or maid of honor, but invite whoever you want! It is very helpful to have someone familiar with the dress to do this, however – those tiny buttons can be a challenge for a mom who may need her reading glasses to see them or a pregnant MOH may not be able to fasten your shoes the way you want. If possible, have your helpers come to at least one dress fitting before the big day. (Same goes for bustling the dress…more on that later)
Make sure to have everything you need on hand to get dressed: Scissors, a crochet hook, fashion tape, a sewing kit, shoe inserts, etc. I typically carry some of these things on me, but you know better than I what may or may not be needed. And have your bouquet there and ready for photos! Some brides like to do a photo with their mom or a first look with their dad at this time. Just let us know of any requests you have before you leave the bridal suite.
Again, my 2nd photographer is with the groom while he puts on his attire and accessories. Guys have it easy. Just some hair gel, tie adjustments, a spritz of cologne and they’re out the door. We then coordinate via phone or in person on when and where to do the…..
3:30 PM: First Look
My, and most people’s, favorite part of the day. Once the location is determined, the groom will be placed in position by the 2nd shooter and the bride will walk up to “surprise” him. Typically this is private moment between the bride and groom and, of course, the photographer and videographer. Not familiar with the idea of a First Look? Check out this blog post for more information and to decide if it is right for you.
3:35 PM: Bride & Groom Portraits
Our goal at this point is to continue with the romance of the first look and capture some photos of just the two of you. During my pre-shoot location scouting, I will have found some areas at the venue that are ideal for photos. We will also use this time to get solo shots of each of you individually.
Meanwhile, your bridesmaids and groomsmen can finish getting dressed and ready. Someone responsible (ahem, MOH and BM, I’m looking at you!) will corral the group to the designated meeting spot on time (which I will give them before leaving for the first look).
4:00 PM: Wedding Party Photos
We now spend the next 15-20 minutes getting group photos and individual shots of your wedding party. If you have ushers, ring bearers and flower girls as part of your party, make sure they are ready to go at this time so they can be included in the big day.
Some people want to do family photos before the ceremony and that is fine with me. If that is the case with you, you may want to consider adding an hour or half hour of photography coverage before your ceremony and be sure your family knows your wishes to have them there at a certain time for photos. I typically tell couples to account for 3 minutes for each family grouping. A lot of couples prefer to do formal photos immediately following the ceremony so your family members (especially elderly or those with small children) don’t have to arrive at the venue super early. Just communicate your wishes and we can work out a timeline accordingly.
4:30 PM: Pre – Ceremony Chill Time
Guests will begin arriving soon so we will now head back to your dressing rooms to relax before the ceremony. Use this time to use the bathroom, get something to eat or drink and get off your feet before all the excitement of the evening begins.
If the reception tables are set up, I will spend the next 15-ish minutes photographing those details as well. You worked hard to make your wedding special and we want to capture all of its fabulousness before guests put their personal items in the reception area.
5:00 PM: Ceremony
You’re getting married! For a lot of people, this part is a mix of emotions: From excitement to nerves to pure elation, remember to take a deep breath and enjoy the moment!
My 2nd photographer and I will make a game-plan before the ceremony to make sure we capture all the important moments and take advantage of the best vantage points. You may also want to encourage your guests to be present during the ceremony and refrain from taking photos or videos during this portion of the day. This will ensure we are able to do our job without interruptions like people stepping in the aisle or in front of our shot and it keeps your photos from being filled with dozens of cameras and cell phones instead of your guests smiling faces.
5:30 PM: Cocktail Hour/Family Photos
Congrats! You’re married!
Couples will often sign the marriage license and grab a quick refreshment immediately following the ceremony. Time is limited so keep it quick and try to avoid getting caught in conversations with guests congratulating you – We still have photos to do!
All family members should be instructed to stay at the ceremony site for family photos. Be sure to let people know ahead of time if they will be included in family photos so they aren’t surprised on the day of and we lose them to the reception. I typically do family photos right at the ceremony site because it’s pretty, well lit and can accommodate large groups of people. Of course you can have your formal photos wherever you want but think about grandparents or people who may need assistance or more time moving to other locations. During the pre-wedding communication, I ask for a numbered list with each family grouping complete with names. This helps make the family photos a breeze and we can ensure we capture all the groups. Trust me when I say planning is important here! Trying to come up with the groupings you want on the spot can be stressful and will possibly lead to you inadvertently missing someone – or an entire group! And do let me know of any recent deaths, divorces or family conflicts so as not to make anyone uncomfortable.
As I mentioned above, it is good to estimate each grouping to take about 3 minutes each. If you have more than 20 family photo groups, consider doing some or all of them before the ceremony or extending your cocktail hour to be able to accommodate all the groups. And as you’re making your photo list, think about the photos that are truly important to you. The ones you put in frames and cherish for years to come. You may be getting a little tired of smiling for photos around group 10 or 12 so try to keep your list as small as possible. For example, I have had couples ask for each family photo grouping to be shot with and without their new spouse which quickly doubles the photo list!
For an easy workflow, I typically begin with the largest group and then release families to attend the cocktail hour.
Here is a sample list based on what most couples do:
Bride’s Family:
- Extended Family on Mom’s Side (Immediate Family, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, etc.)
- Maternal Grandparents and Bride and Groom
- Extended Family on Dad’s Side (Immediate Family, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, etc.)
- Paternal Grandparents and Bride and Groom
- Immediate Family
- Siblings and Bride
- Parents, Bride and Groom
- Parents and Bride
- Mom and Bride
- Dad and Bride
Groom’s Family:
- Extended Family on Mom’s Side (Immediate Family, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, etc.)
- Maternal Grandparents and Bride and Groom
- Extended Family on Dad’s Side (Immediate Family, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, etc.)
- Paternal Grandparents and Bride and Groom
- Immediate Family
- Siblings and Groom
- Parents, Bride and Groom
- Parents and Groom
- Mom and Groom
- Dad and Groom
Other guests will be mingling and enjoying food and drinks at this time. My 2nd shooter will get candid shots of these guests once she has finished helping me with the family photo groupings.
At this point the bride and groom can either take more photos if they want to or they can enjoy cocktail hour with their guests.
Bride begins bustling dress. This can take 30 seconds or 15 minutes depending on the complexity of the bustle, but it almost always takes longer than you expect it to. Be sure the person who is helping you has instructions on how to do it and has practiced before. Videos and photos can be very helpful.
6:30 PM: Reception/Grand Entrance
Guests begin taking their seats, which can take some time if there is arranged seating (and an open bar!) The wedding party and bride and groom will be announced into the reception.
6:40 PM: Welcome Toasts/Prayer and Dinner
I typically use dinner time to get shots of your rings and any other details that still need to be photographed as well as grab a bite to eat myself. No one likes having their photo taken with a mouthful of food so I avoid taking photos of guests during dinner. The only exception is if you want any other group photos. This can be a great time to get less formal group photos you may want like college or high school friends, co-workers, cousins, etc. Just let us know in the pre-wedding shot list.
7:30 PM: Toasts
If dinner is running late or timing is a concern, consider starting toasts at the beginning of the meal during the salad course or as guests are finishing up eating.
7:45 PM: Cake Cutting
7:50 PM: First Dance, Father-Daughter Dance, Mother-Son Dance
8:05 PM: Open Dancing
8:25 PM: Bouquet & Garter Toss
8:30 PM: Photographer’s End Time
Right after the bouquet and garter toss, is when we typically leave the wedding. It is rare for us to stay for much of the dancing portion of the evening. The exception being if there is a grand exit planned at the very end of the night. We will check in with both the bride and groom before we leave to see if you have any last shots you want to get and to ensure you don’t want us to add additional coverage time.
Well thanks for reading friends! I hope you found this timeline to be helpful as you plan your big day.
