Wedding Planning Overload

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If you want plenty of time to capture amazing portraits like this, you need to have the right timeline prepared. Talk openly and in detail with your photographer and other vendors about your timeline. 

If you want plenty of time to capture amazing portraits like this, you need to have the right timeline prepared. Talk openly and in detail with your photographer and other vendors about your timeline. 

It is officially right around the corner....

WEDDING SEASON!

As the season approaches, so many brides are probably feeling a little overwhelmed with the planning process but there are lots of us out there that can lend a hand or offer a bit of free advice because it is the industry we know. 

Even if you are the most laid back bride that ever lived, you will still need a timeline for yourself and your vendors to ensure that everyone is on the same page.  It can get a bit nit-picky, but it is vital. 

I am going to share a little bit of timeline guidance with you by giving you two different general timelines from a photographer's point of view so that you can see what runs through our heads as far as what shots we need and in what order (typically).  :) 

These timelines are with at least 8 hours of photographic coverage.  So if capturing everything on these timelines is important to you, you will need between 8 and 10 hours of coverage.  Also keep in mind, if there are long distances between your venues, that will factor into your timeline as well and may require you to book extra hours with your photographer if you want your entire day covered by your fab photog.

I have seen many timelines go awry, so having it planned out and on paper, is a good thing!  Then we need to hold people accountable to the timeline to ensure you get the photos you have always dreamed of.  So having a coordinator or someone to keep everyone on schedule is another plus! 

Anyway... let's jump in!

Typical Timeline Without A First Look
  • 1:00 PM - Photographer Arrives - You are getting hair and makeup done
  • Photographer photographs details (dress, shoes, jewelry, bouquet, etc.) and venue/decor 
  • Photographs of you getting dressed (with help of mom or bridesmaids)
  • Photographs of Groom getting ready
  • Any group pictures that can be done before the ceremony
  • 3:00 PM - Ceremony
  • Ceremony Ends
  • Family Formal Pictures (Have a detailed list ready for your photographer to speed this along)
  • Cocktail Hour Begins
  • Bridal Party Pictures
  • Bride and Groom Pictures
  • Photographer Captures Reception Details & Sets Up Flash Equipment 
  • 6:00 PM - Reception Begins & Bridal Party is Announced
  • Dinner & Toasts
  • First Dance
  • Open Dance
  • Bouquet & Garter Toss(or other events like dollar dance, shoe game, etc.) 
  • Open Dance Begins 
  • Typically this is about where an 8 hour photo coverage time ends
  • Reception Ends
  • Exit 
Typical Timeline WITH a First Look  (which allows you to get all group pictures done before the ceremony with proper planning) 

***With a First Look, your photographer may need an extra hour on the front end of the day in order to fit all of the portraits in before the ceremony.  ***

  • 12:00 PM - Photographer Arrives - You are getting hair and makeup done
  • Photographer photographs details (dress, shoes, jewelry, bouquet, etc.) and venue/decor
  • Photographs of you getting dressed (with help of mom or bridesmaids)
  • Photographs of Groom getting ready
  • 1:30 PM First Look 
  • Bride & Groom Portraits
  • Bridal Party Pictures
  • Family Formal Pictures (Have a detailed list ready for your photographer to speed this along)
  • 3:30 PM - Ceremony
  • Ceremony Ends
  • Cocktail Hour Begins
  • Bride & Groom Pictures and/or more Bridal Party Pictures If Needed
  • Photographer Captures Reception Details & Sets Up Flash Equipment 
  • 6:00 PM -  Reception Begins & Bridal Party is Announced
  • Dinner & Toasts
  • First Dance
  • Sunset Session with Bride & Groom 
  • Open Dance
  • Bouquet & Garter Toss (or other events like dollar dance, shoe game, etc.)
  • Typically this is about where an 8 hour photo coverage time ends
  • Open Dance Begins
  • Reception Ends
  • Exit 
when the timeline runs smoothly, everyone is happy!  

when the timeline runs smoothly, everyone is happy!