Wedding timeline tips to make your day the best day!
You’ve got the ring, venue, & vendors… now what?
As a photographer, I've had the privilege of capturing countless weddings over the years. And through those experiences, I've learned a few things about creating a wedding day timeline that maximizes your photography opportunities as well as making your wedding day seamless, laid back, and running smoothly. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your big day.
Start with your ceremony time
Your ceremony time will determine the rest of your wedding day timeline. Be sure to factor in things like travel time, getting ready time, and any other pre-ceremony activities you have planned. You'll want to make sure you have plenty of time to get ready and arrive at the ceremony location with plenty of time to spare. If you are spending the entire day at your wedding venue from getting ready through the end of your reception you will not need to factor in things like travel time, so keep that in mind!
Plan for plenty of time
to get ready.
Getting ready on your wedding day can be a fun and relaxing experience, but it can also be stressful if you're feeling rushed. Be sure to plan for plenty of time to get ready, including hair and makeup for the bride and any bridesmaids. You don't want to feel rushed and frazzled before the ceremony even begins. A good tip for hair and makeup is to ask ahead of time based on the number of people getting services done about how long each service will take! That should give you a good idea based on the number of bridal party members you have to plan for your getting ready photos.
Consider a "first look" before the ceremony or Don’T!
A first look is when the bride and groom see each other before the ceremony. This can be a great opportunity to capture some intimate photos of the couple and can also help calm any pre-ceremony jitters. If you're considering a first look, be sure to plan for it in your timeline. Another great option that previous couples of mine have done are also…. a “first touch” the couple would not see each other but your photographer would capture a special moment of the two of you holding hands or even a hug from behind.
Don't forget about family photos!
Family photos are an important part of any wedding day, but they can also be time-consuming. Be sure to provide your photographer with a complete list of family portraits you would like for your wedding day. I always ask my couples for a full name list breakdown and put together a pyramid list to help with time consumption. When a first look is involved immediate family portraits are done before the ceremony, and consider doing extended family portraits immediately following the ceremony while everyone is still together. * PRO TIP! give your extended family a heads up to stick together and stay behind once your ceremony has ended..Another tip I suggest to my couples is putting someone from each side in charge of keeping the family together ( I know how tempting the delicious hors d’oeuvres and drinks are ;) but we want to get these photos done quickly and efficiently so that you can join the party!).
Plan for golden hour photos.
Golden hour is the hour just before sunset when the light is soft and warm, and it's the ideal time for outdoor photos. Be sure to plan for at least 10-15 minutes for golden hour photos, and talk to your photographer about the best location for them before hand!
Plan for the reception events.
The reception is a time to let loose and celebrate with your friends and family, but it's also a time to capture some great candid photos. Be sure to plan for plenty of time for the reception events, including the first dance, speeches, and any other planned activities. Have fun with your reception planning! If you are incorporating any special moments be sure to let your photographer know - I have a special place for these types of details on my wedding questionnaire for clients to list any important moments that will be taking place to make sure that they are captured!
Don't forget about the details.
Details like the wedding rings, shoes, and invitations can make for some beautiful photos, but they can also be easily overlooked in the hustle and bustle of the day. Be sure to plan some time for your photographer to capture these details before the getting ready portion of the day begins. This is the best time while you are finishing up hair and makeup for your photographer to capture these special details that you have included in your day. A tip I like to share with all of my clients are to place all of your detail items in a box, bin, or bag and leave it next to your wedding attire! That way once I arrive I can get started right away without having to bother anyone and to avoid from having to stop hair and makeup to find these items!
Communicate with your photographer.
Your photographer is there to help you capture the memories of your wedding day, so be sure to communicate with them throughout the planning process. They can help you create a timeline that maximizes your photography opportunities and ensures that you get the photos you want. A well-planned wedding day timeline can help ensure that you get the most out of your photography opportunities as well as keeping you stress free on your wedding day! My goal as a wedding photographer is for my clients to be apart of their wedding day soak it all in and enjoy every second of it!
If you found this helpful you might want to check out Six Tips for planning your summer new jersey wedding below !