Building a Wedding Day Timeline
As a wedding photographer one thing I have learned is TIMING is everything. Really the day goes by so fast, it's often chaotic and things are missed, people disappear, the list goes on and on of unfortunate events I have experienced.
That's why it is so crucial for me to have a clear wedding day timeline. If you are a Bellanet Photography Couple, this is something I offer when you book me. Believe me, it is a life saver.
Wedding day timelines are so important and not just for the photographer but it's also important for other vendors, the bridal party and family. When laying out the timeline we are taking everything into consideration not just photos, it's more than that.
DON'T RUSH YOUR DAY
You don't want to jam pack your timeline, you will end up rushing your day and your photos will be rushed as well. You want to give yourself time to breathe, experience the day. It's going to fly by, allow time for you and your spouse to enjoy the day.
BUILD YOUR TIMELINE AROUND THE SUNSET
You will want to build your timeline based off of when the sun sets and this isn't for sunset photos this is for your day overall. You want and need to know when the sun is going to set, when it's going to get dark and work backwards. This depends on the time of year you are getting married as well, winter weddings will have an earlier sunset while summer weddings can have a late night sunset.
DETAIL PHOTOS
Detail photos can be time consuming, provide enough time for your photographer to do them. Bellanet clients will receive a form to fill out to provide me specific information. This helps the day overall and I know what to expect. Make sure you have all your details gathered so you don't have to search for things the day of or miss anything.
GETTING READY PHOTOS
On average, it takes 1 hour for getting ready photos. Most brides don’t get pictures of their hair and makeup being done. If they do, they have their photographer arrive towards the end of the service. This includes photos of you and your ladies in your robes, getting your dress on, putting all accessories on.
Things to consider, first looks, pre-wedding photos etc. This is where your photographer can really help you.
CEREMONY
On average, most ceremonies last around 30 minutes. Religious ceremonies may last longer around 45 minutes to an hour.
FORMAL PHOTOS
Formal photos include immediate family and anyone you want in those special photos. I tend to do these directly after the ceremony. Know who you want to include to help less confusion the day of.
SUNSET PHOTOS
I put this on EVERY SINGLE TIMELINE! It is a must in my book. I try to schedule this during when your guests are eating dinner. Schedule 15-20 minutes for this. .
The amount of reception coverage needed for your photographer depends on the couple. Some couples want just the big moments captured and then the photographer to leave. Others want the photographer to stay until the end for a grand exit. This will depend on the length of your reception.
Don’t forget to add your sunset photos during this.
Example Wedding Day Timeline
Timeline Example:
EXAMPLE TIMELINE #1: WITH FIRST LOOK
1:30 – Getting ready photos + detail shots
3:30- First look
4:00- Wedding party photos
4:30- Some family photos
5:00- Pre ceremony down time
5:30- Ceremony start time
6:00-7:00 – Cocktail hour/remaining formal photos (bride and groom can enjoy part of the cocktail party)
7:00- Grand entrance into reception + start of dinner
7:45- Sunset photos for bride and groom
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