The Ultimate Wedding Day Timeline

 

You've got your venue booked in.. now what!? Your timeline will help you coordinate all of your vendors and keep everything running on schedule. Your timeline can MAKE or BREAK the flow of your day.

After shooting weddings for over 9 years, I know what needs to happen and when! I love creating custom timelines to make sure you get everything that is most important to you captured. This is a rough guide on how long each part of your day takes for photography and a starting point for your wedding day timeline.

Preparations

Photography Coverage: 1.5 hours each

Things to think about: 

  • How long will it take to travel between you both and then to your wedding venue? 

  • If you can, book an Airbnb as opposed to a hotel room (more space, nicer rooms & more natural light!)

  • Keep the biggest and most well lit room to get dressed in

  • Do you want me to photograph your details? Your dress, jewellery, shoes, rings etc.

  • Do you think you might need a second photographer to capture you both getting ready in separate places but at the same time?

  • Schedule your hair and makeup to finish 1.5 hours before leaving for your ceremony. Your hair and makeup artists will give you an approximate time it takes for each person, then just work back from a finish time to gain your start time.

Ceremony

Duration: 45 mins

Hugs, congrats, mingling and family photographs: 1 hour

Things to think about:

  • Does your venue have a plan b in case of bad weather?

  • Ceremonies NEVER start on time. It’s always a good idea to allow a bit of buffer time to accomodate for this!

  • How long do you want to spend with your guests post ceremony?

  • Do you have lots of family you’d like to get photographs with?

  • Is there enough space for a group photo?

Wedding party & Couple Portraits

Duration: 1 hour

Things to think about:

  • Have canapés and drinks during photographs (you’ll be starving by this point!)

  • Do we need cars to travel or are the locations within walking distance?

  • Leave time to freshen up before your Reception entrance

Reception

Usually covered up until 30 mins after the dance floor kicks off (around 3 hours from the entrance)

Things to think about:

  • Would you prefer the room to be photographed with or without people?

  • Your venue or caterer will likely help you with the running of your evening, and timing your meals & speeches

  • HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - Sunset photographs if we are in daylight savings!

  • Would you like to get traditional table shots or random candid groups throughout the night?

  • Leave time to mingle and enjoy the night around your formalities!