How to Build a Wedding Day Timeline: Tips from Your Trusted Wedding Photographers

Are you feeling overwhelmed at the thought of creating your wedding day photography timeline? Whether you’re a meticulous planner or unsure where to begin, fear not! We’re here to guide you every step of the way and alleviate the stress of logistics. Your wedding planning journey should be filled with joy, and we’re dedicated to keeping it fun and helping you every step of the way.

As your wedding day photographers, our mission is to capture the moments that matter most to YOU. We prioritize listening, building trust, and understanding your priorities to craft a photography timeline tailored specifically for you. These conversations not only allow us to get to know you better but also serve as the foundation for a seamless and stress-free wedding day.

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GETTING STARTED: A GENERAL GUIDE ON TIMING

REAL LIFE SAMPLE PHOTOGRAPHY TIMELINE

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Getting Started: A General Guide on Timing

While every photography timeline is unique, we’ve outlined some helpful references to kickstart the wedding planning process. Keep in mind that these times are based primarily on Western/American wedding traditions, but we’ll work together to personalize your personal timeline to reflect your unique love story and cultural traditions.

• BRIDE GETTING READY- about 90 minutes
• GROOM GETTING READY – about 60 minutes
• FIRST LOOK – about 15 minutes
• COUPLE PORTRAITS – 45-60 minutes

• WEDDING PARTY PORTRAITS – 30-45 minutes (depending on the number of friends with you and the variety of photos you desire)

• FAMILY PORTRAITS – 2-3 minutes per grouping
  Bride’s Immediate Family (Parents and Siblings)
  Bride’s Parents
  Bride’s Grandparents
  Bride’s Extended Family
  Groom’s Immediate Family (Parents and Siblings)
  Groom’s Parents
  Groom’s Grandparents
  Groom’s Extended Family

• CEREMONY – 30-60 minutes (though this can vary amongst cultures)

• COCKTAIL HOUR – 60-90 minutes
• RECEPTION – 4 hours

• ADDITIONAL MOMENTS TO CONSIDER:
• GOLDEN HOUR PORTRAITS – 15 minutes (typically about 30min prior to sunset)
• NIGHT SHOTS – 15 minutes (typically photographed within the last hour or so of reception)

• TRANSPORTATION – consider not just drive time and how you all are getting there but also the time it takes for everyone to gather and transition from one location to another.

Real Life Sample Photography Timeline

• 11:30am – Photographers arrive for Bride Getting Ready
• 12:00pm – Second Photographer goes to Groom for Him Getting Ready
• 1:00pm – First Look
• 1:15pm – Bride and Groom Portraits
• 2:00pm – Bridal Party Portraits
• 2:45pm – Family Formals
• 3:15pm – All Photos Complete. Travel to Venue.
• 3:30pm – Photographers Set Up Ceremony Lighting, Couple Gets Ready to Walk Down the Aisle
• 4:00pm – Ceremony (30 min)
• 4:30pm – Cocktail Hour Begins. Lead Photographer sets up Reception Lighting and photographs Reception Details. Second Photographer captures Cocktail Hour Details and candid Guest Photos
• 5:15pm – Sunset Portraits with Bride and Groom
• 5:30pm – Cocktail Hour Ends, Guests are Seated for Reception Start
• 5:45pm – Reception Entrances + Formalities
• 8:45pm – Night Portraits with Bride and Groom 
• 9:30pm – Reception Ends, Grand Exit
• 10:00pm – After Party Coverage Begins

Most Importantly: Embrace the Journey and Enjoy the Process!

Planning your wedding is a journey filled with anticipation and excitement, but it’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times. Remember, you’re not alone in navigating the complexities of wedding planning. Take comfort in the fact that this journey is also a beautiful opportunity to strengthen your bond with your partner and celebrate the love that brought you together.

As your trusted guides, we encourage you to pause amidst the planning chaos and cherish these moments together. Whether it’s a quiet dinner date or a leisurely stroll through your favorite park, prioritize quality time with your partner to reconnect and reaffirm your commitment to each other.

By staying present and focused on what truly matters—your love and partnership—you’ll not only survive the wedding planning process but thrive. And as you do, you’ll create a wedding photography timeline that authentically reflects the unique beauty of who you are as a couple.

So, take a deep breath, we’re going to have a blast planning your photography timeline together. We got you!