WHAT TIMELINE IS IDEAL FOR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY?
Every wedding will be different, especially when considering cultural aspects. Each wedding photographer may also have varying degrees to what is best for your timeline. However, I have outlined what I feel you can expect on a wedding day if you are having full coverage and want each moment captured. I have created this timeline not only as my experience as a wedding photographer but also from my experience working for other wedding photographers.
DETAILS: RINGS, SHOES AND OTHER PERSONAL ITEMSHow much time: 30 minutes or more
When: before the ceremony while hair and makeup are being done
Where: in the bridal suite / hotel room
By allotting a minimum of 30 minutes for capturing the details, we can ensure that we have time to capture the perfect photos of the dress, rings, shoes, bouquets, and other important detail items.
Sometimes, a hotel room may feel congested or uninviting, which can be challenging. When this happens, with permission of my brides, I may take the dress to the lobby, downstairs or outside the room. If the bride is not comfortable with this, I do my best to capture the dress in the room but often these have a more candid feel than one that is styled in a lobby window.
GETTING READY: THE PREPARATION PHOTOSHow much time: about 60 minutes
When: Morning or early afternoon - mostly candid moments before getting dressed
Where: in the bridal suite / hotel room
To be able to capture some of the preparation, I usually spend about an hour right before the bride is getting dressed. During this hour, we capture close-up shots of the bride's makeup and hair being applied, as well as candid moments shared between the bridesmaids and groomsmen as they prepare for the day. These moments are typically filled with emotion and excitement, making it crucial not to rush this time.
The primary photographer will be with the bride, while the second photographer will be with the groom. Although it may not take men an entire hour to get dressed, there are still countless opportunities to capture meaningful moments shared between the groom and his family and friends, making this time just as important to document as the bridal preparation.
INDIVIDUAL PORTRAITSHow much time: about 30 minutes
When: Morning or early afternoon - I like to do this before the ceremony after getting dressed
Where: usually a few in the suite and around the venue
Right after prep is the best time for taking individual portraits of the bride and groom (separately). Besides having fresh makeup and hair, the day hasn't become too busy yet, so I can take my time and capture those perfect portraits.
Additionally, it's worth noting that the window lighting in most hotel rooms creates a unique look that cannot be replicated in any other environment throughout the rest of the day.
FIRST LOOK AND / or DAYTIME COUPLES SESSIONHow much time: about 20-60 minutes
When: Morning or early afternoon - I like to do this before the ceremony after getting dressed but if you opt not to have a first look, I like to capture some portraits following the ceremony, confetti exit and family formals.
Where: Venue Garden, Empty Venue Hallway (shaded areas with natural light)
Though it is not common in England, I do recommend scheduling the first look for around 45-60 minutes. It's a special moment for the bride and groom to see each other for the first time on their wedding day. The first look itself may only take 5-10 minutes, but the remaining time can be used for some basic portraits of the couple. If you would prefer to not have a first look, I always suggest we spend atleast 20 minutes following the ceremony to take some portraits.
IMMEDIATE FAMILYHow much time: about 45-60 minutes
When: Morning or early afternoon - I usually capture these right after the ceremony and confetti photos
Where: Venue Lobby, Venue Garden, Park, Off-site Location
My advice is to schedule 45 minutes for immediate family photos. I believe it's so important to have additional images with your parents, grandparents, and siblings beyond the basic formal shots.
To ensure that everything stays on schedule, plan on 3 minutes per group on average. For instance, if you have 10 groups, set aside a 30-minute time slot.
I understand how important weddings are to the immediate family, and I want to make sure I capture enough pictures with them.
WEDDING PARTY PHOTOSHow much time: about 30-60 minutes
When: Morning or early afternoon - I usually capture these right after the ceremony
Where: Venue Lobby, Venue Garden, Park, Off-site Location
In my opinion, the wedding party photos should take around 45 minutes to an hour. During this time, I aim to capture a variety of shots in different poses. I usually begin with classic photos, focusing on great expressions and lighting. After that, I like to move into some fun and creative shots. Finally, I know how much your wedding party means to you, so I am sure to get pictures of you having a bit 0f fun with your party.
CEREMONY DETAIL AND VENUEHow much time –30 minutes
When – Morning or Afternoon
Where – Ceremony location
I would suggest allowing me to take 30 minutes to capture photographs of the ceremony site completely set up with no guests or vendors present. It's important to schedule this before guests are seated, as it allows me to capture the complete setup of the ceremony site at its best.
FORMALS (EXTENDED FAMILY, IMMEDIATE FAMILY, AND FRIENDS)How much time – 45-60 minutes
When – Morning or Afternoon (Post Ceremony)
Where – around the venue
In my experience, I advise planning for 45 minutes to an hour for formal pictures, depending on the size of your family and guest list. To estimate the time, allow for an average of 3 minutes per group. For instance, if you have 10 groups, schedule a 30-minute timeframe for formals.
As for the type of formal pictures to take, some couples prefer to have a photo with all guests, while others only want to take pictures with select VIPs to save time. I recommend finding a balance that works for you.
To ensure a smooth and efficient process, it's crucial to be highly organized with a list of groups and designated helpers from each side of the family to assist in gathering everyone for pictures.
COUPLES SESSIONHow much time–20 minutes to 1 hour
When – Late Afternoon (Sunset)
Where – Venue Garden, Beach, Hotel Lobby, Park
In my experience, I recommend scheduling the couple's session for around 1 hour, ideally 30 to 45 minutes before sunset. This timing provides the best lighting for capturing stunning scenic shots with colourful skies. While it may not be as critical for weddings held in downtown or areas with tall buildings, it is still helpful to aim for this timeframe.
However, if your wedding venue boasts a spectacular view or breathtaking garden scenery, following this advice in your timeline is essential to capture the beauty of your surroundings.
RECEPTION DETAIL AND VENUEHow much time – 30 minutes
When – Once everything is set before wedding breakfast
Where – Reception location
I reccommend with couples and venues that they allow 30-minute time slot for the second photographer to take photos of the fully set up reception room without any guests or vendors present. This is crucial to capture the essence of the reception area before it becomes filled with guests. Just like with the ceremony details, this time is the only opportunity we have to document the beauty of the reception room in its pristine state.
OtHER CONSIDERATIONSThe timeline for an Indian Wedding, for instance, will differ greatly from that of a typical English or American wedding. Therefore, it is important to work closely with your wedding planner and photographer to create a personalised timeline that reflects your cultural traditions while ensuring that all aspects of the day are captured beautifully.
I do hope that you found this post helpful. If you are looking for tips on how to plan your wedding timeline for your guests and to create a flow to your day, you may find my blog post helpful here.
If you have any questions or any tips or advice, I’d love to hear from you!
