Where to next?
01. – BEST PRACTICES
02. – WORTH KEEPING IN MIND
03. – WEdding Planning Timelines
04. – SAMPLE Wedding Day TIMELINES
– 8 HOURS WITH & WITHOUT A FIRST LOOK
– 6 HOURS WITH & WITHOUT A FIRST LOOK
– 4 HOURS WITH & WITHOUT A FIRST LOOK
– 2 HOURS WITHOUT A FIRST LOOK
BEST PRACTICES FOR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY TIMELINE PLANNING
While we can't control the weather, we can plan ahead.
Here are some important timeline considerations.
Some times of day are better than others to take photos. Most wedding days occur in a diverse range of uncontrolled lighting environments that your photographer will work with to the best of their ability. For example, on overcast days, golden hour photos may not be possible and the sky will be white instead of blue.
When building a photogenic timeline, start with sunset followed by other fixed times.
On sunny days, morning, evening, and late afternoon sun typically provides the best light of the day. These are the ideal time frames to plan portraits and outdoor ceremonies that will be in direct sun. Overcast days also provide photogenic lighting throughout the day until 1 hour before sunset.
Transition time.
If your celebrations span multiple locations, padding your travel time is ideal to account for traffic and other potential delays. As much as possible, maximize your time with friends, family and each other and limit excessive driving between locations.
Peace of mind breaks.
It's ok to schedule breaks in your timeline! Especially if you or your timeline is sensitive, taking 10 - 15 minutes of extra time (especially to get ready if you're styling a large bridal party) can be the difference between you feeling jazzed about what's coming next or that there isn't enough time in the day to fit everything in.
Remember, this day will be amazing.
It’s totally understandable if you’re worried about the day being a success, the timeline working out and everyone having fun. Here’s just a quick reminder that it is all going to be wonderful.
After all, your wedding day is one big get together of all your favourite people in the world.
The same people that have seen you grow into the person you are today. That you stay up all night with, talking with over a bottle of wine (or two). That have been by your side through the good and the not so good times. These folks will have a great time regardless. Because they love you and they are so, so happy for you!
Worth KEeping in mind
What to know about lighting and coverage considerations.
Despite all the equipment we bring, and our skills as image editors, some locations and times of day are ultimately better than others to take photos. Most wedding days occur in a diverse range of uncontrolled lighting environments that your photographer will work with to the best of their ability. For example, on overcast days, golden hour photos may not be possible and the sky will be white instead of blue. Ultimately the most important thing is to focus on the magic of the occasion, and connections with your loved ones, as these will be the most incredible photos of the day.
Here are some key timeline considerations:*
Some ceremony locations can have challenging lighting.
Especially in the Summer, direct sun (11 am - 4 pm) or dappled light can create an environment with patchy or strong shadows. From a photo perspective, the best way to address this to to have a later afternoon ceremony time, or to arrange the ceremony space so that your backs are to the sun.
Schedule the majority of your portraits during daylight.
While sunrise and sunset is typically the best lighting of the day, dusk has a cool (blue) effect on skin tones that can't easily be edited out. Once the light is gone, flash photography and ambient light become the only light sources to work with.
Think you'll need more coverage time?
Bring this up as early as possible with your photographer and planning team! Requesting more photography the day of the wedding may come at a premium price or not be possible if the lead or second photographer has fixed travel commitments after the agreed upon wrap time.
To learn more about elopement Planning timelines – visit this post.
10 - 12 months
– Finalize your budget
– Hire a full service or day of wedding planner
– Book your photographer and videographer
- Fit and order your wedding dress
7 - 9 months
- Decide on your theme, colour scheme and concept
- Send your invitations or save the dates cards, if desired
5 - 6 months
– Select and purchase your invitations
- Book your decorator and florist
Begin to plan your floor plan and room layout (weddings)
- Begin to plan your menu
- Arrange your wedding cake quote
4 months
– Arrange your makeup trials
– Prepare 'day-of' timeline
- Book your menu tasting (2-3 months in advance)
3 months
– Have a menu tasting and finalize your menu selections
– Mail out your invitations 90 days in advance
2 months
– Print menu's, signage, and other stationary if desired
– Begin to collect RSVP's with meal selections
- Book rehearsal at wedding venue
1 months
– Collect your preliminary RSVP's and collect any dietary restrictions
– Prepare your seating plan
– Obtain your marriage license
– Finalize your 'day-of' timeline and send to your vendors (and photographer)
1 - 2 weeks
– Reconfirm times, locations and details with vendors
- Confirm final guest count and seating arrangements
- Determine what 'details' you want photographed and put them aside (wedding invitations, shoes etc.)
- Try on and break in your wedding shoes
your wedding day
- Take your time and enjoy every moment of your special day
Sample Wedding Day Timelines
8 Hours with a First Look
2:30 photographers arrive / getting ready photos
3:00 get dressed
3:15 (optional) first look with family / wedding party
3:30 first look with your spouse / couple portraits (1 of 2 sessions)
4:00 wedding party photos
4:30 family photos
5:00 pre-ceremony break/ shoot details/ guests arriving
5:30 ceremony
6:00 ceremony ends / cocktail hour begins / sign marriage license
6:15 couple portraits (1 of 2 sessions)
7:00 grand entrance + refreshments / dinner
8:00 toasts
8:30 cake cut
8:40 first dance + special dances / dancing
10:30 grand exit / photo coverage ends
8 Hours with No First Look
3:00 photographers arrive / getting ready photos
3:30 get dressed
3:45 (optional) first look with family or wedding party
4:00 pre ceremony break / shoot details / guests arriving
4:30 ceremony
5:00 ceremony ends / cocktail hour begins / sign marriage license
5:00 family photos
5:30 wedding party photos
6:00 couple portraits + sunset photos
7:00 grand entrance + toasts + refreshments
8:00 toasts
8:30 cake cut
8:40 first dance + special dances / dancing
11:00 grand exit / photo coverage ends
6 Hours with a First Look
3:30 photographers arrive / getting ready photos
3:45 get dressed
4:00 first look / couple portraits (1 of 3 sessions)
4:30 wedding party photos
4:50 family photos
5:10 pre ceremony break / shoot details / guests arriving
5:30 ceremony
6:00 ceremony ends / cocktail hour begins / sign marriage license
6:15 couple portraits (1 of 3 sessions)
6:45 grand entrance + toasts + refreshments / dinner
7:00 sunset + couple portraits (1 of 3 sessions)
8:00 grand entrance + toasts
8:30 cake cut
8:40 dancing
9:30 grand exit / photo coverage ends
6 Hours with No First Look
3:30 photographers arrive / getting ready photos
3:45 get dressed
4:00 (optional) first look with family or wedding party
4:30 wedding party photos
4:50 family photos
5:10 pre ceremony break / shoot details / guests arriving
5:30 ceremony
6:00 ceremony ends / cocktail hour begins / sign marriage license
6:15 couple portraits (1 of 2 Sessions)
6:45 grand entrance + toasts + refreshments / dinner
7:00 sunset + couple portraits (1 of 2 Sessions)
8:30 cake cut
8:40 first dance + special dances / dancing
9:30 grand exit / photo coverage ends
4 Hours with a First Look
4:00 photographer arrives / shoot details / guests arriving
4:15 first look + couples portraits (1 of 2 Sessions)
4:30 ceremony
5:00 ceremony ends / cocktail hour begins / sign marriage license
5:00 Family photos
5:30 wedding party photos
6:00 couple portraits (1 of 2 Sessions)
7:00 grand entrance + toasts + refreshments / dinner
7:30 cake cut
7:45 first dance + special dances / dancing
7:50 special dances
8:00 dancing / photo coverage ends
4 Hours with No First Look
4:00 photographer arrives / shoot details / guests arriving
4:30 ceremony
5:00 ceremony ends / cocktail hour begins / sign marriage license
5:00 family photos
5:30 wedding party photos
6:00 couple portraits (All)
7:00 grand entrance + toasts + refreshments / dinner
7:30 cake cut
7:45 first dance + special dances / dancing
7:50 special dances
8:00 dancing / photo coverage ends
2 Hours with No First Look
4:00 photographer / shoot details / guests arriving
4:15 (optional) first look with family or wedding party
4:30 ceremony
5:00 ceremony ends / cocktail hour begins / sign marriage license
5:00 family photos
5:15 on location couples portraits (All)
5:50 (optional) grand entrance
6:00 END
More like this
Share this story
