The Perfect Timeline

Planning Makes Perfect

After 13 years of photographing weddings, I have experienced many different kinds of timelines for the day. I have been rushed with only 5 minutes for Couple Portraits and I have found myself with an hour left to spare after all the photos have been already been taken. Both of these Scenarios are not great to be in. The first makes me feel anxious and it is more likely that a “must have” shot is missed because we simply did not have time to take it. The other one leaves me with time to have fun and get creative with my shots, but after a long day many couples would rather just rest or hang out with their guests and are tired of smiling for the camera. Either way though, you do not want to find yourself in these situations on your wedding day. To avoid these issues, it is important that you discuss a timeline of the day with your planner or photographer, and it is imperative that you stick to that timeline as closely as possible. Sometimes things are beyond your control and the day is interrupted, but a well planned day will allow some wiggle room and get you back on track.

I Can Help

I love to help my clients however I can and will gladly do up a timeline for them if they don’t have one already. There are 2 standard ones that I use, one for a traditional wedding where the couple does not see each other at all before the ceremony. The second is for those who decide to do a "first look" and/or take photos before the ceremony. I personally prefer the second timeline. Why? Because the photo portion of the day is the longest part of the day and once it’s over, you become more relaxed and can enjoy time with each other and your guests. I also love taking photos before the ceremony because everyone is looking their best at this time of day. Make up is flawless and not smudged from crying. Hair is still in place. Clothes are wrinkle free, sweat free and spotless. And usually no one is too drunk to take direction from the photographer at this point of the day.

The First Look Timeline

My ideal timeline for a wedding looks something like this.

Morning - Bride or Groom starts to get ready for the day

12:00 - I arrive at location #1 to take getting ready photos of the Bride or Groom

12:30 - My second photographer arrives at location #2 to take getting ready photos of the other Bride or Groom

1:30 - Final touch ups and getting into gown or suit

2:00 - First look and couple portraits

3:00 - Wedding party photos

3:30 - Get to ceremony spot (Before Guests Arrive)

4:00 - Ceremony begins

4:30 - Ceremony ends / Group photo (optional)

4:35 - Cocktail hour starts

4:40 - Family photos

5:00 - Candid photos during cocktail hour

5:30 - Detailed photos of reception area

5:45 - Guests are seated

6:00 - Couple is announced

6:15 - Welcome and house keeping announcements

6:30 - Dinner starts

7:30 - Speeches

8:00 - Cake cutting

8:15 - Golden hour photos

8:30 - Flower toss / Garter toss

8:45 - First dances ( couple, father / daughter, mother / son )

9:00 - Open dance floor

9:30 - I leave for the night

This is a typical 8-10 Hour Wedding day during the summer months with the ceremony starting at 4:00pm. Times may need to be adjusted in the Spring, Autumn and Winter to maximize the amount of daylight you have. I love this timeline because most of the photos are done before the ceremony, which not only allows the couple more time to spend with their guests, but the photo process is more enjoyable if we don’t have to rush through it. Even if things go sideways and we run behind schedule, this timeline, and my ability to capture a variety of images quickly if needed, can usually bring us back on track by dinner time. But for best results, it is nice if I don’t need to hurry through any portion of the day.

Why Make a Timeline?

There are many benefits to planning a detailed timeline and sharing it with your family and friends. Not only is it a great way to let everyone know where and when they need to be ready for photos, but it lets your guests know when important moments are happening that they don't want to miss. It's also a good idea to share your timeline with your other vendors. Hair and makeup teams need to know when they have to be done by. Caterers need to know when to have food ready, and DJ's or MC's like to know an order of events during the reception so they can be announced. Leaving things to spontaneity and chance is really asking for mishaps to occur and essential photos getting missed. If you want a fun, anxiety free wedding experience, this is a great timeline to follow. Although most weddings have some delays or other unexpected issues, I have found that the ones that usually stay on track, were the ones that have a similar timeline as the one above. In my opinion, it is the best way to ensure you can enjoy the best day of your life!