How Do I Make My Wedding Day Timeline?
Planning your wedding timeline is tricky.
It just comes down to how much you value the portraits from that day. Do you want a documentary wedding style or do you want combination documentary and portraits? Both ways are great! It really depends on what you prefer. There is no right or wrong answer here.
First Thing To Think About - Getting Ready Photos
These images are taken very documentary style. They tell a story and help document your day how it unfolds. They can be so sweet and catch emotions the whole time. I always recommend having your photographer arrive before you have your dress on and it’s especially nice to have them arrive in the middle of hair and makeup. Capturing you at your best!
Let me help break down the timeline for you a little further.
This is how I do it (but it’s not set in stone), if you booked someone else, you will have to talk to them for their preferences.
Family Portraits
20 minutes (we have a pre planned list of the photos and order them from largest to smallest for groups so we can shoo people away when their done with the photos. This allows for less distractions and more efficiency. (I can help organize your list closer to your date)
If you’re doing a first look these sessions happen right after the ceremony so your family doesn’t have to be ready for your first look.
If you are doing a first look with a father add in an extra 5 minutes to your getting ready schedule because it happens as soon as you're ready
Wedding Party
I usually say about 20 minutes for this - It can happen before or after the ceremony because they are getting ready with you anyway.
Approximately 10 minutes for each party side. You get portraits solo with each member of your party and group photos with them.
I take about 3-5 different group shots but I can expand this if you prioritize it.
Portrait Sessions
This is the hardest one to answer.
I like at least 30 minutes for lots of time but would fill an hour. Totally up to you!
We can choose a location for first look and travel to another spot or make them the same spot. Thats up to you, just add on the travel time to your schedule outside of image time.
If you wanted a documentary style wedding I can get these done in 10 minutes, but like I said, I can fill an hour. This time is spent having laughs, me making you guys have some fun together and also letting you guys just enjoy each other.
Your engagement session will give you a feel for how your wedding portraits will go.
If you are doing a first look - We can split the time; do 30 min pre wedding and then tack on an extra 5/10 minutes post ceremony if you like for some "we just got married photos"
With this bit of information, I hope it helps you with your timeline. Keep in mind, this is just a guide and feel free to reach out with any specific questions. Especially if you are non traditional. I love non traditional!
If you would like to see my personal favourite moments, they are hidden throughout your day and they don’t happen during the portrait sessions. Check them out here.