HOW TO CREATE A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY TIMELINE
I’m often asked by couples how much photography coverage they need for their wedding day. It’s easy enough to figure out how long you need for the venue or what time to serve dinner, but photography can be challenging.
I’ve created over 150 wedding photography timelines in my career for my couples. I hope this post can guide you in determining how much photography coverage you need when planning.
Remember, your timeline’s most important factor is what’s important to you and what you want. Timelines vary for every couple.
In this blog, you’ll see a basic breakdown for all events during a wedding, and how much time to consider for each activity. You will also see an example of a photography timeline at the end. (Oooo, yay!)
WEDDING DETAILS
Preferred time allotment: 1hr
Advice: Wedding details can take quite a bit of time to photograph. It’s not as easy as just photographing them as they are. First, we gather the goods, and then find the perfect spot to style the wedding invitation with details and family heirlooms, and then photograph wedding details like the shoes, rings, bouquet, etc… it can take quite a bit of thought, time, and consideration when planning out these shots. I recommend making sure we have a least an hour to photograph your details.
GETTING READY
(Getting ready at Gathering Oaks Retreat)
Preferred time allotment: 1.5-2hrs
Advice: Having nearly 2 hours for preparation is ideal. During this time, we are getting close-ups of hair and make-up, candids of your wedding party laughing and hanging out with you, taking cute robe shots, and getting you in your formal wear. We will also take a few individual portraits of you during this time as well.
FIRST LOOK & COUPLES PORTRAITS
Preferred time allotment: 30 minutes
Advice: A first look is sentimental. Romantic. Private. And give couples the opportunity to breathe together before the ceremony. It also REALLY helps the flow of your wedding timeline. What’s not to love about that?! I highly suggest considering this if you’re having a fall/winter wedding so that you two can have portraits of yourselves while the sun is out.
WEDDING PARTY PHOTOS
(Wedding party at White Sparrow Barn)
Preferred time allotment: 60 minutes
Advice: Shortly after your first look, we will bring the bridal party over to photograph the formals. We will break it down like this:
Bride with bridesmaids
Bride with an individual portrait with bridesmaid
Groom with groomsmen
Groom with an individual portrait with groomsmen
Entire Wedding Party
IMMEDIATE FAMILY
(Family Formals at The Ostreum)
Preferred time allotment: 30 minutes
Advice: Once we’re finished with your wedding party, we’ll bring your immediate family over. Stick to just immediate family during this. It can be tempting to go ahead and do the whole shebang, but I promise you, it will be much better to photograph extended family formals after your ceremony.
Examples of immediate family groupings:
1. Bride & Groom with Brides parents
2. Bride & Groom with Brides parents, siblings, and grandparents
3. Bride with Brides parents and siblings
4. Bride with Brides parents
5. Bride with siblings
6. Bride & Groom with both sets of parents
7. Bride & Groom with Grooms parents
8. Bride & Groom with Grooms parents, siblings, and grandparents
9. Groom with Grooms parents and siblings
10. Groom with Grooms parents
11. Groom with siblings
This is the basic rundown of immediate family formals. It’s 100% up to you how you want to photograph this part. If there’s a sensitive family situation I need to be made aware of, please let me know. I’m happy to follow what makes you feel most relaxed and comfortable during this time.
CEREMONY(Ceremony at Artspace111)
Preferred time allotment: 30 minutes
Depending on what kind of ceremony you’re having, it can take anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour. We will be photography ninjas during this time.
EXTENDED FAMILY FORMALS
Preferred time allotment: 30 minutes
After your ceremony, your officiant should announce for immediate and extended family to remain seated. That way, when we head back to the alter (or another spot depending on lighting), everyone is there and ready to go.
NEWLYWED PORTRAITS
(Meghan + Cody at The Brik)
Preferred time allotment: 30-60 minutes
Advice: You two did the dang thing! We will go out together and celebrate with the most romantic portraits. During this time, I will give you two plenty of creative direction while also giving you enough space to breathe and be yourself and have a natural interaction together.
RECEPTION
(reception setup at Avalon Legacy)
Preferred time allotment: 2-4 hours
After your newlywed portraits, you will most likely meet with your coordinator/DJ to go over the flow of your grand entrance. This is a great time to sit down for a second, breathe, eat, and drink something (seriously, don’t skip that part).
NIGHTTIME PORTRAITS
Preferred time allotment: 15-20 minutes
I give all of my couples the option to sneak away from the party for just a few moments to create art with me. This is when we can have fun and create something unique together. I will bring smoke bombs, unique lighting, and find a moment to create with you two.
Not required, but it’s definitely worth it.
THE SEND-OFF
This is it. The final moments of your special day! Soak it all in and bask in the celebration of your family and friends. Take it slow. There’s no need to run through this part (unless, of course, you want to get the heck out of there… then, by all means, RUN, FORREST, RUN).
There are many different types of send-offs ranging from sparklers, confetti, bubbles, ribbons, balloons, lavender, glow sticks… I’ve even seen tortillas thrown. You can get creative as you want for this part!
Just a few things to make to a note of:
Sparklers: I suggest purchasing 20″ sparklers. This will give you just the right amount of time to make your way through without having you rush because they’re starting to go out, or having your guests continue holding them up for the next 90 seconds after you guys are gone. I will also help your coordinator/planner educate your guests on safety guidelines for sparklers.
Confetti: Confetti cannons, confetti in a bag… Make sure it’s biodegradable!
Example of a 10-hour wedding timeline:
A wedding photography timeline will vary based on the season. *This is an example for a fall wedding when the sun sets at 5:30 pm)
11:00-12:00 Bridal/Groom wedding details
12:00-1:30 Bride/Groom getting ready photos
1:30-2:00 First look/couple portraits
2:00-3:00 Wedding party formals
3:00-3:30 Immediate family formals
4:00-4:30 Ceremony
4:30-5:00 Extended family formals
5:00-5:30 Newlywed portraits (sunsets at 5:30 PM)*
5:30-5:45 Bride/Groom get announced
6:00-9:00 Reception activities
9:00-9:20 Creative Nighttime portraits
9:45-9:50 Last dance
9:50-10:00 Bride and Groom send-off
10:00 Photographers leave
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