Your wedding photography timeline is not going to be the exact same as Karen’s or Susanne’s, or Brian’s. Every wedding itinerary is going to be unique based on factors such traditions, family dynamics, wedding locations, and sunset time. However, not all wedding timelines are created equally. In fact, some wedding schedule’s make a photographer’s job A LOT more difficult. For example, it’s pretty tricky for your photographer to eat dinner and photograph speeches simultaneously. Hey, I can do it, as long as you don’t mind that I have bread in my pockets! It’s time to start planning a wedding photography timeline that both you and your photographer will love. So let’s get started!
You should block-off at least 15 minutes for couple photos. The more time the better, these are always some of my favourite photographs!
If you choose not to have a first look then family photos, couple photos and full wedding party photos need to happen after the ceremony.
C. How far apart are your wedding locations?
Make a list of the driving distances between all of your wedding photography locations. Send me an email if you need help choosing locations at or near your venue!
How much time should you budget for photographs throughout your wedding day? Lucky for you I’ve photographed quite a few weddings.
Here’s what I would recommend:
Make sure to also account for speeches, candid photos, first dances, cake cutting, dance floor, and formal exit photographs. However, Im getting ahead of myself, we’ll talk about that more below!
Think about the first thing and the last thing that you want photographed! Generally, you would need a minimum of eight hours of photography to cover everything from getting ready photos to dance floor pics. I’ve attached a sample itinerary’s below to help you build your wedding schedule! You’ll notice that one of the itineraries includes a first look and the other does not. Remember this itinerary is a reference tool NOT an exact science.
*** Budget time for sunset photographs. Sunset time varies so I have not included it in the sample itineraries
*** This itinerary is based on one location
12:00 Photographs of Getting Ready + Details
12:45 All Hair and Makeup Finished
1:00 Dress On; Final Touches
1:30 First Look; Bride and Groom Portraits
2:10 Wedding Party Photos
3:00 Family Portraits Photos
3:45 Details! Photograph Ceremony Decor
4:30 Ceremony Begins
5:00 Ceremony Ends (consider confetti or flower exit)
5:10 Couple Photos
5:40 Couple Joins the Cocktail Hour
6:00 Grand Entrance to Reception
6:30 Wedding Couple + Bridal Party Grand Entrance
7:00 Toasts & Dinner Is Served
8:00 CUT THAT CAKE so that it can be taken away and plated
8:15 Speeches
9:00 First Dances
9:30 Dance Floor Opens
*** Budget time for sunset photographs. Sunset time varies so I have not included it in the sample itineraries
*** This itinerary is based on one location
1:00 Photographs of Getting Ready + Bridal Details
1:45 All Hair + Make-up is Finished
2:00 Dress on + Final Touches
2:30 Details! Photograph Ceremony Decor
3:30 Wedding Ceremony
4:00 Confetti Exit (eco-friendly option preferred) + Cocktail Hour
4:10 Family photos
4:45 Bridal Party Photos
5:45 Couple Photos
6:00 Guests Enter Reception Area
6:30 Wedding Couple + Bridal Party Grand Entrance
7:00 Toasts & Dinner Is Served
8:00 CUT THAT CAKE so that it can be taken away and plated
8:15 Speeches
9:00 First Dances
9:30 Dance Floor Opens
Photographers’ LOVE late Ceremonies and here’s why! Sunlight is typically the harshest from 12:00-2:00pm. How does this translate in terms of photographs? Harsh light causes shadows, sweat and squinting.
Mid-day ceremonies are the most difficult aspect for your photographer to capture! I put the sun behind my subject when it is high which actually reduces the amount of contrast. However this is not always possible during a ceremony. Think about it, your photographer has to capture multiple angles. On one side there’s an alter and on the opposite side there is usually a bride walking down the aisle. With that said, if your ceremony has to take place during high sun do not stress! I can still photograph it, just expect more contrast in your photographs.
Now that was a lot of information in one blog post! If you are one of my clients please email me if you have ANY questions while planning your wedding photography timeline! I have a ton of resources for you that are not public on my blog.
If you are not currently my client, but you are looking for a wedding photographer you can find my wedding portfolio here. I would LOVE to hear more about you and your wedding day 🙂 . A quick refresher, I’m now located in Manitoba and I travel to Vancouver for work. I love adventure and would be more than happy to take a train, plane, car or ferry to wherever you are.
Happy wedding planning! Take me to more client resources on the blog!
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