Planning A Wedding Photography Timeline: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a wedding photography timeline can be a daunting task, but it is crucial to ensure you get all the shots you want on your big day. The timeline will depend on various factors, such as the number of guests, travel between locations, and whether you opt for a first look photo. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create the perfect wedding photography timeline.

First, decide on the types of portraits you want. In addition to photos of you and your spouse, consider whether you want family portraits and wedding party photos. It's essential to keep the number of formal portraits to a minimum to leave enough time for your celebration.

Next, choose your photo locations. The ceremony and reception venues are obvious choices, but you might also want to consider the hotel where you're getting ready or a special location that holds meaning for you. Don't forget to factor in travel time between locations!

Now, it's time to decide on the first look. A first look photo captures the couple's first meeting on their wedding day, usually before the ceremony. This option allows you to take many formal photos before the ceremony, leaving you free to enjoy the cocktail hour with your guests. If you opt for a more traditional approach and wait until the ceremony, expect to spend the cocktail hour taking portraits.

Consult with your photographer to determine how much time they will need for each type of photo. As a rule of thumb, allow for about 30 minutes for wedding party portraits, 30 minutes for family portraits of close family only, and 45 minutes for couple portraits. However, these times may vary depending on the size of your wedding party and family.

When creating your timeline, add buffer time to account for any unexpected delays. Allow extra time for travel between locations and getting everyone organised. It's also a good idea to provide your photographer with a list of specific photo combinations you want, so they can work efficiently.

Finally, communicate the schedule to everyone involved, including the wedding party and family members. This will ensure that everyone is where they need to be, and you can stick to your timeline as closely as possible.

Remember, every wedding is unique, so tailor your timeline to your specific needs and priorities. With careful planning, you'll be able to capture all the special moments of your big day!

Preparation shots: 90 minutes before you put on your dress/suit

Preparation shots are a great way to ease into the day and capture the mix of emotions that come with it. It is recommended that photography begins at least 90 minutes before you put on your wedding dress/suit. Here are some tips and ideas to make the most of this time:

90 minutes before:

• The photographer can bounce between the couple as they get ready or coordinate with a second photographer to ensure that both the bride and groom are captured.
• If you are not doing a first look before the ceremony, consider building in extra time to photograph separate bridal parties.
• If you are wearing a dress, allow plenty of time for putting it on, especially if it has a lot of buttons or a corset that needs lacing.
• If you are getting ready off-site, remember to include travel time in your schedule and allow a few minutes for everyone to pack up their belongings and get into their cars.
• Keep the wedding party on task to avoid delays. Ensure everyone is aware of the schedule and is ready for hair and makeup when it's their turn.

60 minutes before:

• If you are wearing a suit, now is the time to get dressed.
• The photographer can capture detail shots of the dress/suit, shoes, jewellery, and other accessories.
• Take photos of the couple getting ready – candid shots are often the best, so allow plenty of time for these.
• If the bride is wearing a veil, this is a good time to capture its beauty.

30 minutes before:

• Take photos of the couple with their bridesmaids/groomsmen.
• Get shots of the couple with their family members, especially parents, siblings, and grandparents.
• If there are children involved, such as flower girls or ring bearers, capture some adorable portraits with them.
• Take photos of the couple's first look if they are choosing to do so before the ceremony.

Remember to keep your photographer informed of your timeline and consult with them to ensure your schedule aligns with the photos you want to capture.

First look: 60-90 minutes before the ceremony

First looks are a great way to get many of the formal photos out of the way and provide an opportunity for the couple to share a quiet moment. It's best to plan for 60-90 minutes before the ceremony for the first look, which can be at a secluded area near the wedding venue. This timing allows for plenty of photos of the couple, family, and wedding party, and gives the couple a chance to connect and ease pre-wedding jitters.

For the first look, the couple usually gets dressed in their respective quarters before meeting in a designated place. One partner arrives first, and when the second partner arrives, the first turns around, and they see each other for the first time that day. The photographer will capture the candid moment and continue taking photos of the couple in different spots and lighting conditions.

After the first look, the couple can take photos with their wedding party and immediate family. It's a good idea to have a predetermined location for these photos, so family members know where to be and when. This will help keep the day running smoothly and ensure everyone is present and accounted for.

The first look and subsequent photos are a great way to make the most of the time before the ceremony and ensure the couple has more time to relax and enjoy their cocktail hour with guests. It's a special moment for the couple and a great opportunity to capture beautiful portraits with a variety of backdrops and lighting conditions.

Family photos: 20-30 minutes

Family photos are an important part of your wedding photography timeline. While these shots may not be the most creative, they are often a priority for couples. To ensure you get the photos you want, it's important to plan and allow enough time.

A good estimate for family photos is 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of your family and the number of groupings you want to capture. Each grouping can take 2-4 minutes, so if you have a large family or want a variety of shots, you may need closer to 30 minutes. It's important to be realistic and manage your expectations. If you have a long list of groupings, you may need to hire your photographer for more hours or start the day earlier.

When to Take Family Photos

There are a few options for when to take family photos. If you're doing a "first look" (where the couple sees each other for the first time before the ceremony), you can take some family photos before the ceremony. This will give you more time to enjoy the cocktail hour with your guests later. Alternatively, you can take family photos immediately after the ceremony, but keep in mind that this will cut into your cocktail hour. Another option is to take some family photos before the ceremony and the rest during the cocktail hour. This way, you can still enjoy part of the cocktail hour while getting all the photos you want.

Tips for Efficient Family Photos

To make the most of your family photo time, it's helpful to have a list of the specific groupings you want. This will ensure you don't miss any important shots and speed up the process. It's also crucial to communicate the photo schedule to your family members and ask them to be on time and attentive. For large group photos, it's a good idea to inform them in advance so they can be ready and minimise disruptions.

Sample Timeline for Family Photos

2:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. – Family Portraits (during the first look)

Couple with bride/groom's parents

Couple with bride/groom's parents and siblings

Couple with extended family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.)

Individual photos with each set of parents

By allowing 20-30 minutes for family photos and following these tips, you'll be able to capture precious moments with your loved ones without rushing or sacrificing other parts of your wedding day. Remember to communicate your timeline with your photographer and family members to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Wedding party photos: 30 minutes

Wedding party photos are a key part of your wedding day timeline. Here is a detailed plan for 30 minutes of wedding party photos.

Before the Photos

First, ensure the wedding party is on task. This part of the day often runs behind schedule, so it's important to keep everyone on track. If hair and makeup are running behind, it's usually not the stylists' fault. It could be because the next bridesmaid is back at her hotel room, on the phone, or eating lunch. Make sure everyone is aware of the schedule and ready to go when it's their turn.

During the Photos

For the photos themselves, 30 minutes is a good amount of time to capture a variety of shots. Start with more formal images and lighting, and then move on to more fun and creative images. Get a few shots with you and each member of the bridal party. If you have a large wedding party, you might want to add a little extra time to make sure everyone is looking at the camera at the same time!

After the Photos

After the photos, the bridal party can relax and freshen up before the ceremony. If you're doing a first look, this is a great time to sneak away and share a quiet moment with your partner. If not, you can use this time to take a breather and prepare for the ceremony.

Tips for a Smooth Process

• Tidy the environment before the photos. Make beds, pick up objects and garbage, and hide suitcases and bags.
• Have all the detail items out and together, including all the rings.
• Get ready in a room with plenty of natural light. Avoid mixing artificial and natural light, as this can affect the colour of your photos.
• If you're getting professional hair and makeup, plan for longer than the stylist says, as this part of the day often runs behind schedule.
• If you're travelling between locations, remember to factor in travel time and give yourself a little extra time in case of traffic.
• If possible, have the hair and makeup stylists come to you and order food in. This will save time and reduce stress.

Sample Timeline

1:00 pm - Wedding photographer arrives

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm - Getting ready photos

2:15 pm - 2:45 pm - First look and couple portraits

2:45 pm - 3:15 pm - Wedding party portraits

3:15 pm - 3:45 pm - Family portraits

3:45 pm - 4:30 pm - Ceremony

4:30 pm - 5:00 pm - Cocktail hour

5:00 pm - Wedding reception

Sunset photos: 15 minutes

Sunset photos are a must-have for any wedding album. The soft, warm glow of the setting sun adds a touch of romance and magic to your photos. Here are some tips to make the most of your 15-minute sunset photo session:

Plan Ahead

Even though you only have 15 minutes, it's important to have a game plan. Decide on the types of shots you want, such as silhouettes, full-body shots, or headshots. Break down your shoot time into smaller segments and map out what you want to achieve during each. Also, consider the location and how long you plan to stay in each spot. Having a plan will help you feel more confident and ensure you don't miss any special moments.

Scout the Location

Arrive early and spend some time scouting the area for the best spots to capture the sunset. Look for shaded areas, high vantage points, and clean backgrounds that will make your subjects pop. A beautiful stone wall, a vibrant field, or a serene forest backdrop can all create stunning visuals. Having a clear idea of the locations will allow you to confidently lead your clients and save time.

Establish Rapport with Your Subjects

It's important to make your subjects feel comfortable so that their ease and enjoyment shine through in the photos. Engage with them, ask about their day, and share fun anecdotes. Keep the conversation going throughout the shoot, discussing their interests, favourite music, or recent movies they've watched. The more relaxed your subjects are, the more natural and authentic their photos will be.

Use Wide Apertures for Bokeh

Create mesmerizing bokeh by using wide apertures like f/2.8, f/1.8, or f/1.4. This technique blurs the background, drawing the viewer's attention to the subjects. Sunset portrait photography is perfect for this, as the setting sun creates a shimmering bokeh effect when it filters through leaves and branches. Just remember that wider apertures result in a shallower depth of field, so nailing the focus on your subjects' eyes is crucial.

Capture Classic Silhouette Shots

Sunset is the perfect time to capture timeless and classic silhouette portraits. Wait until the sun is low in the sky, almost on the horizon. Position your subjects so that they are backlit by the sun, with their bodies blocking the sun from the frame. Set your camera to expose for the sky, not the subjects, to create a dark, shadowy silhouette effect. Ensure the camera's focus remains on your subjects to keep them sharp against the softer background.

Frequently asked questions