Rhiannon Hendricks
Planning your wedding photography timeline is an important part of your big day. From detail shots of the rings and dress to the cake cutting and bouquet toss, there are many moments you'll want your photographer to capture. It's a good idea to plan for around 30 minutes of detail photos and to schedule key moments, like the cake cutting, early enough for your photographer to document them. If you want photos at a particular location, you'll need to factor travel time into your timeline and plan transportation for your guests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Timing | Schedule photos of the cake cutting, bouquet toss, and dancing for later in the reception. Take photos of the little details (dress, suit, rings, etc.) in the early part of the day. Take a break 30 minutes before the ceremony to relax and freshen up. |
| Location | The ceremony and reception venues are the easiest locations for photos, but you can also take photos at a special location (beach, park, etc.) or the hotel where you're getting ready. Factor travel time and transportation into your timeline. |
| Preparation | Do a recce of the location and plan out the shoot. Check how long it will take to get to the location and arrive 5 minutes early. |
What You'll Learn
Plan time for detail photos
When planning your wedding photography timeline, it's important to plan time for detail photos. The early part of the day is perfect for capturing all the little details, such as the dress, suit, tie, shoes, rings, jewellery, and invitations. Allow your photographer about 30 minutes or more to capture these details.
If you want candid photos, be sure to allow enough time for these to happen naturally. People are not smiling and laughing the entire time they're getting ready, so give your photographer the time and space to capture these moments.
If you have a particular location in mind for your detail photos, factor the travel time into your timeline and plan for transportation. The easiest locations are your wedding ceremony location and/or reception venue, but the hotel where you're getting ready can also be a good spot.
Be sure to schedule things like cake cutting and bouquet tossing early enough for your photographer to document them. If dance floor photos are important to you, make sure your photographer is present for a decent amount of dancing time.
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Candid photos take time to happen naturally
When planning your wedding photography, it's important to remember that candid photos take time to happen naturally. While people are getting ready, they won't be smiling and laughing the whole time, so you need to allow time for these natural, candid moments to occur.
The early part of the day is perfect for capturing all the little details, so if you want detail photos of things like your dress, suit, shoes, rings, and invitations, plan for your photographer to take about 30 minutes or more to capture these.
If you want candid photos of your guests, it's a good idea to schedule things like cake cutting and bouquet tossing early enough for your photographer to document them. That way, they can capture the natural reactions and interactions of your guests.
It's also important to consider the locations for your photos. The ceremony and reception venues are the easiest options, but if you have a particular location in mind, you'll need to factor in travel time and plan for transportation.
Finally, don't forget to take a break before the ceremony. Wrap up any photos about 30 minutes beforehand so you can be in hiding as your guests arrive and take a moment to relax and freshen up before the festivities begin.
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Schedule events like cake cutting and bouquet tossing
When planning your wedding photography timeline, it's important to schedule events like cake cutting and bouquet tossing early enough for your photographer to document them. These events often happen later in the reception, so make sure your photographer is still present to capture these moments.
It's also a good idea to plan time for detail photos earlier in the day. If you want photos of the little details, such as your dress, suit, shoes, rings, etc., allow your photographer about 30 minutes or more to capture these.
If you're planning on taking photos at different locations, factor travel time into your timeline and plan for transportation. This will ensure that everyone gets to the locations safely and on time.
Additionally, try to keep your formal portraits to a minimum and include only your wedding party, immediate family members, and perhaps a few special relatives. This will help streamline the photography process and ensure that your photographer has enough time to capture all the important moments.
Finally, if dance floor photos are important to you, make sure your photographer is present for a decent amount of dancing time! It often takes wedding guests a while to get on the dance floor, so having your photographer there for a good portion of the dancing will ensure they capture those fun moments.
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Take a break before the ceremony
Taking a break before the ceremony is a great way to ensure you feel relaxed and refreshed before walking down the aisle. It is recommended that you wrap up any photos you are taking before the ceremony around 30 minutes before the start. This gives you time to hide away from your guests as they arrive and take a moment to yourself.
During this time, you can also freshen up your hair and makeup, ensuring you look and feel your best before the main event. If you are planning on taking detail photos of things like your dress, suit, shoes, or rings, these can be taken during this time, too. Detail photos usually take around 30 minutes or more, so this is a great opportunity to take a break while your photographer captures these important elements.
If you are planning on taking photos at a different location before the ceremony, be sure to factor in travel time and plan for transportation. This will ensure that you and your wedding party arrive safely and on time, without adding any additional stress to your day.
Taking a break before the ceremony is not only beneficial for your own peace of mind but also ensures that you look and feel your best for the wedding ceremony and the photos that will capture this special moment.
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Plan transportation for wedding party and VIPs
Planning transportation for your wedding party and VIPs is an important part of your wedding day. It's customary to provide transportation for your wedding party, and many couples also choose to arrange transportation for VIPs and select family members. This group often includes the mothers, fathers, and grandparents of the soon-to-be-wed.
There are many options for wedding transportation, from limousines to party buses, retro VW buses, and horse-drawn sleds. If you're having a large wedding party or want other VIP guests to travel with your bridesmaids and groomsmen, a party bus could be a great option. Limousines are a classic choice, with smaller limos holding about six adults and super stretch limos and SUV limos accommodating up to 26 people.
If you're looking for a unique entrance, consider a rustic wagon ride or a horse-drawn sled. For a sleek and comfortable ride, hire a motor coach. If you want to keep costs down, a town car could be an option.
When planning transportation, it's essential to consider the logistics and timing. Factor in travel time to your wedding photography timeline and ensure all your VIPs get to the photo locations safely and on time. It's also a good idea to plan for transportation from the getting-ready location to the ceremony space and the reception venue.
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Frequently asked questions
Schedule things like cake cutting and bouquet tossing early enough for your photographer to document them. If you want photos of dancing, make sure your photographer is present for a decent amount of dancing time.
Plan for your photographer to take about 30 minutes or more to photograph details like your dress, suit, tie, shoes, rings, jewellery and invitations.
Candid photos take time to happen naturally. People are not smiling and laughing the whole time they're getting ready, so make sure your photographer is present to capture these moments.
Try to keep your formal portraits to a minimum. Include only your wedding party, immediate family members, and perhaps a few special relatives.
The easiest locations are your wedding ceremony location and/or reception venue. The hotel where you're getting ready can also be a good spot. If you have a particular location in mind, factor the travel time into your wedding photography timeline and plan for transportation.
