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In order for a wedding to run smoothly, there is a LOT of planning and coordination that goes into it. When it comes to the wedding photography timeline, this is a crucial part of the planning process!
One of the reasons I hear guests say I make it look so easy to “just show up and shoot” at weddings is because I meticulously work on a solid wedding day timeline with my couples well before the event. So, what does this timeline of photography look like, and how do you create one?
How to Determine Your Wedding Photography Timeline
When it comes to creating a wedding photography timeline, each one might have unique factors, but you’ll find there are rough timeline samples you can use to outline your day!
Below, I’ve outlined 2 basic wedding day timeline templates: one with a first look and one without a first look. This specific event can make a pretty big difference to your overall schedule, which is why I think it’s worth showing timeline outlines for both. Additionally, I shared the types of photos captured during that time to give you an idea of what I’m looking for. :)
Timeline With a First Look
If you decide to have a first look, here’s a suggested timeline to follow. In it, you’ll see that because there is a first look, wedding party portraits can all be taken prior to the ceremony, which helps to save time later in the day.
Getting Ready
Photos Include:
- Bridal Details – shoes, jewelry, dress, rings
- Portraits and candids of the bride getting ready and putting on her dress
- Groom Details – cuff links, shoes, watch, tie (2nd shooter will generally photograph the groom while I’m with the bride)
- Portraits and candids of the groom getting ready and putting on his suit or tux
Time Allotment: 1 hour
First Look and Couple Portraits
Photos Include:
- First look between the bride and groom
- Portraits of the couple in 1 main location
Time Allotment: 1 hour
Wedding Party Photos
Photos Include:
- Wedding party photos
- Bride + bridesmaid photos
- Groom + groomsmen photos
Time Allotment: 30 minutes
Ceremony Details
Photos Include:
- Detail photos of the ceremony site prior to guests arriving
Time Allotment: 20-30 minutes, depending on how elaborate the ceremony site is
Ceremony
Photos Include:
- Full coverage of the ceremony events
Time Allotment: 15-60 minutes, depending on formality and if it’s religious
Family Formals
Photos Include:
- Formal portraits with the bride’s family
- Formal portraits with the groom’s family
Time Allotment: About 30 minutes
Cocktail Hour
Photos Include:
- Candids and posed group shots of your guests
- Details of cocktail hour decor
Time Allotment: 30 minutes
Additional Notes: Typically, the 2nd shooter will take cocktail hour photos while I am focusing on family formals.
Couple Portraits
Photos Include:
- Additional portraits of the bride and groom in 1-2 locations. If you’re looking to go off-site for these photos, be sure to allow an additional 30 minutes for travel. Here are some of my favorite SD engagement locations that also work beautifully for wedding photos!
- Sunset photos
Time Allotment: 1 hour
Reception Details
Photos Include:
- Empty venue room photo with completed decor
- Specific details of each table and unique decor
Time Allotment: 30 minutes
Reception
Photos Include:
- Grand Entrance
- First Dance
- Toasts
- Special Dances
- Cake Cutting
- Bouquet/ Garter Toss
- Open Dancing
Time Allotment: 3-4 hours
Timeline Without a First Look
The major difference with this timeline is that it does not include a first look. Because of that, not all of the wedding party photos can be taken ahead of time. Additionally, you’ll see that there is less time overall for couple portraits.
Getting Ready
Photos Include:
- Bridal Details – shoes, jewelry, dress, rings
- Portraits and candids of the bride getting ready and putting on her dress
- Groom Details – cuff links, shoes, watch, tie (2nd shooter will generally photograph the groom while I’m with the bride)
- Portraits and candids of the groom getting ready and putting on his suit or tux
Time Allotment: 1 hour
Bride + Bridesmaid Photos
Photos Include:
- Bride + bridesmaid photos
Time Allotment: 30 minutes
Groom + Groomsmen Photos
Photos Include:
- Groom + groomsmen photos
Time Allotment: 30 minutes
Ceremony Details
Photos Include:
- Detail photos of the ceremony site prior to guests arriving
Time Allotment: 20-30 minutes, depending on how elaborate the ceremony site is
Ceremony
Photos Include:
- Full coverage of the ceremony events
Time Allotment: 15-60 minutes, depending on formality and if it’s religious
Family Formals
Photos Include:
- Formal portraits with the bride’s family
- Formal portraits with the groom’s family
Time Allotment: About 30 minutes
Wedding Party Formals
Photos Include:
- Entire wedding party with the bride and groom
Time Allotment: 15 minutes
Cocktail Hour
Photos Include:
- Candids and posed group shots of your guests
- Details of cocktail hour decor
Time Allotment: 30 minutes
Additional Notes: Typically, the 2nd shooter captures photos of cocktail hour while I focus on family formals.
Couple Portraits
Photos Include:
- Additional portraits of the bride and groom in 1-2 locations
- Bridal portraits
- Groom portraits
- Sunset photos
Time Allotment: 1 hour
Reception Details
Photos Include:
- Empty venue room photo with completed decor
- Specific details of each table and unique decor
Time Allotment: 30 minutes
Reception
Photos Include:
- Grand Entrance
- First Dance
- Toasts
- Special Dances
- Cake Cutting
- Bouquet/ Garter Toss
- Open Dancing
Time Allotment: 3-4 hours
Final Thoughts
When it comes to planning out your wedding photography timeline, first determine whether or not you want a first look. Even if you’re not entirely sure how much time to allot to each different event, that’s okay, because that’s where I come in and can help you build it fully out!
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