Building your Wedding Day Timeline — tips from a BC Wedding Photographer
The timeline of your day might be the most important piece of preparation for us photographers. It helps us guide you through the day smoothly and keep things on track. Not only is your timeline going to make sure we get you where you need to be, it also gives you an idea of where your photographer will be and when. This way there's no surprises or delays, and it helps the day run smoothly! That’s why I’ve created this resource to help you build yours.
I ALWAYS offer help with timelines, especially if you don't have a wedding planner or day-of coordinator. I myself am one of those people who love to be organized and on-time, so working with you on the timeline helps all of us stay calm, collected, and in-the-know on your big day!
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Here's an average wedding day timeline for reference. Your day may look a little (or a lot) different than this, but this is a great starting point for most couples!
It's also important to factor in travel time between locations and remember to arrange transportation.
THE MORNING-OF
Maybe you’re throwing tradition out the window like me and spending the morning with your partner. Or maybe you have to go do some last minute touches to your venue. Either way, it’s important to carve out time on the morning of your wedding to be able to relax, have a good meal, and let yourself breathe. The day is going to go by so fast and you want to be ready to take it all in. If you’re planning for your photographer to come take photos for you in the morning (maybe for a morning-of couples session) be sure to factor all that into your timeline.
DON’T FORGET TO EAT BREAKFAST! Whether it’s a big brunch with your friends and family who are getting ready with you or one of your bridesmaids picking up bagels on the way to greet you. You’re likely to be skipping lunch, so having a good-sized meal in the morning is going to save you later in the day until you can dig in to your delicious reception dinner.
GETTING READY — 60-90 minutes
This part of your day can be spent surrounded by some of the best people in your life, or maybe it's spent sitting together sipping coffee in the middle of the woods. Either way, this is such an exciting time of day — the emotions are flowing and the anticipation grows.
Things to consider:
+ location & lighting — natural light is a must for great getting ready photos!
+ hair and makeup appointment times
+ timeframe (what time do you need to be ready by?)
+ one location or two? Your photographer can’t be in 2 places at once! Be sure to factor in travel for your photographer to get to your partner if your package does not include a second photographer.
FIRST LOOK — 30 minutes
The first look can ease some of the nerves before walking down the aisle, and you have the opportunity to get some really special photographs at this time. Some couples even opt take all their portraits before the ceremony! This allows you to have less time between the ceremony and reception. Even if you don't want a first look with your partner, there's other fun options; You can do one with your bridesmaids, groomsmen, or parents/grandparents. If you have a special gift giving moment, this is the perfect time to intentionally make space for that.
CEREMONY — 20-60 minutes
Always be sure to consider the timing/lighting of your ceremony —
For indoor ceremonies, be sure to assess the lighting situation. Keep in mind that some indoor ceremony venues (such as churches) may not allow flash photography and may have restrictions on what you are allowed to bring in.
If you're planning for an outdoor ceremony at 2:00pm in the heat of summer, just know that the sun and shadows for those photos will likely be harsh. Finding a spot that has some sun coverage is worth thinking about!
FAMILY PORTRAITS — 15-30 minutes
Prepare a “shot list” of groupings you don’t want to be missed. I always recommend having a member of the wedding party or family member assigned to gather people for family photos. Even if I have a second photographer with me, having someone who knows the names of all the people on the list (such as a bridesmaid or groomsmen) can usually get their attention better than I can!
WEDDING PARTY PORTRAITS — 15-45 minutes
Wedding party photos can look different for everyone. My style of photography shows movement, laughter, and emotion in all parts of your day. I want your wedding party to have A BLAST taking these photos! I'll have my speaker with me and I always take requests -- if there's a song you know will get your party hyped up, be sure to let me know!
KAMLOOPS COUPLES: check out this blog for 7 spots with a view for your wedding photo location —
COUPLES PORTRAITS — 60 minutes +
This has got to be one of the best parts of your whole day. When we are working together to build your timeline, this is always something I ask that you prioritize. Take this time to just be together. Be intimate with each other, hold on tight to one another and take your love in. Isn't that the whole reason we did all this in the first place?
Even if you do a first look, I still recommend making this a priority during your day.
Is your partner a little camera-shy? Read the blog below for 8 tips for preparing your camera-shy partner for photos!
RECEPTION — 2-3 hours
During dinner there will likely be loads of toasts, maybe some embarrassing stories, and a few sneaky kisses. Your family and friends will be celebrating with you in the most beautiful way. I can't wait!
Adults only wedding? I gotchu —
Big family with lots of kids? I gotchu too —
EXTRA TIPS:
— Take moments throughout the day to step away from everyone, just the two of you, and take it all in. I'm sure you've heard it a million times, but the day really does go by SO FAST. If at any point you do want to step away, be sure to grab your photographer so they can snap some photos of these intimate moments.
— Don’t forget to plan for travel time and arrange transportation!
— Adding a second photographer to your wedding package is worth considering — a second photographer will be able to get other angles and allows your photographer to “be in two places at once” basically. You’d be able to do your and your partner’s getting ready photos at the same time, the second photographer would be able to get shots of your empty reception venue, and acts as an assistant for your existing photographer. Ask your photographer about the options for adding this onto your package!