The dreaded wedding day timeline doesn’t really have to be that dreaded! The key? Get your photographer involved with you and whoever else is helping with the timeline (definitely you’re Coordinator if you have one) to help guide you through the process! I am so impressed-several of my 2013 brides have already started planning out their wedding day timeline, and have contacted me to help guide them through the process! The fact that they already realize that allotting scheduled time for photos means you’re allowing your photographer more time to work their magic makes me so proud! The first part of this blog post will by my 5 top tips (from experience) that brides need to know to help travel through the planning of their timeline, and their wedding day! The second half of the post is a mock timeline for with first look and without first look. If you have any questions about how I design the timeline, and tips for a well-oiled machine (ok, I really just mean a smoothe wedding day without feeling oober rushed) please email me directly at info@amandalloydphotography.com.

I think what’s so important as a photographer is being able to tell a couple’s entire wedding day story. From getting ready, to all the details, decor, important objects/moments etc. that are personal to your couple (this could be a broach from a grandmother, a personal note the couple exchanges, personalized shoes, socks, a really special something “borrowed.”) These type of pieces are an important part of the puzzle. Don’t forget that although your photographer makes every effort to get to know you as well as they possibly can, they aren’t mind readers (although we wish we were!). So make sure to let them know if you have a special broach, moment planned, letter etc. because they will be happy to incorporate those items/moments into the final wedding day story.

Ok, back to getting ready photos. Typically when I arrive, the bride is getting ready, and the groom shortly thereafter. Allotting time for these photographs is important because it gives photographers time to document what is going on during getting ready! At the end of this post will be a full day timeline with examples of timeslots, but typically I love when brides allot for about 1 hour of getting ready shots. This includes getting your dress on (which believe it or not, takes more than 5 minutes! Give yourself atleast 15-20 minutes to get your dress on, take a big deep breathe and look at how beautiful you are in the mirror!). Also, a full hour gives photographers time to go between the bride getting ready and the groom getting ready! So, 60 minutes for getting ready shots, including getting the dress on. Ok, lets say 75 just in case people are running late!

Details Details Details! For me, details are one of my favorite parts of the day! Why? Because the details for 1, are what you spend so much time creating, planning, pinning and pouring your time and effort into! and 2, details help tell your love story! Why is that? Because the details show what you love, what colors you chose, the cake you picked, the flowers you ordered, your beautiful dress hanging before you put it on for the first time on your wedding day, the shoes you and your bridesmaids shopped for together, the invitations you went round and round on before ordering, the linens and anything and everything in between. This also includes venue details, landscapes, etc. Anything that is story telling we’re photographing (or, at least we should be!) When I got married there were so many special details that I wish I could look back on. (I have no images of my bouquet..what the heck right?). Ten years down the road when you want to be able to look back on that beautiful cake, the details of your dress, what color it really  was that the bridesmaids wore because it’s been a while and you’ve forgotten- you have your images to look back on all the details! Can you tell they’re my favorite? Details, details, details! (Side note, for photographers, if you want to get published, you need to photograph a ton of details to be considered for most publications).

Side tip: The sooner your cake baker can get your cake ready and displayed, and your tables, linens and centerpieces for the reception ready, the better. Photographers love when these items are ready before your guests arrive, because these types of detail shots are unobtainable in the same creative capacity if we have to take them once the guests are already  sitting at tables. If the reception tables set up and decorated can be completed a before hours before the wedding, perfect! Remember, the more time allotted for these types of shots, the more opportunity you’re giving your photographer to get them!

First Looks! Love them! 3 Reasons for a first look:

#1: It’s a super personal moment between JUST the bride and groom (and your photographer, in the distance, of course). When I got married the first look images were so special to me, because they were the most genuine images and the look on my husbands face when he saw me for the first time still warms my heart every time I think about it!

#2: As soon as you do the first look, we can do couples pictures before everyone arrives, before the business of the day begins, and it makes you feel so much more relaxed before the wedding! And when you walk down the aisle, you can breathe, take in the sights of all your guests, and in your heart know that you already had that special special moment just the two of you. Awesome, right?

#3: Better for timing, giving time to complete other important formal photos before the wedding. Typically, the more photos we can complete prior to the ceremony the better. Some couples do first look/couples photos, then bridal photos, then family photos. Other couples save the family photos for after the ceremony. (Either way works for me!). &, definitely a few more couples photos after the ceremony as an officially married couple!

Side note: I recommend allotting 30-45 minutes for first look and couples photos. Remember, the more time you allot, the more time you’re giving your photographer to work their magic! AND this part of the wedding day timeline is one of the most important parts because these photos will be the ones that you’ll more than likely be putting on the walls of your home!

So why should photos finish a whole 30 minutes before the wedding? Timelines run late. It just happens. About 75% or more of the time. If you allow a whole 30 minutes before the ceremony begins to finish photos, then everyone and their brother wont see you taking photos before the ceremony! Plus, if we’re running 10 minutes behind schedule (it happens, all the time) then we won’t be scurrying to finish photos right before you walk down the aisle. The other great thing about this is that you have time to take a big deep breathe, touch up your makeup, giggle with your bridesmaids and chill before you walk down the aisle! And, this gives your photographer a few minutes to swap cards, have a quick snack, hydrate, touch base with their second shooter etc. before the ceremony begins.

Travel time. This is a biggie. If you’re doing getting ready shots, first looks etc. at a place that is NOT  your venue, definitely allot time for traveling. If we’re all at one location-great! If we’re not, allow time for travel (I’m talking, allow twice as long as it takes to get from point A to point B, in case of traffic, etc. So, 15 minutes to get somewhere-allow 30.)

Trust us! You’re not in this alone! The biggest thing to remember is that everyone’s wedding day timeline is different, needs adjustments and things 9 times out or 10 change with the timeline or run late etc. So, with that, take a big deep breath! It’s your wedding day and everything will be amazing, even if the bridal portraits start a few minutes late, or Aunt Sally runs off to get a cocktail just before family photos. Things come up, and it’s important to remember to just enjoy yourself and trust your photographer! It’s always great to ask for their guidance or suggestions when it comes to the timeline. Photographers know what works and what doesn’t with the timeline, so ask for help! Side note: make sure to print a copy of the tentative timeline for everyone: Coordinators, DJ-so important, since they keep the day running, photographers, bridal party and any family that need to be at a specific time and location for formal family photos!

 

With that said, there are  (in my opinion) 4 scenarios for how the photos/timeline can go for the day. Two of them are with a first look, and two are without a first look. Here are the options:

1. First Look with ALL formal photos before the ceremony (and a few of the married couple after ceremony): First look, couples photos, bridal party, family photos, then ceremony.

2. First Look with JUST bridal party photos before the ceremony. Family photos after the ceremony, plus a few of married bride and groom after the ceremony. (I prefer this)

3. No first look, brides maids and bride photos before ceremony, groom and groomsmen photos before the ceremony. Remainder of photos AFTER the ceremony (couple, full bridal party, family shots).

4. No first look, all formal photos after the ceremony (family shots, bridal party, ending with bride/groom photos).

Side note, I don’t recommend #4, because it makes the bride and groom feel rushed and it just doesn’t allot for enough time for photos. (plus, it’s hard to wrangle everyone up for these shots).

So, here is my idea of an ideal timeline (allotting enough time for your photographer to get you a TON of great shots!)

WITH A FIRST LOOK AND ALL PHOTOS BEFORE THE CEREMONY, FAMILY PHOTOS AFTER CEREMONY:

Personally, I always suggest for couples to have me arrive a minimum of 3 hours before the ceremony begins if formal photos are taken before the ceremony. Of course the time slots can be swapped if your ceremony starts a different time, etc. All of this can be tweaked, but it can at least give you an idea of what it could look like! Note that family photos are after the ceremony, because it’s hard to have ALL your family there well before the wedding and honestly, not everyone is on time. If you decide to have the family shots before the wedding, then make sure to back everything up an additional 30 minutes. Otherwise, do the family shots after the wedding, when everyone’s in ONE location!

Side note: This is for a 10 hour wedding. If you have more/less time, make sure you leave the getting ready/details/formal time slots the same amount. In this case you’d have say, less reception coverage.

12:30pm: Photographer arrives and gets photos of reception tables, cake, venue, landscapes etc.

1pm-215pm: Getting Ready photos (you can be getting ready before this, but it gives us time to get a few of you doing the final getting ready process). This will also be the time we get detail shots (dress, flowers, rings, special things you’ve incorporated).

215pm : Bride & Groom First Look & couples photos

3pm: Bridal Party Photos (20-30 minutes, depending on the size of your bridal party)

330pm: Done with photos, taking a minute to breathe before ceremony begins, touch up your makeup, breathe!

4pm: Ceremony

430pm: Family Photos (20-30 minutes, depending on the size of your family).

5pm: Bride and Groom officially husband and wife photos (15 minutes or so, and maybe a few additional a little later at sunset)

430-530: Cocktail hour (great time for people to mingle, while we finish up photos)

Note: Usually after photographer finishes pictures with bride/groom they let the DJ know so that the bride/groom can be formally announced!

530: Dinner (45-60 minutes is pretty typical).

Toasts: People usually do these before dinner, or as everyone is sitting with their dinner.. up to you!

Side note: Make sure to feed your photographers! They will love it, appreciate it, and helps them work to the best of their abilities for the remainder of the event!

630pm: First Dance (Bride & Groom, Bride/Dad, Groom/Mom)

7pm: Cake Cutting

7pm-8pm: Open Dancing

8pm: Cake Cutting

83opm: Bouquet Toss, Garter Toss

830-1o30: Open Dancing

1030: Exit (could be sparklers, etc for a fun exit).

Side Note: If you’re hiring your photographer for less time, then you might want to scoot all the formalities of the reception closer together. If you have them for more time (good job!) then they can get more dancing photos, candids, or more getting ready shots or more time for formal photos (and they will love you for it!)

WITHOUT A FIRST LOOK AND ONLY BRIDE/BRIDESMAIDS & GROOM/GROOMSMEN PHOTOS BEFORE THE CEREMONY:

Doing all the formal photos after the wedding is just not a good idea. It makes you feel rushed, and you just won’t get quite as many shots. If it’s at all possible to do photos of the bride and her bridesmaids + groom and his groomsmen before the wedding, perfection! Remember: If you allot for the time for these shots in your timeline, then you’re golden!

Side note: This is for a 10 hour wedding. If you have more/less time, make sure you leave the getting ready/details/formal time slots the same amount. In this case you’d have say, less reception coverage.

12:30pm: Photographer arrives and gets photos of reception tables, cake, venue, landscapes etc.

1245-2pm: Getting Ready photos (you can be getting ready before this, but it gives us time to get a few of you doing the final getting ready process). This will also be the time we get detail shots (dress, flowers, rings, special things you’ve incorporated).

2pm : Bride & Bridesmaids photos

215pm: Groom & Groomsmen photos

230pm: Done with photos, taking a minute to breathe before ceremony begins, touch up your makeup, breathe!

3pm: Ceremony

330pm: Family photos (20-30 minutes, depending on size families.)

Side note: Make sure that the WHOLE family understands where/when family photos are, and the importance of being on time!

4pm: Bridal party photos (20-30 minutes, depending on the size of your family).

430-515: Bride and Groom Photos

430-530: Cocktail hour (great time for people to mingle, while we finish up photos)

Note: Usually after photographer finishes pictures with bride/groom they let the DJ know so that the bride/groom can be formally announced!

530: Dinner (45-60 minutes is pretty typical).

Toasts: People usually do these before dinner, or as everyone is sitting with their dinner.. up to you!

Side note: Make sure to feed your photographers! They will love it, appreciate it, and helps them work to the best of their abilities for the remainder of the event!

630pm: First Dance (Bride & Groom, Bride/Dad, Groom/Mom)

7pm: Cake Cutting

7pm-8pm: Open Dancing

8pm: Cake Cutting

83opm: Bouquet Toss, Garter Toss

830-1o30: Open Dancing

1030: Exit (could be sparklers, etc for a fun exit).

Side Note: If you’re hiring your photographer for less time, then you might want to scoot all the formalities of the reception closer together. If you have them for more time (good job!) then they can get more dancing, or more getting ready shots or more time for formal photos (and they will love you for it!)

OK! So now that we’ve gone through the whole shebang! My best tips and timelines, please please please let me know if you have any questions! Please note that this is what works & what I’ve SEEN work based on experience. The more time allotted correctly, the better! If you’re planning to have the ceremony earlier or later then what I described in the timeline, then just scoot everything up or down time to allot for when you’d like the ceremony to begin. For any clarification please email me at info@amandalloydphotography.com