WEDDING TIMELINE AND PHOTO IDEASWith so much going on during your ceremony and reception its important to have a timeline prepared so nothing is left to chance. Work with your photographer ahead of time, either planning the timeline together or sharing the details of the day with them. Here you'll find some great ideas and advice from our wedding photographer members on how to improve the wedding timeline and make sure you get the photo moments you don't want to miss. |
"Everyone knows that it's tradition for the bride and groom to wait to see each other until walking down the aisle. And while that may still be something that is important to you when planning your wedding, let me share the pros and cons.
When you wait to see each other until the actual ceremony, you spend at least 1-2 hours (depending on the size and patience of the wedding party) taking photographs while the reception has just started. What does this matter? It means your guests are inside the reception hall with no bride.. no groom.. no wedding party.. FOR ONE TO TWO HOURS??? Guess what --they're going to leave! That means by the time you are finished taking photographs, you have fewer people left to eat that expensive cake you took a small loan out to get.. And worse, no people left for the going away photographs.. The Magic Moment: This just plainly makes more sense (although I do have to admit I'm bias)! Let's say your wedding starts at 6pm. The photographer would arrive about 3 hours early to begin photographing. The "getting ready’s" bride and bridesmaids, groom and groomsmen. We tell the groomsmen (or bridesmaids-depending how it's set up) to leave while we photograph just the groom. The bride is walking behind him, towards him until he gets a tap on the shoulder from his beautiful bride and is awe struck (all of this is photographed from two angles to get reactions from bride and groom). What's so great about that? Well, do you get to talk and have a special moment between the two of you when you're walking down the aisle? NO-you say your vows, kiss and then get to begin pictures after the ceremony (no time alone to talk). The magic moment gets even better! After you share a few moments together, we get the group photographs out of the way. Then the Family photographs. Then you have your ceremony and go directly to the reception.. You haven't lost guests due to photographs during the reception; you haven't lost the patience of the wedding party (most importantly the young and hungry ones). You get to go cut the cake, dance, eat, garter & bouquet toss.. And the best part is you have made the absolute most out of your wedding day. I can't make your mind up for you. However, as a professional, I can let you know that it is much more efficient. It's less stress on everyone. Plus, you have time left for enjoying your wedding. It has taken you so long to plan it-- make the most out of it! Don't let the most important day of your life be remembered as the most stressful one! Tradition is such an important part of the wedding day for some, why not make the Magic Moment a new one." - Benjamin of Custom Images, Huntsville AL Wedding Photographer 
"Private Session on Your Wedding Day!
One of the most important requests (ahem, requirements) I make with brides is that they give me a 1Hr+ private photo session on their wedding day. Usually this happens after the ceremony, before the reception. Too often brides get caught up in the momentum of the day, getting swept away here, then being pulled there, sometimes to the point of having no time for photos of just her and her new husband or wedding party. I always ask them, "Do you really want all your photos to be your aunts and uncles?" I understand that my clients love their guests, but I am also keenly aware of their strong desire for stunning wedding photos. Typically the most creative images I create happen during this private photo session. Being away from the crowds, this is also when some of the most romantic, intimate photos can be captured. I feel it's imperative that some kind of private photo session be officially arranged (no "if we have time") into the itinerary so that these special photographs can be captured. Friends and family are always understanding of this time, and I have never had a bride regret that they did it. In fact, we usually have a blast at the session, and as a result many of the winning images are born. So don't forget to arrange that private photo session!" - JC of JC Image Design, San Ramon CA Wedding Photographer 
"For photojournalistic-style wedding photography, plan to have all the formals taken directly following the ceremony. This way, the emotion and candor of the behind-the-scenes moments are not interrupted by the need to get ready quickly for these posed group portraits."- Renee of RIM Photography, Columbia SC Wedding Photographer 
"Don't underestimate the amount of time needed to do everything on your wedding day. Sticking to a well thought out timeline will make your day run a lot smoother and cause you a lot less stress. Your images will look so much better if you're not stressed!"- Josh of Josh Goodman Photography, Los Angeles CA Wedding Photographer
"When planning your wedding day, remember that things in general will always take longer than you anticipate. If you're thinking of getting formal pictures between the ceremony and reception, 1/2 hour is not enough! The larger your wedding party is, the more difficult it is to get everyone together, keep everyone together, and pose for the various formal shots that will be taken. Depending on the size of the party and whether your reception is at a different site than your ceremony, you may wish to plan on 2 or even 3 hours between."- Stephen of Liquid Shutter, Phoenix AZ Wedding Photographer 
"Planning your time:
At Nick Corona Photography we encourage our brides and grooms to plan enough
time for ultimate photographs. Even getting 30 minutes, with the bride and
groom exclusively, will increase the romance and memories your photos will
portray.Plan a time line, hand it out to all those providing service, and then hold them accountable for sticking to it. Just remember, this is your special day...don't let anyone, not even us, take your time away from where you want it to be!" - Nick of Nick Corona Photography, Norco CA Wedding Photographer 
"Be open to trying different poses and new things. Some of the best photographs are unplanned."
- Dan of Markworth Photo, Minneapolis MN Wedding Photographer 
"Plan your reception with your guests in mind and everyone will be happier. For example, a lot of older guests won't stay for the entire reception, so if you plan to cut your cake and do the bouquet toss near the end, they'll either leave early and miss it or will have to stay a lot longer than they're comfortable. Consider cutting your cake right after you're announced in and dance your first dance - all eyes are already on you, your caterer can cut the cake for serving after dinner, and older guests will be around to enjoy that special moment."- Jeff of BlackBird Images , Harrisonburg VA Wedding Photographer
" Brides - Thinking about having an indoor wedding? Be sure to ask your coordinator or a staff member about the availability of spot-lighting your stage. Candle light alone is beautiful, but can make dark pictures. A good photographer will utilize the spot light to enhance the subjects only - and can still maintain the ambience the candle lights provide."
- Nick of Nick Corona Photography.com, Norco CA Wedding Photographer  "Be Bossy! Its your day, so let other people get and do things for you. You are in all the pictures and it helps if you can stay in one spot."- Julie of Photography by Jewels , Apple Valley MN Wedding Photographer  "Before the ceremony, brides make sure their dress is pristine. After the ceremony and formals, let go, and have some fun by letting your photographer take unique and fun shots. Like posing in a tree or water."
- Candice of Candice Brumm Photography, Lino Lakes MN Wedding Photographer  "If you have a large extended family that you would like photographed during formals make a short list so that no one is left out during the fast paced formals time. Keep in mind, the shorter the list the better because that will give your photographer more time to photograph the most important couple."- Todd of Thamer Photography, Brookline NH Wedding Photographer  "A checklist from the bride of out of town guests who need to be photographed is essential for good communication!"- John of Daniel James Photography, Rochester Hills MI Wedding Photographer 
"1.Be on time, I know this is hard to believe but things get rushed especially on wedding days. If you show up 40 minutes late for a photo session you're not going to get as many photographs to choose from, you won't be as relaxed, and in some cases you will be paying the photographer to stand around. We suggest to plan on being 15 minutes early and if there are people in your group that are chronically late, tell them to be 15 to 30 minutes early (you know the people we're talking about).2.When you are going to be outside bring a bottle of water, and some loose face powder, especially if it is hot. 3.Women, bring a few safety pins for the bra straps, and a few extra hair pins just in case that veil starts to fall out. 4.If you're prone to double chins keep your chin up to help reduce the double chin. 5.Make sure the flowers are going to be there. Pre-arrange for them to be delivered or picked up so you don't have to worry about them on your wedding day. If this is going to be an all day event you may want to have your flowers refreshed by a florist. Finally have the florist pre-label the flowers, so the right person gets the right flower. 6.Fill out a shot list and give it to the photographer ahead of time, this way you are more likely to get the shots that you want. Look at other people's photos or bridal magazines to find photos you like and show them to your photographer. Most photographers will take the important photographs, but if you have a special request tell them. 7.If parents are divorced or if there is animosity between family members make sure the photographer knows ahead of time. 8.For the kissing pictures don't pucker to much you don't want to look like a cod fish and keep you tongue in your mouth (this might come back to haunt you). 9.Relax and be yourself this is your special day and no one else's. Your photographs will turn out much better if you are relaxed and happy." - Jody of Ethington Photography, Mesa AZ Wedding Photographer 
"Try to limit the number of formal pictures you request to under ten. Instead of trying to get every formal grouping you can think of, instead think of which images you would really enjoy and which really matter. Let you photographer have enough time to take quality photographs instead of being concerned with quantity."- David of Onsite Minnesota Photography, Saint Paul MN Wedding Photographer "Consider seeing each other for the first time before the ceremony - in a beautiful, private setting (with your photographer at a discrete distance capturing the emotion). You will have time to connect emotionally before the ceremony - and it can result in some beautiful moments."- Roberta of Moments In Time Photography, Flemington NJ Wedding Photographer 
"Beautiful brides, As time nears, please make sure you always schedule enough time in between the ceremony and reception to travel to a few amazing spots for intimate photos of just you and your new husband... That's the wonderful stuff you'll always remember..." - Miss Ann of Photos by Miss Ann, Northville ME Wedding Photographer 
"For the best/easiest flowing portraits with the bridal party and family, I highly recommend, planning who you'd like these portraits of, provide the photographer with a little list (in the order of which you'd them taken), and get these people in the vicinity of where the photos will be taken. This is always a chaotic process, but this allows the photographer to give direction to your family/bridal party/guests, and they can focus more time on getting the photograph perfect. I also recommend doing the bride and groom portraits last, so you may not have an audience and may feel more comfortable, less pressured, and more natural."- J Megan of Megan Brittingham Photography, Clementon NJ Wedding Photographer 
"Prepare a beautiful "Thank You" sign to hold during a formal portrait of the two of you. Use the photo to make personalized thank you cards to send to friends and family." - Cynthia of Cynthia Kirsch Photography, Fairfax VA Wedding Photographer 
"Having a checklist of out of town relatives that the photographer should not miss is very helpful." - Dan of Discount Wedding Photography, Rochester Hills MI Wedding Photographer 
"Brides: Remember to discuss with your photographer how much time you want to spend on posed pictures or on candid "alone" portraits with the couple. And remember: It's YOUR day and you should control how you want to spend it." - Valerie of Photography with Harte, Fredericksburg VA Wedding Photographer 
"Find a photographer who will walk and talk you through positions and actions that will achieve romantic images. Candid shots are wonderful, but the bride and groom's active involvement in many of the pictures will produce elegant and romantic portraits. The bride and groom's enthusiastic and active participation is the only thing that will ensure great portraits."- Patricia of Artistic Visions Photography, Centreville VA Wedding Photographer 
"It is very important for the Pre-wedding photos to be done at least 1 1/2
to 2 hours before the ceremony starts. The more photos that are done before
time, the quicker the reception can get started after the wedding ends. This
reduces anxiety and impatience on the guests while they are waiting for the
traditional after wedding photos to be taken. Also don't compromise on
"quality" in exchange for a "low-price" when selecting a photographer. Your
wedding memories are priceless. Nothing can take the place of a professional
wedding photographer"- Kenneth of Berry's Wedding Photography, Albany GA (Serving Nationwide) 
"To expedite the photos immediately after the wedding, the wedding
party and families should exit to a private room to allow guests to go on
to the reception. If the guests see you at the back of the church, they
will want to greet and visit, causing a long delay for the formal
portraits. The greetings can then be done at the reception while guests
are in line for food or cake.
"- Judy of Artistry Portraits & Video, Fayetteville AR Wedding Photographer 
"Make sure your flowers will be delivered early enough for the
photos. Make sure you have your limosine for enough time that you will
need it, allowing for if things run a little late, as they often do. Make
sure you have thought about where to have your photos done especially if
it rains; have a backup plan and make sure that space is available. Tell
your bridesmaids to arrive at the getting ready location a little earlier
than necessary in case any of them tend to run late or something goes
wrong. You might want to call your cake company, limo company, and
florist to make sure everything is set and they have not misplaced the
paperwork. If you plan to do your photos before the ceremony make sure
your florist will deliver the bridal bouquets and those flowers needed for
bridal party are on time and if the wedding is at a hotel make sure the
hotel will accept the delivery of those flowers early. If you are having
a Jewish wedding if the hall is not available early the hotel might refuse
the delivery of the flowers if they determine that the huppah cannot be
constructed early so make sure you get the flowers for your bridal party
early enough for when you need them!"Beth of Beth Fridinger Photography 
"Have your personal attendant available to gather groupings for the photo session. Things go quicker if there is someone (besides the photographer) in charge of being sure people are where they need to be when they need to be there :)" Cheri of Personal Touch Bridal Agency, Anoka MN Wedding Photographer 
"Create a timeline of the day! Do some research and find out how to
make a timeline -- it enables a family member or guest to know what to
expect that day and call for help if something does not happen as it is
planned. Someone who is helping on the day can know what all plans are and
supervise arrivals for the correct photos etc.."Vijay of pishu827, Hoffman Estates IL Wedding Photographer 
"If you prefer a photojournalistic look, don't stop and pose each
time you sense a camera pointed your way. Your photographer was attracted
to whatever you were doing and is trying to capture the true spirit of
your day, not a pose. Therefore, it's best to let your families know that
you've hired a candid photographer so that they're not constantly asking
him or her to take posed photos."-Rhonda of Dimagery Photography , Charlotte NC Wedding Photographer 
"Plan pictures that are totally you. You may be a fun loving couple, so a picture of the two of you standing side by side isn't something that reflects your relationship. Him holding you from behind, with his chin on your shoulder - that looks more like you and the way you appear in real life. So plan your photos with that in mind. And don't be afraid to say no to your photographer if he or she is coming up with cheesy ideas. Stand your ground and feel free to veto any ideas that make you unhappy or uncomfortable."-Maggie of Burnsbright Photography, Kittery ME Wedding Photographer 
"Trying to round everyone up for group shots can be the most challenging part of wedding photography. Keep in mind that your photographer doesn’t know who your family members are, making it impossible for them to know who all you want photographed. You may want to create
a photography timeline and review it with everyone on rehearsal night. Everyone will then know when and where to go for group photographs!"- Cindi Kay of EnVogue Photographic, Dothan AL Wedding Photographer 
"Enjoy the Day! The wedding may not start on time- and that is NORMAL! Just go with the flow and relax, because before you know it, the day is gone. Brides, be sure to eat a little something before the ceremony whether it be a granola bar or fruit. You want to have your sugar levels up. Plus, as a bride, you are always wanting to make sure everyone else is ok after the ceremony that you barely eat. You need to eat! Enjoy your beautiful day!"- Carline of Moments To Remember Photography, Gilbert AZ Wedding Photographer 
"My advice to couples would be to budget in an appropriate amount of time for photos, while considering the time of day and the light. The type and quality of light (preferably natural, available light) can make a good photo, fantastic. It is your wedding day, and these photos will be viewed for a lifetime. A little preplanning will go a long way for when it comes to your photographic memories."- Jessi of Jessi LeMay Photography, Reno NV Wedding Photographer |
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