Pre Ceremony Prep
The Wedding morning can be filled with lots of fun and I love photographing this time of the day. My best advice is to allow for a really good chunk of buffer time between each "part" of the preparatory time as everything on a Wedding day, can take a little longer than it normally does. This can help with saving time for friends and family who will be coming in and asking you questions, bathroom breaks, reception delegations, makeup touch ups, and any other little things that tends to arise. Also, it's always a great feeling when looking at the clock and you do not feel rushed!
My recommendations:
If you have family and/or friends you would like to assist you getting into your dress, they should be ready 15-20 minutes earlier than you. This means hair, makeup and dressed, ready to help!
Tips:
Have your details ready in a bag/box the night before. These would include any items you would like to be remembered, such as wedding rings, invitation, shoes, tie, vow books, jewelry, perfume/cologne and any other important details. This way I don’t need to interrupt your preparations to gather these items.
Ceremony
When constructing your timeline, give yourself more time than you "expect" the ceremony to last. After the ceremony you will take family portraits and many times your excited guests will want to come up to you and give you loves!
My Recommendations:
If you’re getting married in a church , please speak with your religious officiant about their stance on photography. I would love to be respectful of any policy that may ban a photographer from entering specific areas or using flash.
"Unplugged Wedding" - You’ve probably heard this term; but if you would like to have your guests be present in the moment during your ceremony, I would recommend to have your officiant make an announcement shortly before the ceremony begins.
Tips:
Consider what events are being held in your city that may impact the traffic on your wedding day. For example, sport events on weekends or school traffic on a weekday.
After the Ceremony
If family portraits are taken after your ceremony, I usually allow myself at least 25/30 minutes. I will work with you prior to your wedding to construct a family portraits list that I can easily reference to allow for time to be used to its fullest.
My Recommendations:
Tell family members ahead of time, to meet us at designated location immediately following the ceremony. If possible, pre-assign a family member or friend who knows these individuals and can assist in rounding them up. Getting people where they need to be for the photos is by far the most time-consuming part of these group shots.
Your Photoshoot
It’s up to you how long you want to dedicate to your photoshoot. I work quickly so can get a lot done in an hour.
My recommendations:
If you would like more time for portraits with your significant other, I highly recommend a "first look." This allows for intimate and heartfelt moments before the hustle and bustle of your wedding day. Couples also use this time to ease nerves, share private vows and have a moment to share without others around. A first look can also streamline the day as you can take your bridal party photos before the ceremony (& even family portraits if possible!), so you both can then spend more time with your guests after your ceremony.
Reception
It’s really up to you for the timeline preference of your reception, but i would be happy to help with this and we can chat about all the possibilities!
My recommendations:
Formal speeches can be the hardest time limitation to plan around, so i do recommend that you know who will be speaking during this time, and to give them a max limit. Guests do get emotional during weddings, so do not be surprised if you have others that will want to speak! Also, if you, or any toasters, are nervous public speakers, I would recommend to have the toasts as early as you can, so all parties can enjoy the evening!
TRADITIONAL TIMELINE – SPRING WEDDING
11:30 Photographer arrives at Bride's accommodation
11:35 Details Photos
12:15 Groomsmen Getting Ready Photos
12:20 Bridal Getting Ready Photos
12:50 Bride gets into wedding dress
1:15 Leave for Church (~16 min drive)
2:00 CEREMONY
3:05 Family Portraits in Church & Second Shooter leaves to Reception location
3:45 Leave for Reception Location (~30 min drive)
4:00 Cocktail/Refreshments Hour Begins
4:20 Additional Family Portraits on the 9th Fairway
4:45 Newlywed Portraits (if time allows..)
5:15 Grand Entrance of Newlyweds + Blessing
5:30 Dinner
6:00 Newlyweds Greet Guests at Tables
6:45 Cake Cutting
6:55 Newlyweds Sunset Photos
7:40 Toasts
8:00 Formal Dances: First Dance, Father/Daughter, Mother/Son
8:30 Bouquet Toss
8:15 Open Dancing
9:50 Sparkler Exit
FIRST LOOk – WINTER WEDDING
1:30 Photographer arrives at Bride's accommodation
1:40 Details Photos
2:00 Groomsmen Getting Ready Photos (Second Shooter)
2:35 Bridal Getting Ready Photos
2:45 Bride gets into wedding dress
3:00 FIRST LOOK
3:10 Family Portraits
4:00 CEREMONY
4:30 Cocktail/Refreshments Hour Begins
4:35 Newlyweds Sunset Portraits
5:05 Newlyweds Join Cocktail Hour
5:30 Grand Entrance of Newlyweds
5:35 First Dance
5:45 Dinner Served
6:30 Formal Toasts
6:45 Cake Cutting
6:50 Additional Formal Dances: Father/Daughter, Mother/Son
6:55 Open Dancing
7:30 Bouquet/Garter Toss
7:40 Open Dancing Cont'd
8:30 Photographer Exits
For the purposes of these two example, I’ve used Bride & Groom, but if your wedding day involves two Brides or two Grooms the same principles can apply.