Creating a Wedding Day Timeline: formula from a Fine Art wedding Photographer
As a San Francisco fine art wedding photographer, I know that one of the most important aspects of your wedding day is having a solid timeline in place. Not only does it ensure that everything runs smoothly, but it also helps to minimize stress and maximize your enjoyment of the day. In this post, I'll be sharing my easy to follow formula and tips to help you create a wedding day timeline that works for you.
Start with the main events - Ceremony and Reception
The first step in creating a wedding day timeline is to start with the main events that are non negotiable. This includes the start and end time and location of the ceremony or ceremonies. Remember to include ample amount of travel time or outfit changes needed between each event. Some venues impose a strict guideline on start and end times so you have to work out your day according to their restrictions.
Getting Ready
Once you have these set, you can begin to fill in getting ready time. You have to set at least 3-4 hours for the bride and 2 for the groom. In this time frame the bride can have her hair and make up done, and get dressed. There will also be time for the photographer to take bridal portraits when the make up is fresh and photographs with her bridesmaids (que the champagne toast and cute gowns). Please be aware that this is a recommend timeframe includes 2 hours for make up and hair, 15 minutes to get dressed , 45 minutes for posed photographs, however some make up and hair artists may take over 3 hours so you will need to plan for additional time. During the getting ready period you can include personal touches like gifting, reading letters to/from the bride/groom to each other and have the photographer capture this moment. It is very important that the bride always goes first for hair and make up if sharing a make up artist. I also highly recommend hiring multiple artists for your bridal party so that way you can all be ready at the same time. Another tip is to have the bride’s mother or family members present during the getting dressed period in order to have touching photographs of the mother’s reaction seeing the bride dressed for the first time.
Couple’s Portraits and Family Portraits
As a fine art wedding photographer, I work with couples to create a timeline that ensures enough time for beautiful, romantic, and elegant photos. I recommend setting aside at least 30 minutes for bride and groom couple portraits at magic golden hour -this can be during the cocktail hour. You will also want to allocate at least 30 -45 minutes for the bridal party and family portraits and the location for this should be close to the cocktail hour location. Your photographer should have a readymade list of names to call out for family portraits. My tip would be to give a bridesmaid or groomsman the job of finding the family members on the list and cross off each one as the photographer takes it. This is because the photographer will not know who the family member or guests are. To reduce any headache of finding missing family members, please be sure to tell them they are going to be part of the formal portraits and where and when that would be happening. This will give you plenty of time to capture those special moments and create stunning imagery that you will cherish for a lifetime.
Build in buffer time.
Wedding days can be unpredictable, and things don't always go as planned. That's why it's essential to build in some buffer time into your wedding day timeline. This will give you some wiggle room if things run late, and help to keep everything on track.
Don't forget about travel time If you're planning to have your ceremony and reception at different locations, be sure to factor in travel time.
Communicate with your vendors When creating your wedding day timeline, be sure to communicate with your vendors, including your photographer, florist, and wedding planner. This will help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that everything runs smoothly on the day of the wedding.
Make time for special moments.
Finally, don't forget to make time for those special moments that make your wedding day unique. This might include a first look, a special dance with your parents, or a special tribute to a loved one. Incorporating these moments into your timeline will ensure that they are captured and that you can enjoy them to the fullest.
Sample Timeline
12 - 3 PM: Getting Ready
3.15-3.45 PM: First Look and Bride and Groom Portraits
3.45 PM - 4.15 PM: Bridal Party Photos
4:30 - 5PM: Ceremony
5 PM - 6 PM: Cocktail Hour - Family Photos during this period
6:00 PM: Reception Entrance, Dinner service, and Speeches
The bride and groom make their entrance, followed by dinner service. Speeches and toasts can take place during dinner.
7:30 PM: Cake Cutting and Dessert
The bride and groom cut their cake and serve dessert to guests.
7.45 PM: Bride and Groom take Golden hour portraits
8 PM: First Dance and Open Dance floor
The bride and groom have their first dance, followed by dancing with their guests.
10 PM: Final Photos and Farewell
The bride and groom take final photos with their guests and say their goodbyes.
Of course, this timeline can be adjusted based on the specific needs and preferences of the couple. But this general schedule can serve as a helpful guide for creating an elegant and romantic wedding day experience.
By following these tips and working closely with your vendors, including your fine art wedding photographer, you can create a timeline that ensures that every moment of your day is captured beautifully and elegantly. Remember, this is your special day, and it should be as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.
Contact me today to discuss your wedding day photography needs and to start planning the timeline of your dreams.
