How to Create the Perfect Wedding Day Timeline and Capture Key Photos
The absolute best way to ensure a wedding runs smoothly, (and by that, I mean as according to plan as possible,) – is by crafting a strategic wedding day timeline. I’ve seen a poorly created timeline wreck a wedding day, and I’ve seen strategic ones save them. Yes, it’s seriously THAT big of a deal! But don’t you worry, I’m going to show you how to create the perfect wedding day timeline (with photography in mind)!
What most people don’t know about their wedding day timeline, is that if it isn’t created with photography in mind, then you won’t be guaranteed to get all of the photos you’re likely dreaming of having on your big day. Because wedding photography is an investment, I want to be sure you get as much out of your day as possible! So, I’ve created a guide to help ease all your wedding day stresses.
The First Look Decision
The first thing you’ll need to do when deciding on your perfect wedding day timeline is to determine whether or not the two of you want to do a “first look.” A first look is where the bride and groom are able to see each other before the ceremony. It allows for the two of you to share an intimate moment together, with nobody tugging you in another direction. Throughout my last 8 years of being a wedding photographer, I’ve only ever seen a first look ADD TO the experience and the memories.
Carving out this intentional space in your wedding day for a first look ensures it doesn’t go by in a flash. If I’m being honest, that’s the number one reason I’m a huge fan. Here are some other reasons they’re also SUPER beneficial:
- The first time you see each other is private and shared just between you two!
- You both will look your freshest! Hair, make-up, the works.
- The nerves of seeing each other for the first time will be gone and then you can simply look forward to and enjoy your ceremony.
- You get so many more portraits!
A Sample Wedding Day Timeline
The purpose of this guide is to assist you in creating a timeline/run sheet for your wedding day based on the experience of photographing a number of weddings over the years. A sample timeline for a full day wedding would look like this:
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 10:00 am | Hair and makeup |
| 1:00 pm | Get into dress |
| 1:30 pm | Leave for venue / Travel time |
| 2:00 pm | Ceremony commences |
| 2:30 pm | Ceremony finished / Guest mingling |
| 3:00 pm | Group photos (Big group followed by smaller groups) |
| 4:00 pm | Bridal party photos and photos for the bride and groom |
| 6:00 pm | Speeches |
| 6:30 pm | Dinner |
| 7:30 pm | Cake cutting |
| 8:00 pm | First dance |
Throughout the early period, we capture photographs of other important elements, such as the flowers, wedding gown, shoes, suits, and rings. Following the ceremony, it is recommended to allocate about 20-30 minutes for guests to mingle with you and offer their congratulations.
Key Wedding Party Photos to Capture
Regardless of how hectic or crazy a wedding day can get, there are a few key images that are simply a MUST for me when it comes to capturing my couple and their wedding party! When it comes to formal portraits, I always ensure that I capture every necessary image by following a set or flow of poses. This ensures that I’ll never miss one of those key images, but still gives me time to get creative!
Breakdown of the Posing Process
Keep in mind that for all of these variations in poses, I am always adding variety by shooting a wide shot/full body, a cropped in shot/closer up, a vertical shot, and a horizontal shot for each and every pose! This gives us a ton of variety to work with when we’re creating their wedding album.
Full Wedding Party Separated by Sides
- Smiling
- Looking at each other
- Cheering
Mixed Sides
- Smiling
- Looking at each other
- Cheering
- Walking
Separate Sides Full Group
- Smiling
- Looking at each other
- Model shot (super serious Vogue shot or ‘flying v’ position)
- Bouquet shot (close up of all the bouquets)
- Walking (looking at each other)
Individual Portraits
Although it’s not something all photographers do, I always love getting multiple individuals of each of the wedding party members! These images not only celebrate your couple’s friends and make them feel special, but they’re also awesome photos for vendors like hair and makeup artists, florists, dress and suit companies to have more detailed images to share!
Individuals w/ the Bride or Groom:
- Smiling wide shot (full body)
- Looking at each other wide shot (full body)
- Smiling close up (cropped in around the waist)
- Cheeks together/hugging and smiling close up
- Looking at each other close up
Specific Individual Details:
- Wide shot smiling (full body)
- Wide shot looking away or at bouquet
- Close up looking at me (cropped in around the waist)
- Boutonniere shot
- Close up back of hair to show off hair and makeup
By including some movement poses and laughter into your wedding party photos multiple times, you’ll be saving time for both you and your videographer because they won’t need to stop your flow. This gets everyone in and out quickly so they can get to the bar and start to party without getting annoyed at how long photos take!