The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Wedding Photography Timeline
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Check out these two free wedding photography timeline templates to help you during the wedding planning process.
First Look TIMELINE
Getting Ready
12:00 – 2:00
Two hours for getting ready?! Yup! 45 minutes for hair, 45 minutes for makeup, and then 30 minutes to get into your dress. These times may seem like overkill but I promise they’re pretty spot on! The groom typically gets one hour because it’s a much simpler process.
First Look
2:00 – 2:15
It’s the big moment you’ve been waiting for! My team and I will handle finding the perfect location and all of the other logistics so you can focus on all of the emotions you’ll be feeling when you see your partner for the first time.
Couple’s Portraits
2:15 – 3:00
This time always goes a lot faster than you imagine it will! I’ll be keeping you busy with prompts and things to do so you’re not focusing on the fact that I’m taking your photos. We’ll hit up the stunning areas of your venue and even use a few locations that might not look like much until I work my magic.
Wedding Party
3:00 – 3:30
I’ll photograph both sides of your wedding party together, each side separately, and each of you with each of your wedding party members. That’s a lot of photos!
Family
3:30 – 4:00
Family photos can be one of the more stressful times of the day but my team and I will ensure that it’s as smooth as can be. These are the photos that you’ll treasure down the road!
Ceremony Prep
4:00 – 4:30
It’s been a busy day so catch your breath, drink water, have a bit to eat, and let’s get ready to get you married.
Ceremony
4:30 – 5:00
It’s time to say, “I do!” I’ll be completely hands-off during your ceremony and capture all of the events in both a traditional and artistic way. Just focus on each other and your loved ones and I’ll handle the rest!
Cocktail Hour
5:00 – 6:00
The best part about doing a first look is that you get to attend all of your cocktail hour! Alright, maybe it’s not the best part but it’s definitely a big perk! Stuff your face, have a few drinks, and mingle with all of the people you care about the most.
Introductions/Dances / Toasts
6:00 – 6:30
It’s time for your grand entrance into your reception! Then, you’ll move right into your first dance as a married couple. Parent dances and toasts sometimes get broken up throughout the dinner but I prefer to do it all at the start so your evening can keep flowing without interruption.
Dinner
6:30 – 7:30
Be sure that you actually eat your dinner! Seriously. I can’t tell you how many times the couple doesn’t eat their meal and then they’re starving (and usually very drunk) by the end of the night.
Party Time
7:30 – 9:45
It’s time to hit the dance floor! It’s one of my favorite parts of the day and I’ll be right in the middle of the action – capturing all of the sweet slow dances and all of the ridiculous moments that are sure to ensue!
The Finale
9:45 – 10:00
You can either end your night on the dance floor surrounded by your loved ones or opt for a special sendoff – or both! Either way, I hope you hired me to be there for these special moments!
Scott convinced us to do a first look, which is the BEST THING WE COULD HAVE DONE.
LET’S CONNECT
If you found this helpful, imagine how helpful I could be as YOUR wedding photographer?! I create a much more detailed timeline with each of my couples to ensure we have time for the things that matter the most to you. I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up and how I can help make your dreams a reality!
No First Look TIMELINE
Getting Ready
12:00 – 2:00
Two hours for getting ready?! Yup! 45 minutes for hair, 45 minutes for makeup, and then 30 minutes to get into your dress. These times may seem like overkill but I promise they’re pretty spot on! The groom typically gets one hour because it’s a much simpler process.
Wedding Party/Solo Portraits
2:00 – 3:30
The timing of this portion of the day can be a bit tricky if I’m being honest. It can look a lot of different ways but it’s the time where I’ll capture each side of the wedding party separately. In addition to that, I’ll also grab some individual shots of the two of you so we have less to take after your ceremony.
Ceremony Prep
3:30 – 4:00
It’s been a busy day so catch your breath, drink water, have a bit to eat, and let’s get ready to get you married.
Ceremony
4:00 – 4:30
It’s time to say, “I do!” I’ll be completely hands-off during your ceremony and capture all of the events in both a traditional and artistic way. Just focus on each other and your loved ones and I’ll handle the rest!
Family
4:30 – 5:00
Family photos can be one of the more stressful times of the day but my team and I will ensure that it’s as smooth as can be. These are the photos that you’ll treasure down the road!
Wedding Party (both sides together)
5:00 – 5:15
We already covered each side of your wedding party separately and the individual photos so we just need some photos of both sides together for the first time.
Couple’s Portraits
5:15 – 6:00
This time always goes a lot faster than you imagine it will! I’ll be keeping you busy with prompts and things to do so you’re not focusing on the fact that I’m taking your photos. We’ll hit up the stunning areas of your venue and even use a few locations that might not look like much until I work my magic.
Introductions/Dances/Toasts
6:00 – 6:30
It’s time for your grand entrance into your reception! Then, you’ll move right into your first dance as a married couple. Parent dances and toasts sometimes get broken up throughout the dinner but I prefer to do it all at the start so your evening can keep flowing without interruption.
Dinner
6:30 – 7:30
Be sure that you actually eat your dinner! Seriously. I can’t tell you how many times the couple doesn’t eat their meal and then they’re starving (and usually very drunk) by the end of the night.
Party Time
7:30 – 9:45
It’s time to hit the dance floor! It’s one of my favorite parts of the day and I’ll be right in the middle of the action – capturing all of the sweet slow dances and all of the ridiculous moments that are sure to ensue!
The Finale
9:45 – 10:00
You can either end your night on the dance floor surrounded by your loved ones or opt for a special sendoff – or both! Either way, I hope you hired me to be there for these special moments!
