Wedding Day Timeline Tips
Without a doubt, one of the main things I see couples seek help for, is advise about their wedding-day timeline! This is always one of the topics I cover thoroughly with my couples during the planning process. It’s to everyone’s benefit that the day runs as smoothly as possible - with as few surprises or hiccups as possible! A well planned timeline will not only help to take the stress out of the day - but it will also allow you to get all of the beautiful photographs you are envisioning! Here are some of the main things to consider when planning your timeline…..
- Getting Ready
This is probably the largest chunk of the day where I see most of the time that you thought you had - evaporate before you know it! I can safely advise to start the getting ready process at least an hour before you think you need to! If you pad this portion of your day with extra time - it will set the tone for the rest of the day with relaxing vibes instead of feeling rushed! Not only do you have to get hair and make-up done for yourself, the entire wedding party and some key family members - but then - everyone needs to make their way to possibly another location to get their dresses, etc. on. This is a part of the day, after everyone has gotten dressed, that is one of my absolute favorites to photograph! When everything is running smoothly, we can capture what will undoubtably be, some of your favorite images with you and your besties!
This doesn’t just apply to the girls! Guys, I’ll admit, have it a bit easier in the getting ready department - but they are not immune to falling behind either believe it or not! In a word - boutonnières!! LOL I’m not kidding. I think everyone should designate what I like to call a “boutonnière champion” on their wedding day! Have a family member that knows how to do it, be there there to assist if need be. I will say, most men don’t have to pin on a boutonnière many times in their life and it isn’t as simple as it looks:) Practice before the wedding day!
- Love notes and Special Gifts
Many couples plan to give each other a special letter or gift before seeing each other that day. Quite simply, plan for it. Allow an extra 15 or more, sometime after getting ready, for this to happen.
- Immediately After the Wedding Ceremony
This is a part of the day that can become very chaotic, very quickly without a plan. Generally, this will be the time allotted for family photos, as well as transitioning into wedding party photographs. You should go over your family photo must have list with your photographer well before the wedding day - so that portion of time can run smoothly. It really helps to keep that list to immediate family - parents, siblings, and grandparents. We can photograph larger, extended family groups at the reception! You can designate someone to gather the key family members together right after the ceremony too! If you are a couple that has chosen to do a first look - (which is where the bride and groom have an intimate time before the ceremony to see each other), then most likely we will have already taken many of the bride and groom portraits and several with the wedding party as well. If you have chosen not to see each other before the ceremony - then this time, between the wedding and reception, is when we’ll accomplish that. If you have a receiving line after the ceremony - that can take an hour or more - depending on the size of your wedding. Many couples choose to announce that they will be greeting their guests at the reception to save this time. Just something to think about:)
- Transition/Transportation
Here lies another BIG timeline offender:) So many forget to factor in the time it takes to get from place to place! This is especially true if your getting ready, wedding and reception spots are all at different locations. If you have everything all at one location - you’ll still probably need to factor in getting to different locations for photos - even if you’re just walking. If the timeline is too tight and doesn’t allow enough time for this - what you thought would be 90 minutes for photographs has now somehow turned in to 30! Your photographer too - will need to exit and get to the reception 20-30 minutes before you arrive - to photograph your beautiful reception details and be ready for your grand entrance!!
Whew!! That all sounds like a lot doesn’t it! But - it’s actually easier than you think to plan a timeline that will accommodate your vision for the day! Start that thought process early so you’ll have plenty of time to revise details as you get closer. The goal is to have your day run smoothly and plan for everything that’s the most important to YOU!
