I still have a few 2016 weddings to share with you but I am also getting ready to switch into fast gear for my 2017 wedding season once April 29th comes:) So lately, I’ve been talking with my brides on their wedding day timelines to create the perfect day of their dreams. I strongly suggest to all my couple to create a timeline to talk over it before the wedding day. Whether it’s small or a big event, a written, experience proven wedding day timeline can make a big difference on your day. The timeline information below is a combination of some of the best wedding photographers’ I know and my personal experiences. So if you are a bride-to-be, I hope you find this “Wedding-day timeline” blog post of mine helpful.
Bridal Details 30-45 minutes
Every bride loves having those beautiful shots of her bridal details. It’s an important part of the story and I love having some time to shoot the dress, shoes, jewelry, invitations, etc. shots as I feel like they are part of your wedding story. I normally like to allow at least 30 minutes for this part of the day. You may think that this is long, but this is the part we need to find the perfect spot to hang the dress, style the details, photograph them in an artistic way. And while I’m shooting these, if I am close by, or in the same room, I’m also capturing some shots of the bride and her girls getting ready.
Bridal Prep 30-45 minutes
After the details have been photographed, it’s time for the bride to get into her dress…and it is a big moment! I usually ask the mother of the bride and all of the bridesmaids to be dressed by the time the bride is ready to get into her dress. This ensures that everyone will look nice in those images. After the bride is in her gown, she can put on her jewelry, veil, shoes, etc. and I will shoot some additional bridal portraits before we leave the room, with her friends or her alone.
Once the bride&groom ready, the timeline can go into 2 directions depending if you are doing a first look or not. I’ve been many times for what I prefer, and you can see my thoughts on this issue hereon this BLOG POST.
Want to learn more the details of all the sections below? I will be glad to send you a printable pdf version of my WEDDING DAY TIMELINE GUIDELINE along with 2 SAMPLE WEDDING DAY TIMELINE, you can just email exactmomentsphotography@gmail.com or complete the contact form below. Here is what you will find in my pdf:
1ST TIMELINE ALTERNATIVE: DOING THE FIRST LOOK
First Look …. 52 more words
Bride & Groom Portraits…. 59 more words
Bridal Party Photos …. 106 more words
Once bridal party portraits are complete, the bride will go into hiding so that early guests don’t sneak a peek and the ushers will begin their duties.
So, let’s say your ceremony starts at 5.30pm. Here is my suggested timeline:
…. 52 more words
2ND ALTERNATIVE: TIMELINE WITHOUT THE FIRST LOOK
If you prefer to see each other for the first time during ceremony, I totally respect it and will create a different timeline for you, no worries:) In this option, since we will need to be doing all Bride&Groom portraits, as well as the whole Bridal Party Photos after the ceremony, additional to you Family photos, I suggest to do Bridesmaids and Groomsmen photos separately before the ceremony so we save time after the ceremony and won’t make your guests wait too long.
So, again let’s say your ceremony starts at 5.30pm. Here is my suggested timeline for the 2nd alternative:
…. 105 more words
Bride in Hiding 30 minutes before the ceremony …. 27 more words
Reception&Ceremony Details …. 73 more words
Ceremony
It’s time to get married!! Most ceremonies are 30 minutes long, starting from groom walking in to bride&groom exits. Cherish these moments! Your ceremony will pass by so quickly!
Family Portraits
Family formals normally take place immediately following the ceremony. It’s best to save all of the family formals until after the ceremony because ALL family members will be present at that time.
Family Portraits don’t need to take more than …. 61 more words
A Few “Just Married” Portraits …38 more words
Reception Begins!
This is when the bridal party lines up for introductions and the party begins!! By this part of the day, my timeline …. 58 more words
TO SUMMARIZE YOUR TIME, HERE ARE MY SUGGESTED APPROXIMATE TIMES:
… 43 more words
Again, if you want the printable pdf version of my WEDDING DAY TIMELINE GUIDELINE along with 2 SAMPLE WEDDING DAY TIMELINE, you can just email exactmomentsphotography@gmail.com or complete the contact form below.
[contact-form][contact-field label=”Name” type=”name” required=”1″ /][contact-field label=”Email” type=”email” required=”1″ /][contact-field label=”How did you hear about me?” type=”text” required=”1″ /][contact-field label=”Wedding date” type=”text” required=”1″ /][contact-field label=”Comment” type=”text” required=”1″ /][/contact-form]
