SAMPLE WEDDING DAY TIMELINES

You probably have seen photographers at their friends weddings, but never had one follow you around for the entirety of a day snapping away. It’s important to understand the big picture of how photography will fit into your wedding day in advance so it’s something you don’t have to worry about on the day of. When should you leave time for photos? How much time should you leave? When do we as photographers arrive? What are we doing at various parts of the day?

We always build our own photography timeline around your plans. We are there to work around you and let you enjoy your wedding, not drag you into taking photos every step of the way We ask you about the timings and locations of hair and makeup, ceremony, and the reception then will plan out the photography aspect of the day as it best fits.

To give you an idea of what the wedding day schedule will look like, below are a pair of samples timelines. One is based on having the ceremony at the venue with the first look and the other is having the ceremony at a church without a first look. All the exact times will vary based on your plans, but they should be helpful to give you an idea of how the day flows.

Ceremony at the Venue with a First Look

1:00 PM
Photographers arrive.
Photos are taken of the details and dress.
Candids are captured of the bride and bridesmaids while finishing hair and makeup.
Candids are captured of the groom and groomsmen hanging out.

2:00 PM
Groom gets dressed.

2:30 PM
Bride gets dressed.

3:00 PM 
First look.

3:15 PM
Bride & groom formal portraits.

4:00 PM
Photos of groomsmen, bridesmaids, and full wedding party.

4:30 PM
Family photos.

5:00 PM
Bride and Groom hide, take a breather, and put on final touches.
Guests begin to arrive.
Photographer prepares for ceremony.

5:30 PM
 Ceremony begins.

6:00 PM
Ceremony ends and cocktail hour begins.
Photographer captures reception room and details
Photographer sets up lighting and gets the full plan for reception from DJ and venue.

7:00 PM
Guests are let into the room and get seated.

7:10 PM
Grand entrances begin.

7:15 PM
First dance and parents dances.

7:30 PM
First course is served
Toasts and Speeches.

8:00 PM
Dinner is served.

8:30 PM
The party begins and dance floor officially opens

9:45 PM
Cake cutting.
Dessert is served.

10:15 PM
Bouquet and garter toss (if desired).

11:00 PM
Wedding concludes and goodbyes are said.

Ceremony at a Church without a First Look

12:00 AM
Photographers arrive.
Photos are taken of the details and dress.
Candid are captured of the bride and bridesmaids while finishing hair and makeup.
Candids are captured of the groom and groomsmen hanging out.

1:30 PM
Groom gets dressed.

2:00 PM
Bride gets dressed.

2:45 PM
Bride and groom arrive at church separate and hide.
Guests begin to arrive.
Photographer prepares for ceremony.

3:00 PM 
Ceremony begins

4:00 PM
Ceremony ends

4:15 PM
Family and wedding party photos in church.

5:00 PM
Bride & groom formal portraits at a different location.

5:30 PM
Photos of groomsmen, bridesmaids, and full wedding party.

6:00 PM
Ceremony ends and cocktail hour begins.
Photographer captures reception room and details
Photographer sets up lighting and gets the full plan for reception from DJ and venue.

7:00 PM
Guests are let into the room and get seated.

7:10 PM
Grand entrances begin.

7:15 PM
First dance and parents dances.

7:30 PM
First course is served
Toasts and Speeches.

8:00 PM
Dinner is served.

8:30 PM
The party begins and dance floor officially opens

9:45 PM
Cake cutting.
Dessert is served.

10:15 PM
Bouquet and garter toss (if desired).

11:00 PM
Wedding concludes and goodbyes are said.

The Oyster Point Hotel Wedding WRH Photography 21