When there is a lack of timeline planning, most brides feel rushed and disappointed with their final images. Planning your formalities to allow the correct amount of time to document all the details and in-between moments will contribute to a more relaxed wedding day.
As a natural light photographer, there is nothing worse than having average lighting conditions or insufficient time to cover certain aspects of a wedding day. The best way to start structuring your wedding order of events is to determine when the golden hour will be on the day and plan everything around the best light. With that in mind, the following guidelines will assist in creating a timeline that allows for spontaneous moments plus ample coverage of the more traditional wedding day formalities.
Disclaimer: These suggestions are based on my personal shooting style’s minimum requirements and may vary for another professional. Feel free to add more time according to your specific needs.
VENUE + DECOR
I usually start my shooting hours by setting the scene at the reception venue. I’ll document numerous establishing shots of your gorgeous venue, decor, and ceremony space if this is onsite too. It is best to schedule photos for outdoor reception decor when the light is less harsh and the afternoon cools down. In this scenario, I’ll photograph the decor after the ceremony, during canapés.
Provide 30 – 45 mins for your photographer and videographer to document the venue and all the decor details.
PRE-CEREMONY PREP – GETTING READY
To avoid wasting time driving between locations, choose a prep venue close by to your reception venue (if there is an option to have all the formalities take place on the same premises, even better!).
Limiting travel times between venues allows for a more relaxed day (especially in summer!) No one wants to sit in traffic in the sweltering heat.
The ladies, generally speaking, have more details to document. When a large bridal party (more than four aside) is present, time allocated for the pre-ceremony portion of the day should be on the generous side. Allow for the appropriate travel time and arrange enough transport (if required) for the bridal party from your guesthouse to the ceremony area/church.
I require a minimum of 40 – 60 min to document the guys’ prep, getting dressed, formal portraits.
Scheduling 60 – 90 mins for the girls has proven to be sufficient.
CEREMONY
Most wedding ceremonies are condensed to be a bit shorter than a church service. For summer weddings, due to high afternoon temperatures, it is advised to start at 16h00. For winter weddings, the start time is earlier, around 15h00, to ensure we wonʼt miss the earlier golden hour.
30 – 45 mins to ensure youʼre guests observe your vows and are not dreaming about the canapés.
CONFETTI, CONGRATULATIONS, AND FAMILY PHOTOS
I adore capturing the candid hugs, smiles, and confetti-in-the-face frames. Allowing 20 mins after the confetti for some people to congratulate you will add another level of emotion to your final images.
Instead of losing some members required for your family photos, hold back on the canapés, so we can quickly document the formal family photos just outside the ceremony area in the shade. Keep your family photo list and combinations to the immediate/direct family only.
A photo per minute is the general time required for a photo. I wouldn’t recommend taking more than 20 – 30mins from your order of events.
CANAPÉS + BRIDAL PARTY GROUP PHOTOS
I want my clients to enjoy all the delicious snacks and drinks at their wedding, and this includes mingling with your guests during canapés. During summer’s mingling with your loved ones can be longer while you wait for the later sunset. Having a snack and a bit of bubbly calms your nerves and gets everyone fired up for the bridal party group shots.
I will take an array of candid photos of your bridal party, but for the formal photos, we will start with more more posed approach followed by easing into some mayhem. Weʼll group up, hug, laugh, and put our best foot forward for these.
Iʼve found 30 mins for this is enough, unless you have a very large bridal party or a videographer, then 40 mins will be better.
20 – 30 mins in winter
30 – 45 mins in summer
GOLDEN HOUR
Do you know the golden hour frames I was talking about earlier? Well, this is when the magic happens! This is the portion of the day where you and your spouse can take it all in. We’ll venture away from all the hustle and bustle and enjoy the sunset. It’s also a time to reflect on your day – YOU JUST GOT MARRIED!
I would recommend 45 – 60mins for the golden hour. If you do however want a shorter Golden Hour time, the minimum I would suggest is 30 min. Iit takes a few minutes to warm up to being photographed. Also factor in 10 mins afterward, just before you enter the reception venue, to freshen up. If you decide on having a videographer for your day, account for a little extra time to accommodate their setups too.
Minimum of 30 mins, but best to provide 45 – 60 mins.
RECEPTION PLANNING
A fun way to make your entrance is having your MC announce the new mister and misses and cutting the wedding cake straight after. This will ease the formality timeline and prevent a wedding guest from accidentally cutting it before you.
Are you planning a buffet/plated dinner? If you opt for the Buffet set-up, enquire if your venue can provide two serving stations when your guestlist is more than 100 people. This will shorten queuing and cut down on serving time. An alternative option is to request plated buffet.
Starters – 20 mins eat and clear
Mains – 30 – 45 mins eat and clear
For speeches, try to limit each speaker to 5 mins per speech, especially if you have more than 4 speeches planned.
After a few years, I have found that if you are planning to toss the bouquet/garter, do this before the first dance. This encourages people already on the dance floor and prevents us from having to break up the party to photograph this formality at the end of the evening.
10 mins per toss (bouquet/garter)
5 mins First Dance
5 mins Father + Daughter Dance
45 mins Dance Floor / Party
NEED HELP WITH YOUR WEDDING DAY PLANNING?
I’m here to help my brides as much as possible, so get in touch, and let’s start planning something extraordinary together. I cannot wait to hear about all your plans for your big day!
x Marli