Building the Perfect Wedding Timeline: How Much Photography Do We Need?

A well-planned wedding timeline is crucial because it allows you to enjoy your day without feeling rushed or chaotic. It’s the difference between having enough time to relax and truly savor every moment versus feeling like you’re being shepherded from one activity to the next. As wedding photographers, we thrive on capturing your special moments smoothly and efficiently, but a good timeline is essential to making that happen.

  

Your timeline directly impacts what we can capture. For example, if romantic sunset photos with your partner are a priority, that needs to be a timeline item. If you want candid moments with friends and family at cocktail hour, that’s a timeline decision too. A good timeline ensures we focus on what matters most to you, allowing us to capture those essential moments.

  

Every couple is unique, so what constitutes essential moments can vary. However, some moments are universally significant. The people gathered to celebrate you—friends and family from both sides of your lives—are a big part of your wedding day. Capturing these connections is crucial. Photos of you two on your wedding day create memories that will last forever. Looking back on those moments 10, 15, or 20 years down the line and remembering how much fun you had is an essential part of wedding photography.

  

When time is tight, prioritizing is key. I often joke that I’m never in the wrong location if I’m with the bride. If there’s a choice between capturing social moments or doing sunset portraits versus photographing inanimate objects like tablescapes and centerpieces, I’ll always choose the former. If those detail shots are important to you, communicate that to your photographer, but know that the most meaningful moments are often with the people you love.

  

Getting ready photos can vary significantly. Sometimes, they involve arriving just before the dress goes on for those final hair and makeup touches. Other times, the bride wants to capture the entire morning in pajamas with her girls. As a photographer, I arrive early to start shooting flat lay details of your wedding accessories. Typically, arriving an hour before the dress goes on or an hour and a half before the first look is good timing.

  

The first look is a special moment that benefits from about 30 minutes set aside. It rarely takes that long, but the logistics of getting a dress on and reaching the first look location can take longer than expected. This buffer ensures you can take your time and enjoy the moment without feeling rushed. For couple’s portraits, 30 minutes later in the day is ideal. I can create beautiful photos quickly, so even 15 minutes can yield stunning results.

  

Family and wedding party photos can consume a lot of time. I recommend keeping family pairings to about 10 different options, which can be completed in around 30 minutes. Choose carefully to avoid taking endless permutations of the same group. Bridal party photos are more fun and engaging, allowing for creative and candid shots. Allocating about 30 minutes for these makes it an enjoyable part of your day.

  

Ceremony coverage depends on the length and structure of your ceremony, but typically, this is straightforward. Reception coverage varies, but a typical eight-hour wedding day usually covers partial getting ready to about an hour of open dance floor. More dance floor coverage can be added if you anticipate your friends and family will be lively and the dancing will be a highlight.

  

Buffer time in your wedding day timeline is crucial. It may feel unnecessary to have extra time set aside, but it allows for relaxation, conversation, and spontaneous moments. Buffer time ensures you can enjoy your day without rushing from event to event. It also helps your brain process and remember the day more clearly.

  

Unexpected delays happen. As professionals, we’re equipped to handle these gracefully. The planner, videographer, photographer, florist, DJ—we’ve all experienced timelines shifting. Our goal is to keep your day feeling smooth and enjoyable, making up lost time where possible. For photographers, this often means speeding up family and wedding party photos. Building a natural buffer into these moments helps us stay on track.

  

Effective communication with your photographer is vital. Let us know your priorities for the day. If candid photos of friends are more important than formal portraits, tell us. If details are your priority, discuss whether a second photographer is needed. I send out a questionnaire to all my couples a month before their wedding to gather these preferences and work with the planner to finalize the timeline.

 

Sample 8-Hour Timeline:

  

1:00 PM – Photographer arrives, starts with flat lay details and getting ready shots.

2:30 PM – Bride gets dressed, final hair and makeup touches.

3:00 PM – First look and couple’s portraits.

3:30 PM – Wedding party photos.

4:00 PM – Family photos.

4:30 PM – Ceremony coverage.

5:00 PM – Cocktail hour candid shots.

6:00 PM – Reception begins, grand entrance.

7:00 PM – Dinner and toasts.

8:00 PM – First dance and parent dances.

8:30 PM – Open dance floor coverage.

9:00 PM – Partial dance floor coverage, photographer wraps up.

  

Sample 10-Hour Timeline:

  

12:00 PM – Photographer arrives, starts with flat lay details and getting ready shots.

1:30 PM – Bride gets dressed, final hair and makeup touches.

2:00 PM – First look and couple’s portraits.

2:30 PM – Wedding party photos.

3:00 PM – Family photos.

3:30 PM – Ceremony coverage.

4:00 PM – Cocktail hour candid shots.

5:00 PM – Reception begins, grand entrance.

6:00 PM – Dinner and toasts.

7:00 PM – First dance and parent dances.

7:30 PM – Open dance floor coverage.

9:00 PM – Additional dance floor coverage.

10:00 PM – Grand exit coverage, photographer wraps up.

  

Remember, your wedding day does not have to look or feel like anyone else’s. Spend time with your partner to create a dream wedding day priorities list, and let’s craft the timeline around those essentials. Communicate your preferences clearly, and we’ll work together to make your day phenomenal. By planning thoughtfully, you’ll ensure your wedding day is not only beautiful but also enjoyable and memorable for everyone involved.