When I got married, I literally knew nothing about planning a wedding, and that included setting a timeline for my day. I was pretty clueless but lucky for me, I had a BOMB photographer (Carly) and wedding coordinator (Dalise) to educate me on all things wedding and how the day should flow. I was a bride who opted for a first look with my man, which meant adding hours of coverage to ensure I could also have my photographer there for my sparkler exit too! Yes…I wanted it all! I am so lucky to have had a photographer that put so much hard work into such a long day, but I wouldn’t change a thing! I love the story my images tell and I loved how our wedding day went by with very few hiccups and I attribute that to my coordinator and my photographer that worked together as a power team! If you are considering NOT having a coordinator and hoping the day will form and take shape on its own…I suggest looking over your budget one more time and find money in the couch cushions if you must to have at the very least a “day of” wedding coordinator. Beside a wonderful photographer, it will be some of the best money you can spend! So, in effort to educate my brides, and future brides (or pretty much anyone thinking they will be planning a wedding in the near future….mine or not) I have gathered a timeline much like my own wedding day and what I think to be as an ideal wedding day timeline from a photographer’s standpoint. This timeline includes a “first look”, because honestly, I LOVE them and truly believe every bride needs one! Every wedding day has its own uniqueness, and this can obviously be adjusted based on ceremony time, but in my opinion this is a great starting point!
A few things to consider when planning out your wedding day timeline:
1. Remember to consider travel time to and from your ceremony and reception locations.
2. Remember you are investing in photography. These images are all that remain after the day comes to an end. Do yourself (and your photographer) a HUGE favor and give them as much time as possible for portraits. You won’t regret it.
3. Wedding days go by quickly. Try to give your photographer time to photograph your details (after all it is a reflection of all your hard work) untouched.
4. Remind family to remain in one place until family formals are over. It will streamline the family portraits and make everything run smooth. I also, do my best to encourage brides to send over a shot list prior to the big day so that no family picture gets left out.
5. Allow a little extra time during bridal prep. For some reason, this is what can cause the biggest delay. Always a good idea to give a little bit of cushion.
6. To allow all your details to get some camera time, have all your details gathered together for when your photographer arrives (rings, shoes, bouquet, invitations, perfume, jewelry, etc).
7. Remember to EAT. This one seems like a no brainer, but trust me make an effort to eat and stay hydrated.
8. Hire a hair/make up artist specifically for the bride, and another (or two depending on how large your bridal party is) so that everyone can be ready on time and together.
9. If you haven’t already, consider hiring a wedding day coordinator. Review wedding day timeline with coordinator and photographer to make sure everyone is on the same page.
10. Take a deep breath. Relax. Smile and have FUN!!
