Getting Organised: Creating The wedding day timeline
Hello, beautiful souls and soon-to-be-wed couples! As you edge closer to your magical day, amidst the whirlwind of excitement and fluttering butterflies, there's one trusty sidekick you shouldn't forget to bring along: a well-crafted wedding day timeline. The timeline is easily the number one concern for almost all of my clients—and it sounds scary! But no worries— I'm here to guide you through creating a timeline that not only ensures a stress-free day but also guarantees those picture-perfect moments are captured flawlessly. So, grab your fave drink, cozy up, and let's dive into the art of timeline crafting.
The Break of Dawn: Getting Ready
Start Early, Start Relaxed: Kickoff your day earlier than you think you need. This isn't just about hair and makeup; it's about savouring those fleeting moments of anticipation and joy. Allocate at least 2 hours for getting ready. More time equals less stress and more candid shots of laughter, mimosas, and makeup.
Pro tip: if you’re working with a hair + makeup stylist, give them an end time of about an hour before you’d like to be done. That sounds like a LOT of wiggle room, but trust me! If there’s one thing that always runs late, it’s this. Stylists are absolutely incredible at their jobs, and they always want to make sure you look your best, and that you’re happy with it! That takes time and dedication—so definitely make sure they have way more than enough time.
The First Look: A Moment Just for Two
A Quiet Interlude: If you're opting for a "first look," carve out a special time before the ceremony. This intimate moment not only calms the nerves but allows for those genuine, heartfelt snapshots. A solid 45-minute window should capture the essence of your love, away from the impending hustle and bustle.
I always recommend one major thing to my couples who do a first look: leave about 10 minutes afterwards to spend some time just the two of you. Once the photos are done, it’s nice to have a little bit of alone time before the ceremony to totally focus on each other. This isn’t necessary, but a calming, intimate moment can be the perfect grounding you need before the day continues.
The Ceremony: Where Magic Happens
Buffer is Your Best Friend: When planning the ceremony start time, add a 15-minute buffer. This accounts for any latecomers and ensures everyone is settled and ready for the magical "I do." The ceremony itself might last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, but the real magic is in the moments captured in between.
Family Portraits
Real talk: this is by far the most stressful part of the day. Emotions are high, the fun of the party is looming, you’re on an amazing adrenaline kick after your ceremony… and now we have to wrangle every family member, friend, bridesmaid, and flower girl into one spot. Yes, these photos are SO worth it—everyone wants these, I promise— but this can be a weirdly frustrating moment.
Pro tip #1: Delegate! Choose a maid of honour, a sister, a best friend, someone who knows your families and isn’t afraid to herd and shuffle everyone.
Pro tip #2: Allocate about 2 minutes of time per family arrangement. If you have a big family, this could mean scheduling about 45 minutes of time to make sure every auntie makes it into at least one photo. I personally have 8 siblings and about a thousand cousins, so I can totally relate to the big families out there! If I happen to be your wedding photographer, ask me about my foolproof way of getting every single person included quickly and seamlessly (works EVERY time).
The Golden Hour: Portraits in Perfect Light
Chase the Light: We photographers are a little obsessed with golden hour, that time before sunset when the world is bathed in soft, warm light. Schedule a 20 to 30-minute couple's session during this time. If you decided against the first look, maybe make this a 45-minute session. It's the secret ingredient for those breath-taking, glowy photographs that scream "top of the wedding blog!" Oh, and then there’s my personal favourite: blue hour. That happens just at the end of golden hour and it is STUNNING!! Add about 10 extra minutes of time if blue hour is also your vibe (blue hour happens to be by absolute FAVE time of day, so I always add these minutes for my couples to take full advantage).
The Reception: Let the Good Times Roll
First Dances and Golden Chances: Schedule your first dance, father-daughter, and mother-son dances at the beginning of the reception. This not only kicks off the celebration but ensures these pivotal moments are captured with everyone's energy at its peak.
Speeches and Cake: Okay, this is my ultimate pet peeve… toasts before food. Period. First off, no one likes pics of them eating, so best to avoid it altogether by making toasts a separate moment. But also, photos come out so much better during toasts if people aren’t seated yet. Trust me on this one. As for the cake, space it out a bit and cut the cake after people have eaten, danced and mingled a little, and are ready for dessert.
The Grand Exit: A Sparkling Farewell
The Final Snapshot: Plan your grand exit, whether it's sparklers, confetti, or a vintage car getaway. Allocating 15 minutes for this finale ensures a memorable closing shot to your wedding album, wrapping up your story with a dazzling bow.
Tips and Tricks Along the Way
Communicate with Vendors: Share your timeline with all vendors, ensuring everyone is on the same page. This harmony creates a seamless day, from the first click of the camera to the last slice of cake.
Flexibility is Key: While a timeline is essential, so is flexibility. Allow for moments to unfold naturally. Sometimes, the most unforgettable photos come from the unplanned. This is why adding buffer time is extra important.
Delegate: Assign a point person, whether it’s a wedding planner or a trusted friend, to keep things on track. This lets you soak in every moment, worry-free.
Enjoy Every Moment: Above all, remember this is your day. The timeline is merely a guide to help capture the story of your love. Embrace the unexpected, laugh off any hiccups, and let your joy shine through in every photo. Things will not go perfectly, they never do. What’s important is that you’re having fun!
The Unique Advantage of Your Wedding Photographer (when your photographer is me)
What truly sets me apart from many other wedding photographers is that I am with you every step of the way, making timeline creation a significant part of my service. Unlike most vendors, I'm present for every single moment of your day, from the early morning preparations to the final farewells at the end of the night. This unique position allows me to offer unparalleled experience and insight into planning your wedding day to perfection. For all of my clients, regardless of the package they choose, I bring this wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in timeline planning to ensure a seamless flow of events. This comprehensive approach not only eases your stress but also enhances the beauty and spontaneity captured in your photographs, making your special day truly unforgettable.
Creating a wedding day timeline might seem like a task, but it's truly a canvas for your day's masterpiece. With these tips and tricks, you're not just planning; you're ensuring every laugh, tear, and dance move is immortalized. Here's to a day as flawless as your love story, and photographs that transport you back, time and time again.
Cheers to your happily ever after!