Your wedding day will be a whirlwind of emotions and moments you'll want to treasure forever.
To ensure those moments are captured beautifully, you need a well-structured photography schedule.
The Basics of Wedding Photography Schedules
It’s important that you consider the experience that you want when considering your schedule. There is no point doing things that you feel you have to rather than want to.
So, I recommend that you read through the various stages of a wedding day and the typical timings. Then ask yourselves, “what do we want?”.
The Art of Getting Ready Photos
Getting ready photos capture the anticipation and excitement before the ceremony. Plan for about 30 minutes with the groom and 75 minutes with the bride session. Don't forget to discuss must-have shots with me if you have a wish list.
When does the photographer head to the ceremony?
I would leave the brides getting ready location 15 minutes before the bride.
Embracing the First Look
Considering a first look? This emotional moment before the ceremony allows you to share a private, heartfelt reveal. Plan for it to happen a few hours before the ceremony. The first look adds an extra layer of magic to your day.
The Ido’s
Typically your ceremony will be 20-30 minutes for an outdoor wedding. Church weddings can push out to 40-60 mins.
The emotional part that I love
Congratulations is so emotional and awesome. I love capturing the joy on people faces during the congratulations. Allow 20 minutes for this. If you love candid photos this is an important part of your day.
Timing Your Family Group Photos and Customisation
Family group photos are a timeless tradition, but when should you schedule them? Typically, these shots happen after the ceremony and can take about 20- 30 minutes.
Example Of Family Group List
I am happy to do as many as you wish but please consider your experience on the day, directed photographs can be tiring and you don't want to use up all your photo energy before your bridal party pics.
Example to work from (repeated for both sides of the family)
- All in, extended family
- Immediate family ie; Parents and siblings
- Parents with bride and groom, parents with bride or groom.
- Mum with bride or groom.
- Dad with bride or groom.
Both sets of parents
Delegate organising each pic group to a friend/family member who is great at being bossy. We will give them a list to read from. If they can get each group together ready for me, the group photos will be streamlined and easy for everyone.
Capturing Bridal Party Moments
Your bridal party is a vital part of your big day, and capturing their joy and camaraderie is a must. Typically scheduled after the family group photos, bridal party photos take around 30 minutes.
Intimate Bride and Groom Portraits
Those intimate moments between the bride and groom are the heart of your wedding album. Allocate some private time for these photos, typically around 45 minutes to an hour. We will explore beautiful locations to make your shots truly magical.
Crafting Your Tailored Schedule
Crafting a personalised wedding photography schedule is essential. Iam very happy to offer expert guidance on creating a schedule that fits your unique day. I’d love to help you strike the perfect balance between capturing the essential moments and allowing you to enjoy your wedding to the fullest.
Do You Prefer Candid Photos?
If you would like more candid “in the moment” photos and you’d love to spend more time with your guests we can lessen the following; family group list, bridal party photos duration, bride & groom photos duration.
Reception party
This is often organised with your planner, venue or mc. I’ll fit in with the proceedings and capture what happens. If you would like me to stay for your first dance, myself and my second photographer will require a meal.
I hope that has given you a good insight into how long things take and when they happen. Everything is variable and no two weddings are ever the same. The important part is that it is what you both want for your special day.