How to create a photography schedule for your wedding day

How much time do I really need for photography on my wedding day?!? Figuring out your wedding day schedule can be challenging and honestly a bit overwhelming! I hope this blog post sheds some light to questions I get often. Questions on how to figure out a relaxing and enjoyable schedule while also allowing for plenty of creative portraits and buffer if things don’t go exactly as planned.

Below I have provided two types of schedules, one where the bride and groom see each other before and another where they wait for the ceremony. Times of events will vary, so these examples were created as helpful references as you think through your wedding day schedule.

I encourage especially my brides and their entourage to be completely ready and enjoying a mimosa by the time I arrive for prep + details. Hair and makeup should be done and bridesmaids should be dressed (unless they are getting ready in something all similar, i.e. robes).

Typical Schedule if seeing each other before:

2:00 Prep & Details

3:00 First Look + Bride/Groom Portraits

3:45 Wedding Party Photos

• Whole Wedding Party
• Bride + Bridesmaids
• Groom + Groomsmen

4:30 Couple freshens up and tuck bride away from arriving guests

• Setup and photograph ceremony details

5:00 Ceremony (approx. 30 mins)

5:30 Cocktail Hour

• Family Photos
• Setup and photograph reception details

6:30 Reception

 
 

Typical Schedule if NOT seeing eachother before:

3:00 Prep & Details

4:00 Bridesmaids + Bride Photos

4:30 Groomsmen + Groom Photos

• Couple freshens up and tuck bride away from arriving guests
• Setup and photograph ceremony details

5:00 Ceremony (approx. 30 min)

5:30 Cocktail Hour (An extended Cocktail hour is suggested!)

• Family Photos
• Bride & Groom Portraits
• Whole Wedding Party
• Setup and photograph reception details

7:00 Reception

 

 

*Having a first look is not the only thing you need to consider, here is a list of other things that are important to consider when planning your schedule!

Things that can alter or add time to these typical schedules:

-Hair and makeup running behind

– Travel time between locations

– Sunset time

– Large Wedding Party (5+ on each side)

– Having a recieving line

– Extensive list of family photos

 

*Sometimes schedules have other elements that don’t fit into the following suggested schedules, so just keep in mind the minimum amount of time needed for photography.

Minimum amount of time needed for photos:

– Prep + details: 60 mins

– Bride + Groom Portraits: 45 mins

– Wedding Party: 45 mins

– Typical Family Portraits: 15-20 mins

-Ceremony Details: 10 mins

-Reception Details: 15 mins

 

*Other photographers might have different preferences, this is what I have found works best for my style. Make sure to consult your photographer about your wedding day photography schedule!