How to Plan Your Day
Your wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions, excitement, and precious moments. Between saying "I do," dancing the night away, and celebrating with loved ones, it’s easy for some of those beautiful moments to pass by in the blink of an eye. That’s where your wedding photographer comes in! By planning ahead with a thoughtful photography timeline, you’ll ensure that no important moment is missed—and that you’ll have stunning photos to relive those memories for years to come.
As a wedding photographer, I’ve helped countless couples craft the perfect photography timeline for their big day. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you plan your wedding photography, with tips on what to expect, how long each part of the day takes, and how to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Hiring a wedding planner can be a game-changer when it comes to creating and managing your wedding photography timeline. A skilled wedding planner not only helps with the overall coordination of your day, but they also act as a liaison between you and your photographer to ensure everything runs smoothly. From scheduling to managing family photo groupings, a wedding planner helps keep the day on track, giving you the freedom to focus on enjoying each moment. They’ll help you allocate enough time for important photos without feeling rushed, and they’ll ensure that key moments, like the first look or family portraits, fit seamlessly into the day’s flow. By keeping everyone organized and on time, a wedding planner ensures that your photographer can focus on capturing those beautiful memories without worrying about the clock or logistics. This teamwork results in a much more relaxed and enjoyable experience, allowing you to fully embrace your special day.
1. Getting Ready (2–2.5 Hours)
Your wedding day begins long before the ceremony starts. The getting-ready moments—those candid shots of you and your bridal party as you prepare for the big event—are some of the most intimate and emotional moments to capture.
When to Start: For a relaxed, unrushed start, I recommend that the bride and bridesmaids begin getting ready at least 3–4 hours before the ceremony. Groomsmen usually need a bit less time, about 1–1.5 hours.
Key Shots to Capture:
- Close-up details: your dress, shoes, jewelry, rings, and any sentimental items
- Bridesmaids helping the bride into her gown
- The groom putting on his suit or tie, or moments with the best man
- Emotional moments with family members (father-daughter first look, mom’s reaction)
- A sneak peek of the bride looking at herself in the mirror
Tip: Make sure your getting-ready space is well-lit and tidy. Natural light works best for flattering photos, so consider getting ready near a large window if possible!
2. The First Look (30 Minutes)
More and more couples are opting for a “first look” before the ceremony. Not only does it allow for beautiful, emotional photos, but it also gives you the chance to privately share this special moment together before the rush of the ceremony.
When to Do It: Around 60–90 minutes before the ceremony, after everyone is dressed and ready.
Key Shots to Capture:
- The moment you see each other for the first time in your wedding attire
- Candid reactions and emotions
- Close-up shots of hands, the bride’s veil, the groom’s expression
Tip: A first look also allows for more time for couples portraits afterward—helping you avoid feeling rushed between the ceremony and reception.
3. Bridal Party Photos (30–45 Minutes)
After your first look or immediately after the ceremony, it’s time to gather your bridal party for group photos. These fun, relaxed moments with your closest friends and family will capture the joy and excitement of the day.
When to Do It: If you’ve done a first look, these can be done before the ceremony. Otherwise, schedule them immediately after.
Key Shots to Capture:
- Fun group shots with bridesmaids and groomsmen
- More intimate moments with the bride and her bridesmaids, the groom and his groomsmen
- Fun, candid moments of everyone laughing and enjoying the moment
Tip: Make sure you have a list of key groupings, such as bridesmaid and groomsmen combinations, so no one gets left out.
4. Couple’s Portraits (30–60 Minutes)
This is your time to shine! After the bridal party photos, you’ll want to steal some quiet moments with your partner to capture romantic, intimate couple portraits. Whether it’s a relaxed stroll through the garden or a classic, dramatic portrait, these are the images you’ll treasure forever.
When to Do It: If you’ve already done a first look, this is the best time. Otherwise, couple’s portraits can be taken immediately after the ceremony.
Key Shots to Capture:
- Intimate, close-up portraits of the two of you together
- Candid shots while you’re walking, laughing, or sharing a quiet moment
- A mix of posed shots and natural moments
- Wide-angle shots if you’re in a beautiful outdoor location
Tip: Consider the lighting when planning your portraits. The golden hour (the hour before sunset) provides the most flattering light for photos.
5. Ceremony (30 Minutes)
This is the heart of your wedding day, so it’s important to capture every meaningful moment—from the entrance to your vows, to your first kiss as a married couple.
When to Do It: During the ceremony, of course!
Key Shots to Capture:
- The bride walking down the aisle, the groom’s reaction
- Your vows, your first kiss, the ring exchange
- Reactions from family and friends
- Your grand exit as a married couple
Tip: Be sure to discuss any specific shots you want with your photographer beforehand. For example, if you want a close-up shot of your rings or a wider shot of the entire ceremony space, let them know.
6. Family Portraits (30 Minutes)
Family photos can often be overlooked in the hustle and bustle of the wedding day, but they’re an essential part of capturing your family’s love and celebration.
When to Do It: Right after the ceremony, while everyone is still nearby and before the reception begins.
Key Shots to Capture:
- Immediate family (parents, siblings, grandparents)
- Larger family group shots
- Special family traditions or moments
Tip: Have a family member or your wedding planner help round everyone up for these photos to keep things moving efficiently.
7. Cocktail Hour (60 Minutes)
While you and your bridal party are taking photos, your guests will be enjoying cocktail hour. This is a great time for your photographer to capture candid shots of guests mingling, as well as details of the reception space.
When to Do It: During the cocktail hour after family photos.
Key Shots to Capture:
- Guests enjoying drinks and hors d'oeuvres
- Details of the reception space (decor, table settings, floral arrangements)
- Candid shots of guests laughing, dancing, and enjoying themselves
Tip: This is also a good time for a few more couple’s portraits if you need them!
8. Reception (3–4 Hours)
The reception is when the celebration truly begins! The speeches, toasts, dances, and general party atmosphere will be some of the most memorable parts of your wedding day.
When to Do It: After cocktail hour, once guests are seated for dinner.
Key Shots to Capture:
- The grand entrance of the newlyweds
- First dance, parent dances
- Toasts and speeches
- Cake cutting and dessert table
- Dancing, candid moments of guests enjoying the party
Tip: Make sure your photographer has a clear idea of the key moments you want from your reception, including any special traditions or surprises you’ve planned.
9. Send-Off (15 Minutes)
The end of the night is one of the most fun moments! A grand send-off, complete with sparklers, bubbles, or a vintage car, can be a magical way to cap off your celebration.
When to Do It: As the reception begins to wind down.
Key Shots to Capture:
- The couple’s grand exit (sparklers, bubbles, confetti)
- Last kiss as a married couple
- Any surprise moments or final goodbyes
Tip: Make sure to plan this in advance with your photographer to ensure that the lighting and timing are perfect for a dramatic photo!
Your wedding day is one of the most memorable days of your life, and having a carefully planned photography timeline ensures that every important moment is captured. By working together with your photographer to create a timeline that fits your unique vision and schedule, you can relax and enjoy your day without worrying about missing any key shots.
If you’re planning your wedding and need help creating a customized photography timeline, I’d love to help! Contact me to discuss your wedding photography needs, and let’s make sure you capture every moment of your big day in the most beautiful way possible.
