Client Guide
2022-2023
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chapter 2
Timelines
having a WORKING & WELL-CONSIDERED photography timeline is essential
A good timeline is the single most important factor to making sure your wedding day runs smoothly. And this is especially important where photography is concerned. In this chapter, we'll look at how to create a timeline that works for you.
Without a pre-planned schedule, you may find yourself running late, having to skip or rush through precious family moments, or feeling stressed instead of enjoying your day. This is the last thing you want.
Hot tip:
If you’re wanting a truly stress-free wedding, I'd recommend hiring a professional wedding planner or on-the-day coordinator to take the task off your hands.
If you’re hoping to plan and coordinate the day yourselves, then it’s important that we work together to finalise a thorough schedule.
As a photographer, my priority when designing a schedule is always to balance allocating enough time for photos, while giving you as much time as possible to be “in the moment” and enjoy spending the day with your nearest and dearest.
While my goal is to blend into the background and “disrupt” your day as little as possible, there will also be moments when I need to direct people—either toward the camera, or away to the next location, so things run smoothly and we get to locations on time.
The long (more realistic) answer:
How do you design a timeline that works?
The length of time photography takes will depend on the size of your family and bridal party, as well as your priorities. Some couples want to maximise the time they spend with family and friends, and are happy to get photos for the minimum time possible in order to be satisfied with a good product. Other couples want to maximise their time with me, visit multiple locations and don’t mind leaving their family and friends to fend for themselves for a little while. When designing your schedule, we’ll chat about your priorities and make sure you’re happy with whatever time allocation you choose.
Photography is one of those core parts of your wedding day that requires a lot of elements to move in sync with one another in order to be successful. From hair and makeup to car hire, to travelling between venues and knowing how much daylight there is left, there's a lot to juggle.
The short answer:
One of the most common questions I get asked is, “How long do we need to set aside to get photos on the day?” There are two ways to answer this question:
In general, you’ll need about 20 minutes for formal family photos (10 combinations), 15 minutes for the bridal party, and a minimum of 45 minutes for your couple shots. You’ll also need to include any time required to travel between locations for each shoot.
START
Photographer arrives at the Grooms getting ready location
Photographer arrives at the Brides getting ready location
Both bridal parties leave for the ceremony location
Ceremony starts
The ceremony ends, guests greet the couple
Full wedding group photo
Formal family photos
Bridal party photos
Free time during canapé hour
Couple portrait session
Finish couple session at sunset, guests enter reception
The couple and bridal party enter the reception
Candid shots taken during speeches and meals
Cutting the cake, first dance and then opening the dance floor
Photographers finish
12:30pm
1:30pm
3:00pm
3:30pm
4:00pm
4:15pm
4:20pm
4:40pm
5:00pm
5:45pm
6:45pm
7:00pm
7:30pm
8:45pm
10:30pm
SAMPLE FULL-DAY TIMELINE
Here's what your wedding timeline could look like:
Here’s a good, working example of a wedding timeline based on my full-coverage 10 hour photography package. This wedding was held in Spring, with a 3:30pm ceremony and 6:30pm sunset.
FINISH