Wedding Day Timeline
You’ll want to start thinking about your wedding day timeline at least a few months before the wedding day, and ideally around the six month mark. One of the biggest issues that comes up on the wedding day is things running late, and it’s always photo time that ends up getting cut short when this happens. So I always recommend adding in a little extra buffer time so that if things run late we still have enough time for your family photos, wedding party photos, and couples portraits.
I’ve never had a couple complain about having too much time allocated; if we finish photos early then you get time to relax and refresh, maybe have a pre-ceremony cocktail. Building in a little extra time also means you will have time to sit back and really absorb the day, and it means that the unexpected little moments – which usually make for the best and most unique photos – have time to unfold.
Scheduling Hair & Makeup Services
If you are scheduling hair and makeup services, I recommend having hair first, then makeup after. There are two reasons for this: first, makeup is much prettier to photograph than hair – and I’ll be there for the second of the two appointments; second, if there are any issues with your hairstyle holding, you will hopefully notice any issues during your makeup appointment.
The easiest way to plan your timeline is to base it on a sample timeline, so I have provided a couple of samples below. 80% or more of my weddings involve a straight couple getting ready separately from each other, so that’s what the timelines below represent. If you are getting ready together (in the same room, or wandering freely between spaces) then I will spend around an hour and a half with you total, pre-portraits. If you are two grooms getting ready separately, I will typically spend around 30 minutes with each of you for the getting ready portion. If you are two brides getting ready separately, I will typically spend around one hour with each of you for the getting ready portion. These are not hard and fast rules, just a guide. Just ask me if you have any questions about this!
Sample Timeline: couple getting ready separately, then having a first look
This timeline assumes that all events are taking place at one location (getting ready, first look and portraits, ceremony, reception). For multiple locations – e.g. hotel, then church, then hotel for reception – please add in additional travel time. I recommend allowing whatever Google maps recommends for travel time, plus 50% again as a minimum.
11:30 bride hair appointment
12:30 bride makeup (Kate’s official start time)
01:30 groom getting ready photos (putting on tie, jacket, boutonniere, etc.) – this is a great time for the bride and her friends to tidy up the room, grab some lunch, and pre-hydrate!
02:00 bride gets dressed; bridal portraits
02:30 first look
02:45 couples portraits (allow longer if multiple locations, and/or portraits taking place off site)
03:15 wedding party photos
03:30 family group photos
04:15 end photos; Kate sets up for ceremony, couple refreshes/relaxes
05:00 ceremony
06:00 cocktail hour
07:00 dinner begins (please ask you coordinator or venue contact for reception timeline)
Sample Timeline: couple getting ready separately, no first look
This timeline assumes that all events are taking place at one location (getting ready, first look and portraits, ceremony, reception). For multiple locations – e.g. hotel, then church, then hotel for reception – please add in additional travel time. I recommend allowing whatever Google maps recommends for travel time, plus 50% again as a minimum.
12:15 bride hair appointment
01:15 bride makeup (Kate’s official start time)
02:15 groom getting ready photos – this is a great time for the bride and her friends to tidy up the room, grab some lunch, and pre-hydrate!
02:45 bride gets dressed; bridal portraits
03:15 photos of bride and bridesmaids, bride and her immediate family (parents, siblings)
03:45 photos of groom and groomsmen, groom and his immediate family (parents, siblings)
04:15 end photos; Kate sets up for ceremony, couple refreshes/relaxes
05:00 ceremony
06:00 cocktail hour for guests
06:00 combined family photos (15 minutes)
06:15 combined wedding party photo (5 minutes)
06:20 couples portraits (20 minutes – just the basics)
06:40 end portraits; Kate photographs reception details/sets up lights
07:00 dinner begins (please ask your coordinator or venue contact for reception timeline)
