Timeline Tips

Creating a timeline can be very stressful. Did I plan for enough time? Will I feel rushed? Here are some tips that could help with that anxiety a bit.

As a rule of thumb, I take into account the following:

  • Details Typically Take 15-20 Minutes

  • Wedding party photos before the ceremony will take 20 minutes for each side of the wedding party

  • Full wedding party photos after the ceremony will take 15 minutes (if you are doing a first look, we will do this beforehand)

  • First look photos + couples + solo portraits will take 45 minutes

  • Family photos ideally will take 20 minutes

  • If you opt to take sunset portraits, block out 15 minutes before the sun sets to sneak out of the reception

  • The cake cutting takes no more than 10 minutes and usually works well right after speeches

Wedding Time

Before I started working weddings and then experiencing my own wedding, I did not understand the concept of wedding time, but it’s so real.

5 minutes in real life is really 30 minutes on wedding day. Small tasks will always take longer so account for plenty of wiggle room. So make sure you fill in some extra time for things that may go wrong or take longer than usual. Worst case, you get some extra time to relax (you’ll love the breather if you get the chance).

Breathing Room

Every so often, fill in some extra space to breath. Before the wedding, take a little longer to get ready and spend time with your people, or before cocktail hour or the reception, take some time to rest before socializing with guests. Leave some time to breath. It’s your big day and it’s important to enjoy the day with your new spouse.

Special Moments

If you want to have specific pics like first look and golden hour pictures, it’s important to plan your timeline around your staple moments. I love to capture moments as we go, but if couples portraits or time specific moments are big for you, that time needs to be built in the so that we can capture everything ya’ll want out of your big day. And don’t forget to advocate for yourself. If sunset photos are important to you, make sure not only the photographer knows but whoever is helping you with planning as well.