Wedding days are made of 1,000 little parts. Every vendor will have a different timeline for what they’ll be doing, and they’re all covering something different. When it comes to photography, it will be your most important timeline because it impacts the flow of the whole day. But how do you know what you should include in your photo timeline?
No worries, we’ve got you covered. We’ve broken down the important elements of a wedding day timeline for you to see. This won’t be a totally perfect fit for everyone, but it does show you how we think as photographers. You may not have a vintage car at your wedding, or have gifts to exchange with anyone but that’s okay. Take what parts work for you, and please ask us as your photographers to help build your custom timeline. We want to make sure you don’t miss a single moment!
Detail Photos
Getting Ready Photos
First Looks & Gifts (including any with dad & bridesmaids)
Couple’s Photos
Vintage Car/Special Details
Bridal Party
Immediate Family Formals
Ceremony & Reception Details
Sunset Husband & Wife Photos
Reception
Any Special Exit
Make sure you don’t forget to add in extra time for travel between venues/locations (always add in more time than your GPS says for wiggle room). If you have the time, we also love adding in time for bridal portraits of you by yourself. They’re so fun but they don’t always happen if you don’t plan for it. Really, the more time we get, the better. The more cushion we have time-wise the more time we have to slow down and capture more candid, unplanned photos. We also recommend leaving cushion time just in case your hair & makeup goes long.
Better to have more time you need than to be rushed.
In the end, don’t forget that your wedding day is what you make it. There’s no need to feel like you have to rush, or have to only include these parts. Bring your pet, include that in the timeline. Whatever it is, make it your own. These are your wedding photos & making it your own will make you love them ever more!
As a fun bonus, we’ve created a free printable check-list for you to create your wedding day timeline! It even has a place for you to make notes so you can make it your own.
Blessings,
Katie & Alec
Craving more wedding planning tips? We have a whole series dedicated to just that! Check out our series for brides here!
