HERE'S THE DEAL...
Putting together a timeline for your wedding can feel like a daunting task. But it doesn't have to be. Let's break it down:
The First Thing To Consider - How Long You Booked Your Photographer For
Once you know how much coverage you booked, sit down and make a list of events that are the MOST important to you that you want captured. Struggling to fit everything in the time frame you booked? Reach out. I'm always more than happy to add additional hours of coverage for my couples to ensure they are getting all the shots they've dreamt of and more!
The Second Thing To Consider - How Much Time Pictures Take
This is often the difficult piece of the puzzle for most of my couples - understandably. It's totally normal to not know how long pictures will take and how much time to budget for everything. Here's my suggestion. When in doubt, I suggest budgeting one full hour per section (getting ready photos, bridal party portraits, couple portraits). If you're on a time crunch, reach out and see what I would suggest! As a wedding photographer, working fast & efficient is my specialty.
The Third Thing To Consider: You're a Michigan Bride (Consider the Light)
Lighting plays a HUGE role in when you will want to schedule portraits and other events throughout the day. Hoping for the golden hour glow? Head to google to search when the sun will be setting on your big day, then plan to start one hour before sun down! Michigan brides also have the unique challenge of early nightfall if you have a November-March date. Don't worry, we can make it work just keep in mind what time the sun goes down when creating your timeline.
Now that you've considered these things, here are a few example timelines:
8 Hours of Coverage WITH First Look
12:00 - Photographers Arrives/Begins Detail Photos
12:30 - Getting Ready Photos
1:30 - Bridal & Bridesmaid Portraits
2:15 - Groom & Groomsmen Portraits
3:00 - First Look
3:15 - Couple Portraits
4:00 - Down Time
4:30 - Ceremony
5:00 - Family Portraits
5:30 - Full Bridal Party Portraits
6:00 - Reception Entrances
6:15 - Speeches
6:30 - Dinner
7:15 - Cake Cutting
7:20 - First Dances
7:40 - Open Dance/Party
8:00 - Photographers Leave
8 Hours of Coverage WITHOUT First Look
12:00 - Photographers Arrives/Begins Detail Photos
12:30 - Getting Ready Photos
1:30 - Bridal & Bridesmaid Portraits
2:15 - Groom & Groomsmen Portraits
4:00 - Ceremony
4:30 - Family Portraits
5:00 - Full Bridal Party Portraits
5:30 - Couple Portraits
6:00 - Reception Entrances
6:15 - Speeches
6:30 - Dinner
7:15 - Cake Cutting
7:20 - First Dances
7:40 - Open Dance/Party
8:00 - Photographers Leave
Notice that in the timeline WITHOUT a first look, there is more time needed between ceremony and reception to fit those pictures together in. It's more than doable if you prefer to not see your groom until the aisle, just something to consider!! Still feeling stuck on creating your timeline? Shoot me a quick message and we can solve the puzzle together - you're not in this alone!
