The secret to success on any wedding day is your wedding day timeline! The timeline ensures that all your moments happen and, almost just as importantly, that they are photographed!
Buuuuut... building that timeline can be completely overwhelming. Wow. like. How do you even begin??? There are so many details and things to try to put down!
Guys. I got you! I have all sorts of helpful resources to help. One of which is my recommended time blocks. Instead of guessing how much time you'll need for each portion of your day, benefit from my experience and build that timeline with confidence.
Suggested Time Blocks:
Hair & Makeup: 2 Hours minimum
Never underestimate how long this takes! It might seem like a lot of time, but when you have the whole crew in one big room gettin' all fancy together.. you'll want plenty of time to relax and enjoy getting ready together! This is such a great time for you and your girls to eat snacks, blast music, and help make sure your hair is PERFECT for the day. If you are hiring a professional hair/makeup person, they will definitely it if you consult them for a suggested time frame!
Getting Ready / Detail Photos: 1 hour
Fun fact: these photos can overlap with your getting ready time! No one wants/needs photos of their raccoon eyes before their makeup is done. But the photographer will want to grab some before photos of all your besties together before you put your dresses on. Tell your photographer to arrive about an hour after you do so that they can sneak in and grab photos of you guys in party mode. (AND they'll use this time to capture your details like your dress & shoes as well!)
PRO-TIP: Before the big day, gather all your details (rings, family heirlooms, special items)
in a box so your photographer can easily grab them for photos! Don't forget to leave
instructions on where the photographer should put everything once they are finished
grabbing those photos!
Bride gets dressed: 20 minutes
BIG MOMENT: having your person, whether it's mama or your MOH, help put that big beautiful gown on is a sacred moment that you'll want to ensure is captured. Build this moment into your timeline, tell your person to be dressed early, and then find a private space to have your moment while the crew goes and puts their own dresses on too!
Bridal Portraits: 40 minutes
Did you know that solo photos of the bride are on of the most forgotten items on a person's timeline? Like HOW?! These are so monumental and important. Plan time for these. Let the photographer steal you away for some gorgeous shots of just you and the dress while your hair and makeup is super fresh!
Groom Portraits: 15 minutes
In other news, these are always so quick and easy to grab as long as they are also in the schedule! Hide the bride and grab the groom for some of his own special solo shots. These are the timeless photos that your grandkids will see and shouldn't be forgotten!
Groomsman Photos: 30 minutes
These are photos that can happen before the ceremony to help save time later! Take the time to grab photos of all the guys in this window. These are group photos and all the pairs so that each groomsman has a photo with the groom too!
PRO-TIP: Combine the Groomsman Photos with the groom's portraits! Bringing the whole
crew along will help keep the groom relaxed and laughing for his solo photos.
Bridesmaid Photos: 30 minutes
Another time saver of course, is to grab the girls and get all their photos taken BEFORE the ceremony. This will reduce how much time is spent post-ceremony on pictures when everyone would rather be celebrating (and eating good food!). Grab the whole gang and grab all the paired up shots.
First Look: 30 minutes
The most time consuming part of a first look is the set up! Walk the groom out, place him just right... and THEN go get the bride. This timeframe will allow for a few moments in front of the camera, and a few truly private moments without it. NOTE: This timeframe would also apply for blind-hand holding moment instead, a first look with dad, ect.
Cocktail: One hour
Give your guests something to do or talk about during the transition from ceremony to reception! This allows you to get the remaining group portraits that you need to get with your new big family! Longer than one hour will leave guests grumbling, eager to have you join them for some good celebrations.
Post-Ceremony Family Photos: 45 minutes
These.Take.A.Long.Time. Always. No exception. Often, a person will try to plan a shorter time slot for family photos so they can move on quickly... don't do it. You will lose your entire schedule if you don't plan enough time! Family is hard to gather, everyone is excited to hug the newlyweds and chat it up... it just ALWAYS takes a lot of time. So, remove all the stress and just plan for it. 45 minutes minimum is great in order take whatever the family wants before needed to move on.
Full Bridal Party Photos: 15 minutes
These are able to happen very quickly if you took the separate photos of the bridesmaids and groomsmen early! The bridal party group photos are quick and easy to snag before sending everyone out to the reception.
PRO-TIP: Do not let the bridal party wander away during family photos. You lose time trying
to track them all down if you let them leave. ;) Make them sit it out and be ready for their
photos.
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