How to Plan a Wedding Day Timeline - 5 Things That Will Help You and Your Couple on the Day Of

education

Oct 18

As the wedding photographer, you rely heavily on the timeline all day, and you definitely dictate large portions of the day. I 1000000% recommend either putting together your couples' photo timeline for them, or if they have a wedding planner, tag team the planning. Regardless, you should definitely be giving your input + advice to your couple when it comes to their wedding day timeline. You’ll both be glad you did :)

When making a timeline, communication with your bride and groom is key. Knowing the ins and outs of all the things going on that day will make putting together a day-of schedule super simple! Looking for some tips?? Here are 5 things I incorporate in my wedding day timelines:

1. Allow for 30+ minutes of cushion time before the ceremony. This gives the couple and their families + friends time to decompress before the wedding, and hide before guests start arriving.

2. Overestimate how long portraits will take. I always say I need 30 minutes for couples photos, 30 minutes for wedding party, and 30 minutes for family. Some will go faster than expected, but some will run behind.

3. If able, plan to have your second photographer photograph the groomsmen while you photograph the bridesmaids. Couples and their wedding parties will always be SO thankful if you're able to make the photos as efficient as possible.

4. Have a family list assembled ahead of time. Let me say it again... HAVE. A. FAMILY. LIST. ASSEMBLED. AHEAD. OF. TIME. Trust me on this one. Include specific names and everything -- this is the secret to keeping family photos on track! Ask your bride and groom for a VERY specific list of photos they want!!

5. Allow for 30 minutes of cushion time between the last to-do item, and the end of the day. For example, if the first dances are scheduled for 7:00, definitely don't have yourself scheduled to leave at 7:15. Again... things will run ahead, behind, ahead, and behind again. Cushion time is your friend!

These 5 things will make the day feel a lot less hectic, and a lot more relaxed. When in doubt, extra prep and extra time is always the way to go! And your couples will thank you for thinking ahead with their wedding timeline prep!