From Prep to Party: A Photographer’s Guide to Your Wedding Day Timeline

There are two types of couples: those who love photos and those who hate them. We've photographed plenty of weddings of both types.

Regardless of which group you're part of, you will eventually want to look back on this emotional day—and that's why you need to allow for some time for photos too.

Today, we want to help you sort out your wedding day timeline from a photographer's perspective. We will suggest how to break down different moments to make the most of your day and capture it all.

Our ideal scenario below is based on a full-day wedding with a ceremony starting at 13:00. We've also assumed the couple is getting ready somewhere close to the ceremony (ideally in an accommodation on the same grounds). If your wedding locations are further apart, please remember to account for longer travel times instead of cutting down on your photography opportunities.

Morning Preparations

10:00 Your photographers should arrive between 2 to 3 hours before your ceremony. This ensures they have plenty of time to capture details, candid photos, and some formal ones too. We usually start by photographing the details and candid shots of everyone having breakfast and getting ready.

11:00 Family and wedding party should be finished touching up by now and preparing to get dressed, especially those who will help you get into your wedding outfit. Use this half an hour for final touches on your hair or makeup, getting all your stuff in one place, or doing a mental checklist to ensure everything is on track.

11:30 Time for you and your future spouse to get dressed together with the people you both choose. This is also a great time for individual photos of the partners.

12:00 First look reveal to family and wedding party. If you don't plan on having a first look, this can be pushed back by 15 minutes. However, everyone should be ready by 12:15 to allow time for formal shots before the ceremony.

12:45 The group leaves for the ceremony.

If one of the partners is meant to arrive at the venue to welcome the guests, their schedule will be similar but with a 15 to 30-minute earlier start.

Pro tip: You or your wedding party could set up your outfits, shoes, flowers, or accessories in a separate room to be photographed. Ideally, somewhere tidy and close to a window for the best source of natural light. This can also be the place you will eventually come to get dressed in, so you know everything is already set.

Ceremony

13:00 Your guests are seated and ready. The ceremony starts, and your photographers capture candid images of these special moments.

13:45 Ceremony done, time for confetti exit and group photos. We guide everyone to line up outside while you wait in a separate room. Everyone cheers as you walk through the confetti tunnel. Since they are all gathered together, this is the best time to attempt a group photo if the location allows it.

14:00 We usually check with the couple whether they want to go straight into formal shots and get them done or mingle for a bit with the guests. Next, we move into formal shots. All our couples are requested to complete a wedding day form in advance, where they can make a list of all the formal photos they want with their family and friends.

You should allow for at least 30 minutes here, depending on the number of group combos. This can happen while drinks and canapés are served, but ensure you add it to your wedding timeline so people know they need to stay close by.

14:45 This can be a good time for some couple photos and fun shots with the wedding party. However, we like to stay flexible on the day and adjust this section based on the vibe and weather. If it's a sunny day in the summer, the light might still be too bright, and we could do just a few shots here and aim to have another session later in the day.

Pro tip: Stay flexible and communicate with your photographers. If you would rather use this time to chat with your guests, say so. If you want to get away for a few minutes, even if the weather conditions are not the best, say so. We are there to capture a wonderful day, not to give you a hard time.

Food & Speeches

15:30 Food service begins and usually lasts between 2 to 3 hours. Photographers capture candid shots and speeches.

It's also a good time for them to take a break while guests are eating, as no one likes to see a photo of themselves with their mouths full.

There might be a window for some couple photos after the main course or any time before the evening guests arrive. The session can be as short or long as you wish. We usually take you away for 20 to 30 minutes, but if you're really into them, you might want to stay longer. We recommend allowing for at least 45 minutes if we need to travel away from the venue.

17:30 Time for speeches.

Pro tip: If you know your speeches will be short and sweet, they can be scheduled at the start of the meal. For longer speeches, we recommend breaking them down or scheduling them after the meal as people might be less interested in listening if hungry.

Remember that this is the time your photographers will also eat. Most venues will bring out their food after serving everyone else. For this reason, we don't recommend having speeches in between courses and risking leaving your photographers hungry and cranky for the rest of the day.

Party Time

19:30 Time to cut the cake and get your feet moving for your first dance.

19:45 The band starts playing, and everyone joins on the dance floor.

Now it's the best time to loosen up and show us your moves. It's also a great time for those fun shots with your crazy friends. We'll be on the dance floor with you, grooving and capturing candids.

20:15 If you're lucky to have an amazing sunset, make the most of it and get out for some more couple photos. Golden hour light (right before sunset) is the most beautiful and flattering for photos, but not every couple has the chance to see it on their wedding day. If your photographers ask you to come out for more photos, do it! We promise it's going to be worth it!

21:30 Sparklers exit & dawn/night-time photos. An epic end to an epic day!

22:00 Your photographers usually leave about this time.

Pro tip: Don't be shy about requesting more photos with your evening guests. While there won't be any lists for this part of the day, your photographers should be around and available to grab a shot of you and your work colleagues or that friend who lives in a different country. Yes, there will be candid photos of them, but you can always ask for any snaps.

We usually go where the action is: the dance floor, the games area, the bar, etc. If you know some of your guests are more reserved and prefer to hide in a corner and chat the night away, go talk to them and ask us to grab a photo. It's less likely they will appear in candid shots if they're not part of the action.

Final Thoughts

There you go. This is how we would plan a wedding day timeline to ensure there's plenty of time for fun and photos! The most important aspect is communicating with your photographers to ensure you are comfortable at all times. We will work based on your wishes and adjust accordingly.

Whether you like to be in front of the camera or not, we know you will eventually want to look back on your wedding day memories. This timeline breaks down the various "mandatory" photos into short timeslots, allowing you to have a great time in between.