Artistique Wedding Photography
The Wedding Day Timeline
I thought I would write something about the importance of having a well prepared Wedding Day Timeline. There are so many suppliers and behind the scenes aspects of a wedding to organise and the wedding day should flow seamlessly. When I arrange a wedding planning meeting with my brides, I always prepare for them a Draft Timeline for the photography aspect of their wedding day. Often I prepare this before a meeting and email it to them as well.
Usually (depending on the time of your ceremony) hair and make up for bridal party commences early morning as each bridesmaid's hair and make up can take 45min - 1hr and of course the bride as well. Usually the mother of the bride, plus flower girls will add a little more time. It's a good idea to organise two hair and make up artists if you have a large bridal party.
Photographic Coverage:
Most Wedding Photography Packages that Artistique Wedding Photography on the Central Coast offers, include coverage commencing in the 2.30hrs or so before the Ceremony. I like to usually spend 1.30hrs with the bride and her bridal party. On arrival I get those wedding gown, shoe, bouquet, jewellery, rings, perfume bottle, garter and associated shots. I always check to see what is happening regarding hair and make up and capture those shots as well! Then there are the boys to capture, often getting ready at the same venue, so I can spend a few minutes with them as well. Then photos of the wedding gown as the bride has just put it on, putting it on with assistance of bridesmaids; depending on the bride's personal preference for photographic coverage at this stage. There is then time for bridal portraits, window and mirror reflection and other portraits before I leave for the Ceremony location. I leave for the Ceremony in time to arrive 30mins before scheduled Ceremony start time, that way I have time to capture guest arrival, photos of the groom and groomsmen and greetings. I meet the bridal car 5 minutes before the Ceremony to capture bride arrival, a few portraits before she walks down the aisle.
Most ceremonies will take 20-25mins before the newlyweds are introduced to guests and usually there will be 10mins or so for guests to greet and congratulate them. Many candid photos can be captured here.
Next I capture the newlyweds and bridal party with all of their guests before moving on to the formal family photos for which I will have received from the bride, a photo list for family group combinations, which will most often take 20mins before heading off for formal bridal party photos for which an hour should be allowed, slightly longer if travelling to a couple of locations.
Below I have put together a Draft Timeline based on a Ceremony taking place at 3.00pm.
Draft Wedding Day Timeline:
12.45pm Artistique Wedding Photography arrives at venue for bride getting ready
2.15pm I leave for the Ceremony location (travel time will vary)
2.30pm Capture Groom and Groomsmen and guest arrival
2.55pm Meet bridal car arrival and photos
3.00pm Ceremony
3.25pm Newlyweds introduced to guests and greetings
3.40pm Capture Bridal Party and newlyweds with all guests
3.50pm Announce names of family members required for formal photos
3.55pm Formal family photo group combinations
4.15pm Bridal Party formal photos
5.00pm Reception and guests drinks / canapes
5.15pm Formal bridal party photos conclude and travel to Reception venue
5.25pm Arrive at Reception venue and refresh
5.35pm Bridal party introduced into Reception
The format and timings of the Reception will depend on whether it is a served sit down meal, for which two hours will be required, whether it is a buffet style or a cocktail style. Most often the formal part of the Reception is scheduled early; the speeches, so the Best Man, Groom and others making speeches can relax and party on early in the evening without going over their speeches! The cake cutting is usually after dessert followed by the first dance. I like to take the bride and groom outside for a few minutes just before sunset for a couple of photos in the beautiful light it offers. Then later in the evening in darkness, some beautiful photos with bride and groom backlit. A couple of hours later will be the garter toss and the bouquet throw and then the farewell. A circle farewell will take 15-20mins and an archway 5-10mins.
A well organised, and planned Wedding Day makes for a seamless day where the bride and groom, bridal party and their guests can relax and enjoy this very special time. Good communication with all suppliers is paramount. Artistique Wedding Photography is always happy to advise on timings or even have an obligation free meeting.
Artistique Wedding Photography, Central Coast NSW
