WEDDING DAY SCHEDULING FOR STRESS-REDUCTION
When you attend a wedding that goes well, things seem to seamlessly flow from one part of the day to the next. This is not magic - it is the result of intentional planning. The document that outlines this plan is the wedding day schedule - and it is VERY IMPORTANT because it will allow you to enjoy the day with as little stress as possible.
Group portraits take time. Plan on at least 60-80 minutes - for the standard family and wedding party photos.
Daylight for group photos is VERY important. If possible, schedule your day so we can take advantage of daylight (outside, from windows, etc.) - for portraits.
Schedule time just before sunset for a few extra portraits of you two. This will give you a few minutes away together, and the photos will be gorgeous.
And don’t hesitate to seek advice from your planner, me, and your other vendors on the various aspects of the day.
Here are 3 pointers as far as photos are concerned:
FIRST LOOK - or - NOT?
There are a few reasons a couple might not want to see each other prior to the ceremony and if you are committed to that, I won’t argue! But, it you are on the fence, even a little bit...
FACT: Seeing each other before will the nerves. Here’s to feeling more relaxed and actually enjoying your ceremony.
You will have more flexibility in your timeline - and photos will take less time, because there are fewer distractions (no pulling people from post-ceremony greetings or cocktail hour).
By getting group photos out of the way, you and families can enjoy the wedding without interruption - and you guys can go to cocktail hour.
Your guests will not have to wait for you to arrive at your reception. When do group and couples portraits after the ceremony it will take at least 60mins....
You will end up with more portraits overall. That is because there is simply more time - and everyone looks their best, so there are more keepers.
For late fall, winter or early spring weddings: if you don’t see each other prior, you risk running out of natural light for portraits unless you have your ceremony early in the day.
FACT: Seeing each other before will the nerves. Here’s to feeling more relaxed and actually enjoying your ceremony.
You will have more flexibility in your timeline - and photos will take less time, because there are fewer distractions (no pulling people from post-ceremony greetings or cocktail hour).
By getting group photos out of the way, you and families can enjoy the wedding without interruption - and you guys can go to cocktail hour.
Your guests will not have to wait for you to arrive at your reception. When do group and couples portraits after the ceremony it will take at least 60mins...
You will end up with more portraits overall. That is because there is simply more time - and everyone looks their best, so there are more keepers.
For late fall, winter or early spring weddings: if you don’t see each other prior, you risk running out of natural light for portraits unless you have your ceremony early in the day.
NOTE: In my scheduling and questionnaire EMAILS, I always share the sunset time for your wedding day.
here are a few reasons it may be one of the best decisions you make for your wedding:
SAMPLE SCHEDULES - WITH PHOTO TIMING
In terms of photos, I have a quick “scheduling worksheet” that I send you so I can help you draft a rough schedule - mostly for the early part of your day. This is helpful for understanding how long things will take given the size of your wedding party and given any travel between various locations. In the meantime, here’s a basic idea:
- Getting ready (1-2hrs)
- First look + couples portraits (30 mins)
- Wedding party photos (30-45mins)
- Family photos (30-45mins)
- Ceremony
- Couple joins cocktail hour, greets guests (30-45mins)
- Photographer shoots cocktail hour + details (30mins)
- Guests seated for reception
- Introduction, first dance, speeches, parent dances, cake cutting, dancing
- Sunset photos with couple (15mins)
- Getting ready (1-2hrs)
- Ceremony (Note: If you are having a fall/winter wedding, please schedule your ceremony so you have enough time to do both group photos and couple's portraits before sunset.)
- Group (family + wedding party) photos (60mins - immediately following ceremony)
- Couple portraits (30 mins) during cocktails or at sunset
- Guests seated for reception
- Introduction, first dance, speeches, parent dances, cake cutting, dancing
SAMPLE SCHEDULE With FIRST LOOK:
SAMPLE SCHEDULE WITHOUT FIRST LOOK:
GROUP PORTRAITS 101
The only way to make sure we get the group (immediate family + wedding party) portraits you want on your wedding day is to make a list. About 3-4 months prior to your date, I will send you a questionnaire that asks for the “who’s who” of your wedding day. Then, you have two options: make your own list or let me draft one for you to review. In the meantime, here are answers to some common group photo questions:
DO OUR GROUP PORTRAITS?
Right before the ceremony. Get all your group portraits out of the way before the ceremony, if you are seeing each other prior, and your immediate family will be there. - OR - Immediately after the ceremony - if you prefer not to see each other before, or if family won’t be there and assembled until this time.
HOW LONG WILL
GROUP PHOTOS TAKE?
Usually about 60-80 minutes for the standard wedding party and family photos - but only if they are done in one solid block of time.
WHY DO GROUP
PHOTOS ALL AT ONCE?
The thing that takes the most time with portraits is gathering everyone together. If we have to gather various groups more than once, it really cuts into your schedule and takes time away from you enjoying your wedding.
CAN WE DO EXTENDED
FAMILY PHOTOS?
It is possible to get portraits with extended families - but know that this can take a substantial chunk of time. So, here’s what I suggest:
- Only put “must have” shots on your group list.
- All shots should include both you and your partner - your pairing is the focus of the day!
- I suggest no more than 2 large groupings - and immediately after the ceremony is the best time.
- Note any must have extended family shots on your details questionnaire, so we can ensure we schedule time for this.
CAN WE DO GROUP
PORTRAITS AFTER DARK?
Group photos can be done after dark, but since people generally hire me for my natural light photography, I like to make sure my couples are informed about the technical reality before they solidify their schedule for the day. If it is daytime, there will be plenty of light for group photos - the sun is a true force of nature. Even if there is bad weather, I will choose a space inside that has a good source of natural light. But if the sun has set (or is setting) prior to group photos, here are some important things to know:
- They will be done with artificial light (i.e. flash, etc).
- They will take longer due to us having to set up lighting, test it, and then shoot enough photos to ensure we get shots without blinks (flash = blinks).
- You will have a smaller selection of each grouping due to me not wanting everyone to stand longer than necessary for each photo.
WHEN SHOULD WE DO OUR GROUP PORTRAITS?
HOW LONG WILL GROUP PHOTOS TAKE?
WHY DO YOU DO GROUP PHOTOS ALL AT ONE TIME?
CAN WE DO GROUP PORTRAITS AFTER DARK?
CAN WE DO EXTENDED FAMILY PHOTOS?
Usually about 60-80 minutes for the standard wedding party and family photos - but only if they are done in one solid block of time.
The thing that takes the most time with portraits is gathering everyone together. If we have to gather various groups more than once, it really cuts into your schedule and takes time away from you enjoying your wedding.
It is possible to get portraits with extended families - but know that this can take a substantial chunk of time. So, here’s what I suggest:
- Only put “must have” shots on your group lists.
- All shots should include both you and your partner - your pairing is the focus of the day!
- I suggest no more than 2 large groupings - and immediately after the ceremony is the best time.
- Note any must have extended family shots on your details questionnaire, so we can ensure we schedule time for this.
Group photos can be done after dark, but since people generally hire me for my natural light photography, I like to make sure my couples are informed about the technical reality before they solidify their schedule for the day. If it is daytime, there will be plenty of light for group photos - the sun is a true force of nature. Even if there is bad weather, I will choose a space inside that has a good source of natural light. But if the sun has set (or is setting) prior to group photos, here are some important things to know:
- They will be done with artificial light (i.e. flash, etc).
- They will take longer due to us having to set up lighting, test it, and then shoot enough photos to ensure we get shots without blinks (flash = blinks).
- You will have a smaller selection of each grouping due to me not wanting everyone to stand longer than necessary for each photo.
NOTE: IN MY SCHEDULING AND QUESTIONNAIRE EMAILS, I ALWAYS SHARE THE SUNSET TIME FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY.
HERE’S WHY YOU DON’T NEED A “WEDDING SHOT LIST”
I have to be honest, I’m always looking for ways to be organized – and I love making lists. They make me feel like I am in control. They give me a sense of well-being. If you’ve hired me to shoot your wedding, and you love making lists as much as I do, this one is for you.
First, I want you to consider this scenario: the day has arrived. You are surrounded by people you love, and months of planning are unfolding around you. You look across the room at me, the photographer you researched, met with, and trust, and I am looking down at a list of photos...and missing all the magic that is happening in that moment. You don’t want that to happen!
SCHEDULE TIME - Schedule time for formals and couples portraits. If your portraits are rushed - you will look and feel rushed - and you don't want that on your wedding day.
2nd PHOTOGRAPHER - If you are inviting more than 75 guests, have a large wedding party, and/or are having your ceremony and reception at separate locations, I will include a second photographer in your proposal.
TRUST ME - I GOT THIS - Trusting my experience and expertise allows you to relax and enjoy your wedding - which is why you hired me!
STILL CONCERNED? Click here for an absurdly long list that covers the things I always look out for.
NOTE: By “WEDDING shot list,” I mean a comprehensive list of photos you would like. I WILL need a list of group portraits ("formals") that you want, and I walk YOU through putting that list together.
Also, I am always open to seeing your wedding inspo and mood boards!
Instead of making a WEDDING PHOTO list, here are 5 things to do & consider:
YOU SHOULD GET A WEDDING ALBUM - here's why.
Nothing I say now can prepare you for how important your photos will be after your wedding. Albums make these photos real. You will look at your album on your anniversary. You will look at your album with your family. Your children will look at your album. In a very important and unique way, your album will let you relive the most cherished moments and revisit the people who matter most to you.
Photo albums are held in our hands. People gather around and look at them together. They force us to put our fast-paced lives on pause. They are tactile and tangible, and do not require any maintenance to remain accessible (like tech does). Photo albums are forever and unchanging.
It automatically creates an album layout using the images that you've looked a the most.
If you need to, you can swap out images in the design with others you like better.
Once the design is finalized, you pick out your album sizes, fabrics, and colors and place your order.
Yes, it's that easy.
READY? Be sure to check out this option in your gallery store - or if you haven't yet booked me - feel free to inquire, and I'll send you a link to a full gallery so you can see the process in action.
My album design process is quick and effortless. Here's how it works: