Planning out the schedule for your big day is a full-time job on its own which is why it’s recommended to always work with a wedding coordinator. Wedding coverage times can vary as every culture is different, making it challenging to pinpoint an exact photo or video timeline template. However, while planning the timeline for your big day, we have some recommendations of ideal time frames for all of the important wedding day moments to consider.
From drone shots to snapping photos of the venue, Establishing shots are essential to telling any story. For example, when browsing through a wedding album or watching a quality highlight film, the viewer needs to know where events occur. This is where the establishing shots come into play.
30 Minutes
Morning or Early Afternoon
Bride and Grooms Prep Locations | The Ceremony Location | The Reception Venue
Keep the bridal suite as clutter-free as possible! We also recommend having all of the essential wedding details (items such as Rings, Wedding Dress, Shoes, Invitations/Save the Dates, Bouquets, Jewelry, Garter, etc.) ready for our team to shoot when they arrive on location. Furthermore, it's not uncommon for our team to stage items like the wedding dress outside in a garden or on a venue door which can take some time but ultimately, it's well worth the additional work. Finally, having at least 30 minutes allows us to get the perfect photos of the wedding day details.
30 Minutes
Morning or Early Afternoon
Bridal Suite | Hotel Room
Similar to the Bride's details, we recommend having the groom's quarters clean and tidy. It's also good to have all of the grooms' wardrobe hung up or laid out in one area so we can snap a few shots of it before having him get ready. Be sure to have items like the suit, shirt, shoes, belt, cufflinks, watch, rings, etc., in one place, ready to shoot.
15 Minutes
Early Afternoon
Grooms Quarters | Hotel Room
We recommend having at least 1 hour of coverage for the brides' preparation. This is the time when we will shoot hair and make-up shots, bridesmaids with the bride having mimosas, shots of all of the girls in their robes, solo shots of each bridesmaid with the bride in their robes, and plenty of fun moments in between. This is also an ideal time to capture a letter or gift exchange! Remember that this is one of the most emotional and enjoyable parts of the day, so there is no need to rush it.
1 Hour
Morning to early afternoon
Bridal Suite | Hotel Room
It's safe to say we don't typically need as much time with the guys as we do with the girls. We recommend having at least 30 minutes of coverage for the groom and his groomsman. During this time, we will have the groom put on items like his bowtie, shoes, vest, cufflinks, jacket, etc. We will also snap a few shots of the groom alongside his groomsman and any significant moments in between.
30 Minutes
Early Afternoon
Grooms Quarters | Hotel Room
Snapping a few solo shots of the bride and groom (individually) is best shot directly following the getting-ready photos. Hair and make-up are fresh, and the day hasn't become too hectic, allowing us to take our time and shoot some stylistic portraits.
30 Minutes
Early Afternoon
Bridal Suite | Grooms Suite | Hotel Lobby | Garden Area | City Streets
The first look is an intimate moment in which the bride and groom plan to see each other for the first time leading up to the ceremony. Unlike traditional weddings where the groom first sees the Bride walk down the aisle, this is a moment in which couples can take the time they need for themselves and even exchange gifts, letters, etc., while the cameras are solely on them. As tenured industry professionals, we find that weddings with a well allotted time for the first look get great, relaxed coverage rather than squeezing this moment in after the ceremony, family portraits, and bridal party photos. But, of course, this is up to you to decide!
30-45 Minutes
Early Afternoon
A low-traffic/private area, Garden Space at the Venue, Venue Chapel area
It's nice to have time to get shots of the ceremony space along with any ceremony details (floral, décor, program cards, etc.) before your guest arrive. This time is also essential for our teams to set up the right equipment, check batteries, set up cameras, and learn any venue rules, so we are well prepared for your processional.
30-45 Minutes
Afternoon
Chapel, Outdoor Ceremony Space
Copyright © 2010 The Wedding Show, LLC – All Rights Reserved