Planning A Wedding!

I will go from start to finish how I do a full 8-10 hour wedding!

Planning a 8-10 hour Wedding

As a photographer I will go through the questionnaire I send you VIA email. The Shot List example and of course how to schedule the day. I do my best to get everything captured in the time you pay for and do my best to not go over.

Let's talk about Your wedding day photo timeline

SO, let's talk Wedding Day photo timeline, it can be very overwhelming and stressful especially if you are planning everything yourself.

As a Photographer I myself make 2 phone calls to every couple. I give you a choice to meet in person over lunch or coffee or a zoom meeting for anyone with a busy schedule and if you are out of town. I set the meetings 1-2 weeks before the wedding date.

First call 3 months in advance to say hello and to see if there is anything I need to do to help you plan your wedding!

2nd phone call happens 1 month to 5 weeks to set up a date to meet in person or zoom call. I also go over briefly what we will be discussing for said meet, or zoom call.

In person meeting or zoom call I go over absolutely everything. From start to finish. So please plan on atleast 1-3 hours depending on how nervous you are. I am here to help in any and every way I can.

I have a detailed shot list that I do email to you. Also listed below I go over from start to finish with examples from previous weddings.

I Arrive to every wedding 30 min- 1 hour in advance depending on location and how far from town you are.

Wedding Timeline/ Times

Times will change depending on the season and depending on what time you want your ceremony to start or if you are wanting Sunset photo's. As a base outline it will help you start Organizing the day. Now if you hire a event Coordinator/ Wedding Planner they not only will help with the day, but ease any and all stress.

As a photographer This is what I photograph from start to finish on a 10 hour timeline.

11:00 am Hair and Makeup Begin

11:am is a perfect start time but it also depends on how many individuals are having their hair and makeup done. If you're planning a wedding with two grooms or majority Groomsmen or won't be needing formal hair and makeup services, you can cut this from your timeline.

1 p.m. Photographer Arrives

Wedding Photographer/Videographer arrives at least 30 minutes before the couple is dressed and ready. During this time, the photographer(s)/ Videographer (s) can get shots of the wedding attire—including any dresses, suits, or tuxedos—the rings, the invitation suite, and any other key details. That I had posted above.

1:15 Wedding Party Is Ready; Bride’s Hair and Makeup Is Complete

The mother of the bride, Mother of the Groom, Flower Girls, Ring bearer. All should be dressed and ready by the time the bride’s hair and makeup is complete. This way, everyone can be in the background of the photos featuring the bride getting dressed. At the time the bride gets makeup done you can jump into matching bridesmaid's photos in there Robes, or matching PJ's. A toast with all the girls.

Before the Hair and Makeup Artists leave ask for a goody bag with extra blotting if you happen to cry or sweat. With Hair artist I would recommend Not only the wedding coordinator, Maid of Honor, Mother. Now if you do not have a wedding coordinator have the photographer there to talk to the hairstylist on how they did the hair for the Veil to be put in. Also make sure to get little extra hairpins trust me. There will be moments it popped out and or need it out before you do dances. But your Photographer and Videographer will be with you if not most of the day.

1:40 p.m. Couples Gets Dressed

As a Photographer I always tell my Brides to put the dress on where they feel comfortable with both the Photographer and Videographer to capture those intimate moments with your maid of honor, maybe all of your bridesmaids, helping you zip up your dress and slip on your shoes. Now you can also have your mom and or grandma have a role, too! they could also help you in your dress or have them help with your earrings and jewelry, or adjusts your veil. I know most momma's get nervous and don't want to mess your hair up so I usually do a fake setup and then either, maid of Honor or myself the photographer to help get it situated.

Grooms you will be put the finishing touches on your big-day look—tying your tie, having someone attach your boutonnière, so usually mom helps you or your best-man! If you have a special Cologne, a certain way you style your hair. After of course pictures with the groomsmen. I usually have everyone get everything but your tie's, boutonnière, and of course Jackets and or vests.

1:50 p.m. First Looks/Private Prayer/Vows/Gift Exchange

I usually do things differently; it usually depends on how much time makeup and hair took.

But also, if you are wanting first looks done! I usually start with Frist looks before Family, or Wedding Party photos. That is if there is time!

First Looks are so special! You get to capture this precious moment between Your soon to be husband, Bridesmaids, Mom, Grandparents, and of course your dad! Each of those first looks I absolutely love capturing. Taking the time to do all of them is something to discuss!

Now if you are not wanting to do First looks, a Private Prayer/ Vows or a Private Gift Exchange is always an option to either add on with or in your timeline!

Now if you are not wanting to do either but still want to do photos have family arrive at 1 instead of 2.

2:30 p.m. Family Photos

Have your family arrive at least an hour before we start family photos. It also gives time to those that are running behind. and if You are running behind. Upon our final meetup I would make sure to get the list for family members and groups to make it go smoother. Now all family photo's do not need to be done at the beginning I do leave time right after the ceremony before wedding party and your couples photos to finish any and all family photos.

We could still do photo's of family and the wedding party around this time. Just the family of each with the Bride and Groom. Then after the Ceremony do photos of everyone as a hole after.

During and After the Ceremony

Now is when everything really starts to pick up. Guests will begin arriving and the fun is about to ensue!

4:00 p.m. Start Time Listed on Wedding Invitation

Most weddings don't start at the actual start time listed on the invitation. But also plan for those that arrive later. Have your wedding Coordinator or have a relative, or even the Ushers have a spot for those later arrivers once the Ceremony is about to start.

4:10 - 5:10 p.m. Ceremony

Most ceremony's last about 20 minutes. Now Ceremony's at a Church last up to an hour. If that is the case definitely talk with those helping you with the timeline and or Wedding Coordinator.

5:15-6:45 p.m. Cocktail Hour

Cocktail Hour Begins. This is where I take Family photos, and Wedding Party Photos. This is also the time to take that breather before Family and Friends Congratulate you and to get the rest of the Family who did not make it earlier.

5:15-5:45 Family and Wedding Party Photos

Now this is only if you do Photo's where you have the Ceremony and Reception.

If you are wanting to do photo's in other locations. Figure out how far and will calculate that.

5:45-6:30 p.m.(ish) Sunset Photos

Set aside time in your wedding itinerary to take additional portraits together during the 30 -45 minutes leading up to sunset, which offers opportunities for some incredible natural lighting. The actual time of sunset varies widely, depending on where and what time of year you're getting married. In the winter months, pre-sunset photos may need to be scheduled for around 4 p.m.- 5 pm.

6:45 p.m. Guests Invited to Dinner

Let guests know it's time to move into the dining room—if you're not already there—and sit down. To prepare for The Grand Entrance

7:00-7:15 p.m. Grand Entrance and Cake Cutting

Something that I have noticed through out every wedding I have done, is when to do cake cutting. I have noticed that if children are in attendance do it right after you enter.

Grand Entrance starting at 7 is a perfect time. You can announce each wedding party members or as a hole. Come in with a dance or a pose. Finally, the announcement of both of you. Strike a pose, a Dip kiss absolutely whatever you want!

Before you sit, the DJ will announce before we start dinner. The couple will jump into something sweet and both of you will move over to the Cake.

The reason I say Cake cutting after the Grand Entrance, I have notice when Children are in attendance parents tend to struggle keeping the Children away from the table. Most times Cake arrives before I the photographer gets a chance to take a photo until just before the Grand Entrance. It gives me that opportunity to make sure I capture a photo. Now if you are wanting to do cake cutting when you do Bouquet and or Garter Toss that is still an option. Just my input on what I have seen at most weddings!

It usually Runs very smoothly and quickly!

Just before you arrive in I do Ask you what your preferred drink is and will have that ready.

7:20 - 8:15 p.m. Dinner

at 7:20 who ever is giving a blessing will do and then DJ will depart the head table. then down the list of tables for dinner.

Don't forget to include Photographer's, Videographers, and Wedding Coordinator in the number of guests for food. They have been there as long as you as well.

As a Photographer if there is No Coordinator, I would ask a family member and or Maid of Honor Even occasionally the DJ too get you a refill and a plate fill up if you are doing a buffet style dinner. Wedding Coordinators are excellent at getting that drink and a plate for the both of you! A time to get food in your system!

8:15 - 8:40 p.m. Bridal Party Toasts/Toasts

As dinner is coming to an end is Toasts. Best Man, Maid of Honor, or a close Bridesmaid or Matron of honor.

Then Parents that would Like to give a small toast as well! Try and keep the Toasts Under 30 minutes as a hole.

8:40 - 9:30 p.m. First Dances

Bride and Groom

Bride with Father or Brother

Bride with Mother

Bride with Son/Daughter

Groom with Mother

Groom with daughter/son

9:30 - 9:45 p.m. Cake Cutting, Bouquet Toss, and Garter Toss

First up is the cake cutting, followed by bouquet toss and Garter Toss (if those are traditions you're keeping). This is also a good time for the newlyweds to say a few words and thank their guests for coming.

Now if you did Cake cutting before You do not have to worry about that. If you are not comfortable with Garter toss, do not feel obligated to do that.

9:45 p.m. Open Dance Floor

This also gives you the break to talk to people, dance the night away.

10:20-10:45 Party Activities

Shoe game is a wonderful game to include guests to know you both as a couple or even ask questions themselves.

Anniversary Dance: is one of my favorites, you get a chance to see how long each of those that attended to enjoy some time on that dance floor. If you are not familiar with the anniversary dance. You start with all married couples including you the bride and Groom. The DJ through the song will say if you have been married less than a few hours leave the dance floor. all the way up to if you have been married for 30+ years and the last couple on that dance floor gives you one piece of advice that helped them through their marriage!

Dollar Dance: Trying to keep the Dollar dance to 2-3 songs.

10:50 Moonlight dance

If you have not heard this it is the final dance of the night. When every guest that stayed to the end leaves the building and start getting the Sparklers or whatever you use for the Grand Exit. You will have that final song to dance too. No guests just the two of you the second half. The Photographer and Videographer will stay for the first bit of the song. Sometimes the Videographer will leave one of their cameras and let it record through. Photographer will then leave and get set up for the Grand Exit

11:00 p.m. Grand Exit

With Sparklers I usually direct you to walk slowly, Do a few poses, Arms raised cheering, Dip Kiss, kiss, have some sparklers in your hand as well. At the end say a small thank you before you load into your vehicle and the night ends!