Wedding Wednesdays with Em Series | Virginia Wedding Photographer
Those of you that know me know that I LOVE details. Don’t get me wrong, I love photographing the wedding but the planning process leading up to the wedding is just as important to me. I know that all the tiny details matter and without a plan, a wedding day can go from easy breezy beautiful to an absolute train wreck.
Now fortunately I have NEVER been a part of a wedding that was a train wreck! That is why I send my brides a questionnaire asking them about the events that day along with their details. I want to know everything about their wedding day vision so we are ready!
In over 4 years of experience, I have learned that the wedding day timeline requires some flexibility. We know the parts of the day where we can make up time in case of accidents, people running late, a hair emergency, etc.
This is also where it is important for you book vendors that know what they are doing (vendors can make or break the flow of a wedding)!
When I form timelines I have a general flow that I follow but I keep in mind what is important to my couple. I have a flexible amount of time for each part of the day leading up to the reception to help form a base timeline. I then send a rough draft to my couple and wait for them to look it over before its final.
I like to keep things simple so I start by dividing the day up between the Ladies and the Gentlemen. Once I have that, I plan out the rest of the events with at least 30 minutes of down time before the Ceremony and extra time after the Ceremony before starting Family Formals.
So today in my Wedding Wednesday with Em Series, I am sharing my timeline secrets! I create a timeline for all my brides so they don’t have to stress about this, but I know some brides will be planning their own wedding day timeline! So here are some basic times for each part of the day broken down so that you can envision what your wedding day will look like!
*BONUS*
I included a REAL TIMELINE from one of my 2019 summer weddings!
You can see where I customized parts of the day to make everything work! 🙂
Pre-Ceremony | The Bride and Bridesmaids
This is the time to get hair and makeup done as well as get dressed. Make sure to steam the dresses before putting them on! I also encourage you to stay hydrated and eat before you get into your dresses.
Here are the times I recommend for each part of the getting ready process:
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Getting Ready: 45 minutes- 1 hour
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Bridal Details: 45 minutes- 1 hour
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Bride Putting on Dress: 15 minutes
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Bridal Portraits: 15 minutes
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First Look with Bridesmaids: 15 minutes
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First Look with Dad: 10 minutes
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Bride & Bridesmaids Portraits: 15-30 (depending on size of bridal party)
Pre-Ceremony | The Groom and Groomsmen
This is the time to get hair done as well as get dressed. Make sure to all ties are on, pocket squares are in place, and bouts are pinned! James is a pretty good helper in this department if the guys need help. I also encourage you to stay hydrated and eat some while waiting for photos.
Here are the times I recommend for each part of the getting ready process:
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Getting Ready: 30 minutes
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Groom Details: 15 minutes
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Groom Getting Dressed: 15 minutes
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Groom & Groomsmen Portraits: 15-30 (depending on size of bridal party)
Other Wedding Day Events
Here are the times I recommend for these portraits:
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First Look: 15-30 minutes
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First Look (EXTRA) Portrait Time: 30 minutes- 1 hour
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Bride & Groom Portraits Post Ceremony: 30 minutes- 1 hour
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Entire Bridal Party: 15-30 minutes (depending on size of bridal party)
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Family Formals: 20-30 minutes (depending on cooperation and size of immediate family)
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Sunset Portraits: 15-20 minutes (during the reception usually)
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Controlled Exit: 10-15 minutes (includes time to light sparklers)
So here is a BONUS sample timeline for one of my 2020 August couples who are sharing a First Look!
Each wedding timeline is unique but I start forming the timeline based on the average times I listed above!
*This timeline is just for James, myself, and our photography services on the wedding day. It is not the timeline to keep track of the Reception or other vendors (I leave that timeline up the Planner and Day of Coordinator).*
I hope this timeline example helps you as you plan out your wedding day! This is always a difficult task to do, that is why I take this off my bride’s plate. Even if our couples hire a planner I will create the photography timeline as a complimentary service.
That’s what you hired me to do after all!
Until next time,
Learn more about our services here!
Hey there, I’m Emily! James, and I are a husband and wife wedding photography team based in Lynchburg, Virginia. We specialize in weddings and engagements and serve Virginia, DC Area, South Carolina, and beyond!
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Educational
In today’s Wedding Wednesday with Em’s series I am sharing, the best times to start your wedding ceremony in each season. This start time affects when you can start your reception as well as how many bride and groom portraits you get in your final gallery!!
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Educational