Planning your wedding day timeline is crucial to ensuring that you get all the photos you want while still enjoying every moment of your special day. While each wedding day schedule can vary depending on the couple’s preferences, venue, and overall timing, there are universal tips that will help you create the perfect wedding photography timeline.

At A.R. Davis Media, we understand how important it is to capture every key moment of your wedding, from getting ready to your final send-off. To help you stay organized and stress-free, here are some expert tips on how to structure your wedding day photography schedule to ensure you get stunning photos at every stage.

*Photo by Rachel W. & Mar at A.R. Davis Media*

1. Communicate Your Priorities to Your Photographer

The most important part of planning a photography timeline is making sure your photographer knows what photos matter most to you. If family portraits or certain candid shots are a must, make sure to schedule time for them. If you want getting-ready photos, be sure your photographer arrives early enough to capture the excitement and details.

Tip: Send a must-have shot list to your photographer ahead of time to ensure nothing gets missed in the hustle and bustle of the day.

2. Start Early: Give Your Photographer Enough Time

Plan to have your photographer arrive at least 90 minutes before you start getting dressed. This will give them enough time to capture shots of the bridal party getting ready, details like the wedding dress, rings, and venue decor, as well as candid moments between friends and family.

If it's important to you that your hair and makeup are fully done before the photographer starts shooting, plan to have it finished 30 minutes before their arrival to allow for any delays.

3. Decide on a First Look

One of the biggest decisions you'll need to make for your timeline is whether to do a first look before the ceremony. A first look gives you a private, intimate moment together, and it also cuts down on the time needed for bridal portraits after the ceremony.

Without a first look, the majority of your photos with the bridal party and couple portraits will need to happen after the ceremony, which can keep your guests waiting.

4. Allow Enough Time for Couple Portraits

Plan for about 60 minutes of dedicated time for couple portraits. This will ensure you get a variety of romantic, perfectly staged shots without feeling rushed. These portraits are often the most cherished photos from your day, so be sure to give them the attention they deserve.

5. Plan for Group Photos

When it comes to wedding party and family photos, you’ll need to budget for about three minutes per photo grouping. Large group photos or multiple arrangements with the bridal party can take time, especially when organizing everyone. Make sure to plan accordingly, especially if your wedding party is on the larger side.

6. Schedule Some Post-Ceremony Photos

Even if you’ve done a first look, leave time after the ceremony for a few “just married” photos. The emotions of the ceremony will still be fresh, and capturing that joy and excitement is priceless. These post-ceremony photos often showcase the raw emotions of finally being married and are some of the most beautiful shots.

7. Provide a Schedule of Events

Be sure your photographer has a detailed timeline of events for the day, including key moments like the cake cutting, toasts, and first dance. This ensures they’ll be in the right place at the right time to capture every moment.

8. Decide How Long You Want Your Photographer to Stay

Many photographers offer packages based on hours. Decide how late into the evening you want your photographer to stay. Some couples love having photos from the reception, while others may opt for a shorter package that ends after the main events, like dinner and first dances.

9. Add Buffer Time to Your Timeline

Weddings are notorious for running behind schedule, so make sure to add buffer time into your photography timeline. If photos are scheduled too tightly, you risk falling behind and missing out on some important shots. Adding extra time for transitions and organizing people will help you stay on track and stress-free.

10. Don’t Forget Golden Hour!

If you’re dreaming of those magical golden hour photos, make sure to schedule it in! Golden hour occurs just before sunset and is often considered the best time for soft, glowing photos. Work with your photographer to determine the best time for these shots based on your wedding day timeline.

11. Know Your Must-Have Shots

While it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of the day, make sure you communicate your must-have shots to your photographer ahead of time. Whether it’s a specific family grouping or a candid moment, letting your photographer know what’s important to you ensures those moments won’t be missed.

Planning your wedding day photography timeline may seem overwhelming, but with careful preparation and communication, you can create a schedule that allows for stunning, stress-free photos. At A.R. Davis Media, we’re here to guide you through the process and ensure every moment is captured beautifully. From engagement sessions to wedding day memories, our team is committed to delivering timeless photos that reflect your love story.

Contact us today to discuss your wedding photography needs and let us help you plan the perfect timeline for your big day!