Your wedding day is one of the most amazing days EVER. But, let’s be honest… planning the actual day can be stressful! It’s okay, you’re not alone. With so many different variables to consider and different vendor arrival times, it can get overwhelming. But, stress no more. After you read the quick rules below, know that you can always ask your vendors for feedback and recommendations; they’ve done this A LOT and, as a photographer myself, I love to help my couples whenever I can.

Quick tips for your timeline

• Florist reminder: make sure to check with your florist and have bouquets delivered before your first look! I’d recommend a full hour before your first look so it will guarantee that 1) you’ll have your photos in a few bridal shots before your first look (photographers can even use it in some detail shots) and 2) family members and your bridal party will have their boutonnieres and/or corsages when it’s time for the family portraits and group photos.
• Getting ready photos + detail shots (1 hour): if you want some getting ready photos and detail shots, check with your own photographer, but giving them a full hour beforehand is ideal from my experience. That way they can find a perfect spot to grab photos of your dress, your rings, stationary, etcetera. It then will give them time to grab a few candids of you and your party getting ready together.
• Getting into your dress, veil and reveal photos (30-minutes): I say 30-minutes because you never know if you need to quickly run and brush your teeth, reapply your lipstick, and so on! So 30-minutes is perfect to get in your dress, get individual photos of you taking in the moment and then, celebrating with your party when you reveal your beautiful dress!
• First Look & Couple Portraits (45 minutes): I say 45-minutes for your first look & couple photos together is perfect. The day will get busy and you’ll both be swept off your feet, so the more time here the better I say! You may not need it fully for photos, but it’s nice to have time to chat and take in the moment. It’s your wedding day after all!!!
• Bridal Party: Allow 45-minutes for your wedding party photos. You will need not only group photos (which can take some time to organize) as well as individuals with each bridal party member. You can make 30-minutes work, but it’s a lot more fun when you have extra time, if it’s needed.
• Family photos: full disclaimer here… this totally depends on how many family combinations you will have. Typically, 30-minutes works fine, but to help out your photographer and work with them to set the necessary time for your day, write down the different combinations. It will help guide you and it will help your photographer understand the time needed.
• Ceremony reminder: 30-minutes before the ceremony, plan to have yourselves and your party hidden/away from the ceremony site. Guests usually start to arrive 30-45 minutes beforehand and you want to make sure no one sees you before you walk down the aisle. Also – relax again and drink water!

Let’s summarize it!

In summary, up until the ceremony, you will need about 3.5 hours of your photographers time if you are planning to do a first look ahead of time. If you plan to see each other for the first time as you walk down the aisle, that is amazing as well! Just be sure to still leave a good amount of time to grab your own photos together, your family photos and your bridal parties photos after the ceremony. The last consideration I want to mention is that if you are getting ready at a different location then your ceremony site, you will also want to work in the travel time needed.

And that’s it! YOU’VE GOT THIS!

I promise you, your day will go perfect even if every minute is not perfectly on track! There will always be one or two things that don’t stay right on track, but know that’s totally fine and totally normal. Your photographer and other vendors know how to help. Create your timeline, get feedback, communicate it (with your vendors and party before the big day) and then just enjoy your day as it unfolds!

Still have some questions?!

If you have any other questions, please feel free to email or message me on social, I would love to hear from you. To stay in touch and to receive updates when new content and opportunities are added, be sure to subscribe to my email list. I send a monthly newsletter and would love to have you in the community! Thanks for being here, it’s an honor and joy to serve you!

Love, Bri