One of the most important items you can use to keep your wedding day flowing is a photography timeline. Creating the most effective wedding photography timeline requires collaboration between the couple and the photographer. Here are some steps a couple can take to help their photographer create a well-structured timeline:
Hold an Initial Meeting and Discussion
- Discuss Vision and Preferences: Share your vision, style preferences, and any must-have shots with your photographer. This will help your photographer come up with a list to make sure that nothing gets missed on your big day.
- Provide a Rough Schedule: Give your photographer an initial schedule of the wedding day events. With this being an early on discussion you might not have the full schedule nailed down, but it’s still good to talk basics.
Identify Key Moments
- List Important Events: Make a list of all the key moments you want captured, such as getting ready, the first look, the ceremony, first dance, and any special traditions.
- Highlight Special Requests: Inform your photographer about any special photo requests, like certain family members, friends, or unique details. Providing a list of all the group photos you want is a great way to help your photographer plan out all the shots you are requesting. This will help keep the timeline flowing.
Venue Visits and Logistics
- Schedule a Venue Visit: If possible, arrange for the photographer to visit the venue(s) beforehand to scout for the best locations and lighting.
- Discuss Logistics: Talk about travel time between locations if the ceremony and reception are in different places. This is crucial to be able to factor in time between photos.
Venue: Emerson Hall
Coordinate with Other Vendors
- Timing with Hair and Makeup: Ensure hair and makeup are scheduled to finish in time for the photographer to capture some getting-ready shots.
- Align with Ceremony and Reception Timings: Share the ceremony and reception start times with your photographer to ensure there is enough time for all the planned shots.
Plan for Extra Time
- Buffer Time: Include buffer time between events to account for any delays or unexpected occurrences.
- Sunset Photos: If you want sunset photos, look up the sunset time and plan around it.
Family and Group Shots
- Provide a Shot List: Create a list of family and group shots you want, including names and relationships to the couple.
- Assign a Helper: Designate a family member or friend to help gather people for group photos. This is super helpful to a photographer since they probably aren’t familiar with all your extended family. Keeping these group photos running quickly and smoothly is essential to staying on schedule.
Finalize the Timeline
- Review with Photographer: Review the final timeline with your photographer to ensure it meets their needs and suggestions.
- Distribute the Timeline: Share the finalized timeline with key people involved in the wedding, including the wedding planner, coordinator, and bridal party. This is perhaps the most important step – making everyone aware of the schedule that will keep the day running smoothly and ensure that nothing is missed!
