A Typical, Full Wedding Day Timeline.
I’ve written this blog post as many couples ask if there is a typical timeline for a wedding day as they are unsure what is needed and how wedding photography works as part of this.
Is this right or...?
The first thing I would say is that everyone’s wedding is different and that there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way. We all want something different but some things the same too, and that's ok. Traditions vary across faiths, countries and cultures so this is not meant to be prescriptive in any way. It shows you my approach to a wedding day and how the photography would typically fit with your wedding day. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me to discuss this in more detail.
A Typical Wedding Day
The following wedding timelines show a timeline for a typical full-day wedding from bridal preparations through the first dance with a 12pm ceremony time, so I would always recommend starting your photography coverage to start 2 hours before. This is also based on a wedding at a venue where the bride and groom are both getting ready there. The timings are always flexible of course and would be altered a bit if it was a church wedding or if the bride was getting ready at the family home for example. (remember to allow extra time for traffic, if travelling to different locations, and also parking facilities, if there isn't one, then where is the closest one is and how long does it take to walk from A to B?)
9:30 am - Venue Shots
At the start of the day, I arrive early to get set up, speak to the venue organisers and take some photos of the venue which will typically include the reception room, the ceremony room, and all the little details I spot in between if they are ready and taking place here. (they are not always ready at this time so I try to return later if possible)
10am / 11am - Bridal Preparations
If the bride is getting ready at the same venue as the ceremony I would normally start coverage about 2 hours beforehand. This is a great time to capture candid moments with the bride and her bridesmaids and family as well as your wedding makeup and hair being done. I generally start with taking details of your dress, jewellery, shoes and anything else that you may like capturing. Bridal prep is all about documenting the morning and interaction between you all and is very relaxed.
11 pm - Groom Preparations
The Groom's preparations are just as important and are also a great opportunity to capture some special moments. Sometimes Grooms get ready at the venue allowing for shots of the Grooms and Groomsmen together. Other times the Groom arrives already dressed and that makes some nice portrait shots of the group outside the venue, inside one of the formal rooms or sometimes in the bar! I do know that most gents do not want this, but this can be a fun time with the boys and not awkward as most think it may be.
11:30 am - Guests Arrive
I love to capture your guests arriving and interacting with friends and family who they probably haven't seen for some time so great natural photos from this part of the day and them greeting the groom of course.
11:50 am - Bride’s Arrival
If your getting ready location is different to the ceremony location then you will probably arrive in a wedding car. This is a good opportunity for classic photos of the arrival of the bride. The registrar will always ask to see you before the ceremony to confirm all your personal details, if you are getting ready in the venue they will generally come to you.
12 pm - Ceremony (20 minutes unless a church wedding then it may be 45 minutes to 1 hour)
The ceremony has a number of specific parts that the photographer will capture. The entry of the bridal party, vows, reading, exchange of the rings, first kiss, signing of the register and the exit with or without confetti and all key moments in between. (check with venue/ church beforehand as they may not approve or may have strict rules ie biodegradable confetti and only in one place on the grounds I have more about this written on another blog)
12:45 pm - 1:30pm Group/Formal Photos
After the ceremony has just finished and you have done your confetti shot, a little bubbly then this will be an ideal time to do the family group photos. I recommend a small number of these ‘formal’ photos (4-8). A list is best prepared before the wedding, I always email my wedding couples requesting this in good time. I find letting everyone involved know prior to the wedding, so they know to stay close after the ceremony so everyone is together.
1:30pm - reception Drinks & Canapes
A chance to relax with a bit more bubbly and speak to your family and friends.
2/2:30pm - Bride & Groom Portraits
Whilst the majority of my photos are of the moment, it’s good to set aside some time for some classic couple portraits, this can still be fun and not necessary wired and awkward, let's go have fun and get some amazing photos of you as the newly married couple.
3:00 pm - WEDDING SPEECHES
After your guests have taken their seats for the wedding breakfast, you are typically ‘announced’.
I love to capture the real tears and laughter and emotion from this part of the day, sometimes speakers can be after the wedding breakfast (the traditional way) but more and more are doing speeches first so everyone involved can enjoy their meal knowing that done.
The order is the Father of the Bride, the Groom and the Best Man. Also, many brides and other members of the family are making speeches these days. It’s your wedding so don’t feel you have to run everything in the traditional way. The Best Mans’s Speech is always a favourite.
3:45 pm - WEDDING BREAKFAST
Your wedding breakfast can take 1 hour and a half to 2 hours if you have a 3-course meal, and I normally take this time to take photos of your wedding rings and flowers and other details.
5:45 pm - Turn Around
After the wedding breakfast, the venue prepares for the evening reception. It’s a great opportunity to take some time out with a walk outside and some fresh air. This is a chance to capture some end-of-day portraits.
7:15 pm: Cutting The Cake
This pretty much says it all.
7.20 pm: First Dance
After the cake cutting this leads straight into your first dance as a married couple.
7:30 pm - Party!
Now go and PARTY! I take photos of you all having an amazing time, yes that's right let your hair down and go have fun and show me your moves!
Want To Know More?
I hope this blog post has helped. If you have any questions about any part of your wedding day or wedding photography then please get in touch I would love to hear from you and listen to your plans, for your amazing wedding day
Nick Georgiou Photography
If you don't know much about me, well let me try and describe my style as a wedding photographer. My approach is documentary style, I am a very easy person to get on with, which will help put you and your guest at ease. This means if you have fun, I will capture it in my favourite way, candid! We will have fun and it will still be beautiful, I'm always looking for real moments to capture real raw emotion from everyone. The key for me is to let you have the best day and I will work my little legs off to capture it the best way I know how!
If you would like to ask me anything then please get in touch I am happy to discuss things in person or over the phone. If would like to check my availability then please let me know your date I will always aim to reply within 24 hours, unless I am on holiday then it might be 48 hours.
If you are still unsure then please take a look at the wedding galleries I have over 30 wedding galleries, enough I think to help you see my style and if it's perfect for your wedding day. If you would like to see my wedding packages then click here to see my options I can also create a personal package if you prefer. I hope you are ready to contact me I always love meeting new people and hearing all about their amazing wedding plans, so please get in touch.
