Planning out the exact times for your day of wedding photos? Keep reading this post to find out exactly what you need to know about your wedding photography timeline!

Hutchinson House Old Edwards Inn Wedding 11 -

Plan more time than you think you need.

Always add more time for wedding photos than you think you need. This means, when booking your photographer, you might select a larger package or you might simply edit your timeline accordingly. Adding extra time for this aspect of your wedding can relieve so much stress for you and your photographer. If you want to truly enjoy the moments throughout the day without a worry, provide plenty of time for yourself. Some items on your photography list might take longer and some might take less amount of time. You will appreciate this breathing room on the day of your wedding.

Black and white photo of couple kissing at grand send off for Duke Mansion wedding in North Carolina

Remember your selected photography package.

When you are planning out your photography timeline, think back to that photography package we mentioned. Is your photographer booked for the full day or did you select a limited time range? This can help you plan a realistic timeline for photos. If you get to the photography timeline planning portion of your wedding and realize you would like your photographer to be there for more portions of the day, chat with them. You might be able to upgrade your package or receive an option to add additional hours as you go.

Don’t forget about the start of the day.

It is easy to skip over the very start of the day when thinking about your wedding photos. Don’t forget about those getting ready moments! The start of the day is a crucial part of your wedding photography story. Your photographer and their team will capture you, your partner, and your wedding party getting ready before the ceremony. They will likely capture some detail photos of your outfits, decor, and stationery suite during this time. So, instead of beginning your photography timeline around the time of your ceremony, begin it during the time you will be getting ready.

Bride and bridesmaids getting ready for Charlotte wedding

Consider a first look.

Many couples are now choosing to share a first look before the ceremony. This offers a private moment before the day officially begins AND it is useful to your photography timeline. You can grab the majority of your couple photos and portraits then so you have more time to enjoy your day later. If posing for photos isn’t your favorite thing to do, having more free time after the ceremony can be helpful. A first look is also useful for those who will not be booking their photographer for the full wedding day.

first look at Middleton Place wedding in Charleston -

Your photographer and wedding planner will work together.

Your entire vendor team will work together but, I am going to highlight the planner for this post! If you are working with a wedding planner, you are probably creating a full wedding timeline with them. Make sure your wedding planner and photographer are connected so they can merge their timelines and ensure they are on the same page. The wedding planner keeps your full wedding timeline on track so it is important your photography times are clear to all parties.

If you found this blog helpful but aren’t at this point in your planning process, I have another post you will enjoy! Read about the 10 important questions to ask your wedding photographer before booking next!