Before we begin, you must decide whether or not you're going to see each other before the ceremony. Those that see each other before the ceremony, also called a "First Look" or "First Reveal," should read the "Weddings WITH a First Look" timeline. Those opting to see each other during more traditionally, should read here for our "Weddings WITHOUT a First Look" timeline.
Timelines WITHOUT a First Look
Seeing your soon-to-be spouse for the first time at the ceremony is something special. The anticipation of the moment coupled with the energy of a room full of your closest friends and family makes the traditional way of seeing each other still a very popular option. In terms of timing, the day would run as follows:
PREPS > CEREMONY > PORTRAIT SESSIONS > COCKTAIL HOUR > RECEPTION
Now let’s go through a sample WEDDING DAY to show actual lengths of time for each part.
PREPS
2 Hours 35 Minutes
BEFORE GETTING DRESSED: 1 HOUR
In this 1 hour we’ll shoot details like your dress, shoes, invitation suite, rings, and jewelry. We’ll shoot candids, get makeup touch ups, and group shots of you and your bridal party in special garments like matching robes or pajamas (if you’re wearing them).
GETTING DRESSED: 30 MINUTES
The moments surrounding you getting into your dress plus a card reading, first look with your Dad/Someone Special/Bridesmaids will take about 30 minutes.
PORTRAITS: 45 MINUTES
It’s our goal to get as many formal photographs completed before the ceremony as possible. These include portraits of you with your bridesmaids/groomsmen, solo shots of you, and any other family members present. The cinema team would leave during this time as they need 30 minutes of prep time before the ceremony starts.
TRAVEL TO CEREMONY: 20 Minutes
When calculating travel times, use Google maps to get approximate times and then add 10-15 minutes. This accounts for possible traffic delays as well as the slower travel speeds since most times limos and party buses can’t travel as fast as your normal car.
CEREMONY
1 Hour
This is the moment you've been waiting for! Take a second and try to remember everything about this part of the day - it's a memory you'll want to relive forever! It’s been our experience that those who choose to see each other at a traditional ceremony have a ceremony that lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour. If yours is longer or shorter, please adjust your timeline.
It’s important to note that from this point on, timing can be drastically different if the cocktail hour is immediately after the ceremony or if there’s a gap of time allocated for portraits. If your cocktail hour is immediately after the ceremony, we’ll have to condense all formals into 1 hour. While not ideal, it can be (and has been) done. It’s imperative everyone is on-time and we are efficient in getting through family formals. We’re not going to sugar coat it – this can be pretty stressful so mentally prepare for it.
SPECIAL EXIT: 20 Minutes
A fantastic photo opportunity arises when you leave the ceremony venue, with your eager family, friends, and guests awaiting your exit. While certain locations might prohibit the use of items like rice or any debris on the ground, it’s worth inquiring about the permissibility of streamers, bells, or bubbles. Even if they enforce strict rules and don’t permit any of these, don’t worry; the sight of people cheering and filled with excitement still makes for excellent photos!
TRAVEL TO VENUE:20 Minutes
When calculating travel times, use Google maps to get approximate times and then add 10-15 minutes. This accounts for possible traffic delays as well as the slower travel speeds since most times limos and party buses can’t travel as fast as your normal car.
Still with us? Remember, we're designing the perfect wedding day photo timeline without a first look, so hang tight!
PORTRAITS
1 Hour
FAMILY PORTRAITS: 30 Minutes
We’ll get every combination of family portraits you want captured written down so there’s no possibility of forgetting anyone. We allocate 30 minutes in this sample timeline but know that if you have a large family, this may have to be adjusted.
BRIDAL PARTY PORTRAITS: 15 MINUTES
After family portraits we’ll get all the bridal party together and take the larger group shots. Remember, we allocated time during preps to get the smaller group shots during that part of the day.
COUPLE PORTRAITS: 15 MINUTES
Whatever time is remaining after family portraits and bridal party portraits will be left for Bride & Groom portraits. Sometimes when there’s a large enough gap between the ceremony concluding and the cocktail hour, we’ll be left with a good chunk of time. Sometimes though, when we have to complete everything during the cocktail hour, we’re left with 10-15 minutes for bride and groom portraits. This is one of the biggest obstacles when seeing each other in a traditional ceremony setting and not opting for a first look.
COCKTAIL HOUR
1 Hour
If you allocated enough time for portraits and you’re able to make some of your cocktail hour, awesome! Others will have to do all their portraits during the cocktail hour – hopefully someone can save you a plate of food and a cocktail (or two)!
RECEPTION
2-4 Hours
A typical reception lasts 4 hours. At this point coverage of our services has been about six hours. If you wanted us there for your whole reception, you’d need a total of 10 hours of coverage in your package. If you’re not sure you need us until the end of the reception, find the last thing you need us there for (this is usually the cake cutting), and ask your venue when that happens during the night.
TOTAL TIME: 10 HOURS
When you are seeing each other in a traditional ceremony setting without a first look, there are many variables that affect timing. Our past experiences tell us that 10 hours or more are needed depending on the distances between the different locations and timing of your events. And that is how you design the perfect wedding photo timeline without a first look!
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