After many wedding days being a photographer, I experienced different timelines. I learned what makes a day flow efficiently and stress-free so that couples feel unrushed, and I can produce the quality and creative portraits they expect.
Timelines can only be stress-free if the couple, vendors, and wedding party/families can clearly communicate and agree on logistics.
It's important to note that every wedding is unique. There are so many factors involved in planning a wedding day timeline. But allow me to break down the best wedding photography timeline for me and my couples.
The Best wedding PHOTOGRAPHY Timeline
THE TIMELINE BREAKDOWN
Please note the breakdown does not include the travel involved in between locations. Due to the nature of travel - we have to prepare by adding a buffer in case of traffic delays, parking, unloading/loading, meeting vendors/management at the new location, etc.
BRIDE's PREP
- 45 min Details: dress, shoes, invites, rings, vows, florals, etc.
- 20 min Bridal party fun: pop the bubble, wearing robes, dancing around
- 5 min Private gift opening/letter reading
- 30 min Put on dress with help, followed by bridal portraits
- 30 min First look with bridal party and portraits
- 5 min First look with father figure o rother VIPs
up next: groom's prep
Read now: Prepare for picture-perfect bridal portraits
Groom's Prep
- 15 min Details (cuff links, groomsmen gifts, vows, boutonnieres, rings, etc.)
- 5 min Reading letter/opening gifts
- 15 min Groom gets dressed with help
- 5 min First look with mother figure and helping with boutonniere
- 20 min Candids with groomsmen
up next: portraits
Read now: DREAMIEST NEW JERSEY WEDDING VENUES
First Look & Portraits
- 10 min for a first look setup
- 35 min of portraits at multiple locations around the venue
up next: vips
Read now: Must Have Wedding Photos
VIPs
- Wedding party together
- Bridesmaids
- Groomsmen
- Individuals with the couple
- Officiant, ring bearer & flower girl
- Followed by family photos, and up to 15 groups with the couple
up next: ceremony
Read now: CREATING A GROUP SHOT LIST
Ceremony
- 30 min prior to your ceremony, all photos stop so team can prepare lighting and you can break before the processional
- If you plan to send a wedding invitation, stating the start time is 30 minutes earlier than the actual start time, please let me know. Some guests tend to arrive 30 minutes prior to ceremony start time, which means, we would need to hide you away from guests in a timely manner.
up next: reception decor
watch now: OFFICIANT TIPS
The photographer team takes a 10-minute break during cocktail hour and eats cocktail hour food in a private space. They also take photos and prep gear in the reception space. There may be time to take the couple out for another round of pictures for 10 minutes or candids at the cocktail hour with guests. About 10-15 minutes before the reception room is open, the couple is invited for a private reception room reveal and take a photo too.
Cocktail Hour & reception decor
up next: reception
READ now: WEDDING COLOR COMBINATIONS
- Intros: parents, wedding party, then you
- First dance sets (you, then parents)
- Speeches/toasts
- Dance set
- Nighttime magic photo
- Main course/vendor break
- Cake cut
- Dance set
reception
up next: magical fine art
I am mindful that nighttime fine art portraits do take away time from mingling with your guests, so I would need to setup the lighting in advance and test it out before bringing you to the location so it's a quick shot to surely blow your mind!
NIGHT TIME MAGICAL PHOTOS
up next: start over
GET INSPIRED: MAGICAL FINE ART GALLERY
A wedding day timeline is not one size fits all. All weddings are unique and couples have different traditions , guest experiences and sweet moments they want documented.
Building a wedding day timeline is part of what I do for all my couples. Without a timeline, your wedding party and family members will be lost on where to go and meet you for important heirloom opportunities. What you may think
takes 5 minutes, can easily turn into 20 minutes. I make sure to add a little wiggle room in case of day-of hiccups which are expected to happen.
At the end of the day, whatever is important to you, is important for me to document. Sit back and relax as you celebrate with your favorite people in the world!
Meet Miranda Suess
JERSEY CITY AND NEW YORK CITY WEDDING, ENGAGEMENT, BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHER.
Contact Miranda now
A SWEET NOTE
“I knew I wanted Miranda to photograph our engagement and wedding because I love the whimsical feel to her photos. She was with us every step of the way making sure she understood our vision and gave us the most detailed and organized wedding timeline to ensure we got all our getting ready photos, family photos and candid moments. I have the worst anxiety and not once during this photoshoot did I ever feel uncomfortable. She made me feel like the most beautiful bride and captured images I didn't even know I was capable of taking. She is incredibly sweet and makes you feel so comfortable, my partner loved her as well and never got tired of taking pictures! She is professional, organized, detailed, kind and makes you feel like she’s not just your photographer but your friend. I look at the photos now, and I can remember exactly what that moment was like.“
What real couples reviewed on Suess Moments wedding & engagement photography
Sweet Notes
Click below to be taken to real client reviews on Miranda's photography services by Suess Moments and The Jersey City Photographer. You will find out why Miranda is one of the best New York and New Jersey wedding, elopement, engagement, headshot, boudoir photographers.
wedding wire
the knot
