Having photographed over 500 weddings since 2001, I get to see the whole day unfold.
This means as well as the moments guests see, I can record the background preparation beforehand too.
Here are the questions couples ask me most often about how to time the big day
The Morning
How much notice should I give my hair and make-up artist?
Make sure they know your finish time well in advance. Running late here has a knock-on effect on everything that follows. If you’re the bride, don’t leave your hair and makeup until last.
When should the bride and bridesmaids be fully dressed?
Aim to be dressed at least 20 minutes before you need to leave. Make sure you give enough time to get into the wedding dress. Some wedding dresses take longer to put on than others.
That window gives us time to capture proper portrait shots before the rush to the car.
Do we need to build in time for breakfast?
Yes. Leave enough time for everyone to eat and get dressed properly. A morning that is too tightly scheduled tends to create stress that shows up in photos later in the day.
What about the groom’s morning?
Generally, there is far less to organise. Getting ready usually takes less time and involves fewer moving parts than the bride’s morning.
Arriving at the church or venue
How early should the groom and wedding party arrive?
At least 30 minutes before the ceremony. That gives time for photographs and for capturing guests arriving naturally, rather than rushing everyone through the door.
What happens if we arrive late?
It holds everything up. As I always tell couples, if you are too late it can hold things up and you might not have time to get all the pictures you want.
The ceremony
Can photography happen during the ceremony itself?
It depends on the venue. Photography plays an important part in telling the story of the day, but every church or venue has its own policy on what is and is not allowed during the service. The vast majority of celebrants are happy with photography during the service. It has been a long time since anyone has said ‘no’ to this.
How long does the ceremony usually last?
Most ceremonies run for 30 to 40 minutes. A full Catholic mass tends to run longer, at around an hour.
The Afternoon
What happens straight after the ceremony?
This is one of the busiest and most important photography windows of the day, so it is worth planning for properly.
How long should the drinks reception be?
An hour and a half is the ideal length. It gives enough breathing room for guests to relax while photographs are being taken elsewhere.
How much time should we set aside for photographs?
As a rough guide: 15 to 20 minutes for couple shots, 5 to 10 minutes for family groups, and 5 minutes for the bridal party. Keeping to these windows means you get back to your guests without feeling rushed.
To find out more, check out my approach to the set up shots
The Evening
How long should speeches take?
Around 30 minutes in total works well, keeping things moving without feeling rushed.
Is it worth planning around sunset?
Yes, especially in summer. A sunset couple’s shot takes only around 5 minutes but is one of the most rewarding parts of the day to photograph.
How should we handle outside shots during winter?
Giving the guests some sparklers can result in some fantastic shots. Add in a few fireworks or have the venue lit up behind you to create a dramatic contrast between light and shade.
How much time is needed between the meal and the evening reception?
Around an hour is typical, allowing time for the room to be turned around while guests take a break.
If you’ve booked a wedding band, they will usually need about an hour to set up and sound check.
If you have any questions about planning your big day, don’t hesitate to contact me.
You can also find out more about my approach to wedding photography.
Hopefully this will help when you’re planning your wedding.
I always say to my couples to contact me at anytime if they have any queries about timings for the day.
You can also read the FAQ page for answers to most wedding enquiries.
Enjoy your planning!