Wedding Day timelines and how they can help you make sure you get it all captured!

Written by Ariel Hawkins Photography

A well-planned timeline is crucial for capturing all your special moments. Work with your photographer to ensure there's enough time for everything. To help you stay organized, here are some essential to-dos:

1. Schedule a Consultation: Meet with your photographer well in advance to discuss your vision and important moments you want captured. This will help create a customized timeline that fits your needs.

2. Build Buffer Time: Things often take longer than expected! Add in extra time between events, especially for getting ready, traveling, or gathering family for portraits.

3. Prioritize Key Shots: Make a list of must-have photos. Whether it's family portraits, special details, or candid moments, let your photographer know which shots are most important.

4. Consider Lighting: Work with your photographer to plan your timeline around the best natural light. Golden hour (the hour before sunset) offers beautiful, soft lighting for portraits.

5. Prepare a Family Photo List: For weddings, have a detailed list of family members and groupings ready. Assign someone who knows everyone to help organize and gather people for these photos quickly.

6. Plan for Unplanned Moments: Expect the unexpected! Whether it's a tearful hug or a spontaneous dance, these unplanned moments often make for the best photos. Having a flexible timeline allows room for them.

7. Allow Time for Relaxing: Don’t forget to include breaks for you and your guests to relax and enjoy the moment. This also allows for more genuine, candid shots.

8. Confirm Travel Time Between Locations: If your ceremony and reception are in different locations, ensure there’s enough time to account for traffic, parking, and any unexpected delays.

9. Set Clear Expectations with Vendors: Coordinate with other vendors (like your hair stylist, makeup artist, or DJ) to ensure everyone is on the same page and timelines align perfectly.

10. Start Early! The earlier you plan, the smoother your day will go. Don’t wait until the last minute—book your photographer and create your timeline early to avoid unnecessary stress.

With a solid timeline and clear communication, you can enjoy every moment of your special day, knowing your photographer is capturing it all.

This list helps guide clients to be proactive, ensuring their day goes smoothly and stress-free. Always make sure you have a consultation with your wedding photographer before your big day! If it’s not included insist that it occurs. Your wedding Photographer should be reaching out to you to talk to you about all of these things. If they aren’t then that can be a huge problem for you and them both as far as your expectations are concerned.

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LIVE.LAUGH.PHOTO. Love, Ariel 📸✨