How to make a timeline 

Weddings are a big day, and the planning can be overwhelming if you're not sure what to do, I often get asked about making timelines, so below is some example times for you to consider ...

Find your sunset time first, because most of the time we design the timeline around that, the best time for your portraits is late afternoon, so the 2 hours before sunset is perfect for the best wedding photos. You can use this website: https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/

If you have any questions please get in touch.

Part one:

GETTING READY

45mins - 1 hour. Groom getting ready.

For the groom getting ready I like to keep things very relaxed, the guys hanging out, having a drink, going for a swim, or just sitting around having a laugh.

I’ll ask to see the grooms details and what he’s wearing, and I’ll ask him to get dressed just for a few quick photos.

(allow for driving time between locations)

Around 1.5 hours. Bride getting ready.

For the bride it’s all about finishing hair and makeup, and photographing all the details.

I recommend having the details all in one spot, that’s jewellery, shoes, perfume, invites, and any other special items.

(allow for driving time between locations, and it’s great when I arrive 15 - 20 minutes early to the ceremony)

Part Two:

(allow for driving time between locations)

Ceremony

I’ll aim to arrive at the ceremony location 15-20 mins before it starts to photograph the details and guests arriving.

Ceremony - 30 minutes.
Ceremonies are usually 25-30 minutes, but can sometimes be longer if it’s religious, best to check with your celebrant, pastor, or priest.

When I arrive at the ceremony location I’ll photograph the setup, and come and see the groom. Then when the bride arrives I’ll meet her at her car, and then we’re ready to go!

I’m typically at the front of the isle so I can photograph the procession and see the groom's and parent's reactions. 

15 - 20 minutes.

Family and friends congratulate and hug you. Everyone will want to say hi and congratulations, so we should allow some time for this.

Part Three:

Family photos

15 - 20 minutes.

This is where you need to write out a list of the important groups to photograph.

Start with kids and grandparents, then parents, siblings, godparents, and anyone else who is super important to you. Because I don’t know anyone it’s best to appoint a couple of organisers to help gather the groups. I’ll show you where to stand, and once the groups are organised the photography part is quick, but it can end up taking a lot of time if people wander off.

30 minutes. Afternoon tea.

Sometimes couples will make their ceremonies earlier to allow for an afternoon tea before the portraits, this can be a good time to have some food and a chat with your guests. Other times we just head straight into the portraits ...

Part Four:

(allow for driving time between locations)

Bridal Portraits

1-1.5 hours.

We’ll have a chat about what location you’d like to use. If the venue you’re using has a great spot for photos onsite, then that’s always my preference because it’s takes up less time, or we can find a location nearby. Consider if you’ll need to arrange cars to transport your bridal party. I usually start with the whole bridal party, and then just you as a couple.

Sunset 

Find your sunset time, we want to finish your portraits around sunset.

Use this website: https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/

Part Five:

(allow for driving time between locations)

Reception

First up I’ll try to photograph your reception setup before your guests enter the venue. So allowing 15 minutes in your timeline for me to do this is a great help.

After that it’s dinner, speeches, and dancing. Maybe a bouquet or garter toss if you’d like.

Remember that you can always add more coverage time if you need it.

Other orders:

Another option is doing a first look, that’s when you swap your ceremony and portrait time.

A first look can be a great chance to see each other in your wedding clothes in a more private setting, and get the portraits done before the ceremony so you can go straight into the reception.

So it goes like this:

Groom getting ready.

Bride getting ready.

First look and bridal portraits.

Ceremony.

Family photos.

Sunset.

Reception.

Questions?

Email hello@finchandoak.com or fill in the quick form below.