Wedding Timeline Guide
My goal is to create incredible memories for you that will transport you back in time and allow you to truly enjoy & soak in every moment of
your wedding day. As you consider your wedding day events, please consider the following recommended coverage times below to ensure you get the best wedding photos.
MESSAGE FROM PETRONELLA
I am so excited for your wedding and to see you both come together as one new family.
Your wedding day will be one of the most incredible experiences and having photos that capture the celebration, all the feels and moments will allow you to be transported back in time and savor those memories and feelings anytime, anywhere. Thank you for the honor of being part of your day.
I want you to have the best photos, so I created this guide to help you determine how much time to allocate. We'll also have an opportunity to discuss and answer any questions.
Here’s what we need from you to
Create amazing photos (checklist)
1. An organized, clutter free getting ready environment so your photos don’t have leftover food, plastic/paper bags, undergarments, trash in the background
2. 15 min per person for individual portraits of you & your partner
3. Communication with your bridal attendants about key getting ready times
4. Submit your family shot list questionnaire at least 14 days in advance
5. Confirm your Family Shot coordinator(s). These designated people help identify and gather your key family members so we can quickly take formal photos so you and your guests can enjoy the rest of your event.
6. Any special surprises? Let us know if you’ve decided to give a gift to your significant other or bridal party? Firework or sparkle exit? Special dance? Outfit changes?
7. The night before, please gather all your details (shoes, rings, cologne, stationery) together in 1 bag so that when we arrive, we can quickly photograph the details before focusing on you. Any time spent having to search for these details may mean they aren’t photographed or there are fewer getting ready photos
8. Place your attire/dress/outfit on a nice hanger
To get more information
Checklist includes a summary of all key points listed here to help you prepare to have a stunning photography experience.
Download
the Checklist
60 days
Feel free to schedule time your wedding timeline discussion here or click the button below.
before your wedding, we’ll schedule a timeline discussion to chat about your timeline logistics.
Groom Timing
What time should the groom & his/her/their attendants start getting ready?
30 - 45 min
1. Getting dressed
15 min
2. Groom portraits
10 min
3. Opening any special gifts
15 min
4. Posed group shots
5.Individual groom + groomsmen / attendant portraits
2 min / person
6. Pack up & leave for ceremony
10 min
7. Google Travel time to the Portrait Location / Ceremony
+ walking time
TBA
Bride Timing
What time should hair & makeup finish for bride + her / his / their attendants?
I recommend having a separate hair & makeup person for you vs rest of the attendants to ensure a stress-free and timely experience.
1. # of ladies getting makeup done
1 h / person
2. # of ladies getting hair done
1 h / person
3. Makeup / Hair Do-over or adjustment
10 min
15 min
4. Bridal party robe shots
15 min
5. Bridal portraits
6. Opening any special gifts
10 min
10 min
7. Posed group shots
8. Bride + dad / bridesmaids / attendants dress reveal
15 min
9. Individual bridesmaid / attendant + bride portraits
2 min / person
10. Last minute selfie & makeup artist photos
10 min
11. Getting into your dress/outfit
30 min
12. Pack up & leave for ceremony
15 min
13. Google Travel time to the Portrait Location / Ceremony
+ walking time
TBA
Ceremony
I recommend having a little time to yourself before the ceremony to prepare to walk down the aisle.
30 min
Pre-ceremony break
Family Portraits
Family portraits usually take place after the ceremony & during cocktail hour. I strongly advise doing a first look to ensure you have time to enjoy your cocktail hour. Without a first look, we'll have to take all the photos: family portraits + couple + bridal party photos during cocktail hour.
1 group shot with 6 or less people
2 min / grouping
1 group shot with
7 - 16 or less people
3 min /grouping
1 group shot with 16 + people
5 min /grouping
Reception Room Reveal Photos
15 min
First Look
I strongly recommend doing a first look because it has the strongest emotional connection for the couple as they firstly see each other in their new roles, more time to capture posed couple portraits & more time to enjoy the cocktail hour and time with friends and family.
30 minutes
First look photography
Couple Portraits
& Bridal Party
How much time should we plan for couple + bridal party photos?
30 min
Couple Portraits
Bridal Party Photos
Up to 12 people
15 min
Bridal Party Photos
12 - 20 people
20 min
Bridal Party Photos
More than 20 people
30 min
Travel Time
How much time should be planned for travel between locations? My recommendation is to calculate time using Google Maps + Waze App timing.
TBD
Google Maps / Waze App timing
Buffer time for traffic / the unexpected
15 min
time to wait for transportation / elevator / walk to the car / wait for people
30 min
Summary
Groom and attendants getting ready
1:30 - 1:50
Here is a short summary including all the apps you can use to better plan your photography timing:
Bride and attendants getting ready
2:30 - 3:30
Checklist for amazing photos
Calculate drive time using
30 min
Break before ceremony
60 days prior wedding chat
30 - 60 min
Cocktail hour photo
30 min
First look
Couple Portraits and Bridal Party
30 - 60 min
30 min
Travel time