Timeline of Events
Wedding coverage usually starts about 2.5 hours before the ceremony as the bride and groom are getting ready, and goes until 30 minutes after the last big event at the reception. For most of my weddings, this is a full 8-hour day. Listed below is a breakdown of what that can look like and the moments I look for.
Getting Ready
- Bride getting ready (final touches of hair and makeup)
- Bride’s accessories (dress, shoes, jewelry, veil, garter, perfume, purse, vows, etc.)
- Bridal portrait, alone
- Bride w/ Bridesmaids
- Groom getting ready
- Groom’s accessories (suit, shoes, tie, socks, cufflinks, cologne, watch, vows, etc.)
- Groom portrait, alone
- Groom w/ Groomsmen
- Engagement Ring + Wedding Bands (cleaned and with the bride)
- Bridal Bouquet (suggested delivery to bridal suite)
- Boutonnieres (designate someone to pin these on the guys)
- Wedding invitation suite (1 stamped and addressed to bride and groom)
First Look
Some couples choose to exchange gifts, say a prayer, or just enjoy a quiet moment together before the day unfolds. A first look will also allow the opportunity for more romantic portraits of the couple and formal group pictures before the ceremony, freeing up more time later in the day.
- First Look with B&G
- Romantics of B&G
- B&G with Bridal Party
Ceremony
- Ceremony décor and details (at least 20-30 minutes before the ceremony before guests arrive)
- Processional - Bride walking down the aisle and Groom's reaction
- Bride and Groom together (vows, ring exchange, kiss, guest candids)
- Recessional - Couple coming back down the aisle
The Formal Shot List
- Immediate Family 1-3 minutes per small group, 2-4 minutes for each group up to 8 people, and 5+ minutes for larger groups of 8+ people. (I suggest doing formal portraits immediately following the first look or right after the ceremony before the guests move to cocktail hour)
- B&G with wedding officiant (optional, as this will be captured during the ceremony)
- B&G with parents of the bride
- B&G with parents of the bride and siblings
- B&G with parents of the groom
- B&G with parents of the groom and siblings
- B&G with both sets of parents together
- B&G with both sets of parents together and siblings
- B&G with immediate family members
- B&G with bridesmaids and groomsmen
- B&G with children attendants
- Extended Family: I suggest keeping family formals to immediate family only and pictures with extended family members as you see them during reception.
Reception
- Cocktail hour (décor, food, drinks, candids)
- Reception space (before guests enter)
- Bride & Groom's Grand Entrance
- First Dance(s) (Mother/ Son, Father/ Daughter, Bride/ Groom)
- Toast(s)
- Bouquet / Garter Toss
- Cake / Cake Cutting
- Entertainment
- Couple’s departure