How to choose a wedding photography package | How much wedding photo coverage do you need | Wedding timeline creation tips

As you plan your wedding, you’ve likely thought about a rough timeline for your day. You’ll get ready, have your ceremony, then cocktail hour and reception. Maybe you’ve even broken down things like when your first dance will take place, and when you’ll be cutting the cake. But, have you considered the timeline for your big day as it relates to your wedding photography? Make sure you account for these four tips for seamless wedding day coverage!

Decide How Much Photography Coverage You Need

Having an idea of what your photography timeline will look like will help you to choose the right photography package for your day and make sure that you get all of the photos you want. I’ve included two example timelines for 8 hours of coverage to help you create your own perfect wedding photography timeline. 

The timelines below are based on an 8-hour package with two photographers because this is my standard package and recommendation for most weddings. This allows for all of the traditional photos throughout the day and allows for photos to be taken in two places at the same time – which is important for telling a complete story of your wedding day. Keep in mind that if you are hiring only one photographer for your wedding day, you’ll need to account for more time to get the same amount of photos.

Why Cushion Your Wedding Timeline?

If there is one thing that I hope you take away from this – it is to buffer your timeline! Adding in 15 minutes here or there can really make a huge difference in the flow of your day and it allows you to be more present and enjoy the moments as they unfold. Unfortunately, sometimes things don’t run on time, and having these buffers will allow you and your vendor team to make minor adjustments without having to push back the entire schedule. If you happen to have a rainy wedding day, a cushion allows us to move around portraits to take advantage of any opening in the weather. 

Another super important reason to buffer your photography timeline is to account for bio breaks! You, your partner, and your photographer will be going at full-speed all day on your wedding, and it’s good to schedule a few moments to take a breather or use the restroom. Buffers can also account for any traffic you might hit between venues or even time to sneak away so guests don’t see you as they arrive! 

Should You Have a First Look?

First Looks have become popular in the past few years, especially because they allow couples to free up time to enjoy their cocktail hour. While it’s not for everyone – some couples still love the classic moment of seeing each other for the first time at the aisle – this is a great option if you have a large family or wedding party to be photographed, or just want to enjoy your time with your guests! Seeing your partner before the ceremony opens up a world of options for your timeline, because the majority of posed photos can take place pre-ceremony. This allows you more time to celebrate together. I’ve included a timeline with and without a first look so you can have an idea of how it might change the flow of your wedding day.

When You Might Want More Coverage

On average, couples usually hire a photographer for around 8 hours of coverage, but there are plenty of situations when you might want more than that! One of the most common reasons I see couples upgrade is because they have large families and want formal family portraits with everyone. Although my process for family formals is quite smooth, it can still take a while to wrangle family members! Another reason that’s becoming more common is multiple First Looks. Whether you want to do a first look with your wedding party or your parents, setting up and photographing those special moments may add some time to your coverage. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that wedding photographers’ hours are continuous. That means that even if there is a break between parts of your wedding, you will still be charged for those breaks. This is especially important if you have a large distance between venues or want to go to a separate location for portraits. All of that time, including travel, will be part of your package. 

Finally, one key thing you’ll notice about my wedding photography timelines is that the photographer generally leaves before the reception is over! Most couples aren’t interested in hundreds of dance floor photos, so most timelines will call for the photographer to leave after the cake is cut. So you may be asking yourself – how do couples get exit photos? There are two options there: you can have a “false exit” in the middle of your reception where we pull you and your wedding party outside for photos, or you can choose to add more hours to your photography package! Keeping your photographer around until the end of the night can also allow for photos of a private last dance with your new spouse.

Example Timelines

There’s no right or wrong way to set up a timeline for your wedding photography, but here are two of my most common wedding day setups. Custom timeline creation is a cornerstone part of my wedding collections, so I’ll assist you in crafting the perfect wedding day timeline!

Timeline With First Look

1 pm – 2:45 pm: Photographers Arrive, Photograph wedding details & Candids of getting ready

Photographers split up:
Partner 1 and Attendants “Getting Ready” | Partner 1 Portraits
Partner 2 Attendants “Getting Ready” | Partner 2 Portraits

3 pm-4:45 pm First Look, Couple & Individual Portraits, Partner 1 & Attendants Portraits, Full Wedding Party Portraits, Partner 2 & Attendants Portraits, Immediate Family Portraits

4:45 pm: Tuck away for Ceremony

4:45 pm- 5:15 pm: Photograph Ceremony Space & Reception Space

5:30 pm-6:00 pm: Ceremony

6:00 pm: Cocktail Hour Begins – Family Formal Portraits

6:30 pm: Couple enjoys cocktail hour – Photograph cocktail hour candids

7:00 pm- 9:00 pm: Reception: Introductions, First Dance, Dinner, Couple Sunset Photos, Toasts, Cake Cutting, Parent Dances, Open Dance Floor

Timeline Without First Look

1 pm – 2:45 pm: Photographers Arrive, Photograph wedding details & Candids of getting ready

Photographers split up:
Partner 1 and Attendants “Getting Ready” | Partner 1 Portraits
Partner 2 Attendants “Getting Ready” | Partner 2 Portraits

3 pm – 4 pm: Partner 1 & Attendants Portraits, Partner 1 & Immediate Family Portraits, Partner 2 & Attendants Portraits, Partner 2 & Immediate Family Portraits

4:00 pm: Tuck away for Ceremony, Photograph Ceremony Space & Reception Space

4:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Ceremony

5 pm – 6:30 pm: Cocktail Hour: Family Formal Portraits, Full Wedding Party Portraits, Couples Portraits

6:45 pm – 9 pm: Reception: Introductions, First Dance, Couple Sunset Photos, Toasts, Cake Cutting, Parent Dances, Open Dance floor

Are you getting married in the DC metro area? I’d love to chat about being your wedding photographer! Inquire today!

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