Here’s a detailed wedding day timeline to help you plan your wedding day, along with some photography tips to ensure the day is appropriately documented.
3:00-4:30 pm Get ready for wedding ceremony
5:00-5:30 pm Wedding ceremony
5:30-6:30 pm Formal photos including. family, wedding party, and couples portraits
5:30-6:30 pm Cocktail Hour
6:30-6:45 pm Introductions / First Dance
6:45-7:45 pm Dinner: Toast during salads before the main course
7:45-8:00 pm Parent dances
8:00-11:00 pm Open dance floor
11:00 pm - Last Dance
3:00-4:30 pm: Getting Ready
My wedding documentary photography coverage around 90 minutes before the couple is fully ready. This time lets me photograph wedding details like invites, wedding dresses, jewelry, and more. I also photograph candid moments such as toasts, gift openings, and last-minute hair and makeup touch-ups.
Wedding Getting Ready Photo Tips:
Choose a well-lit room: Natural light makes a massive difference in your photos, so try to get ready in a room with plenty of windows.
Keep the space tidy: A clutter-free environment helps keep the focus on the beautiful moments, making for cleaner, more elegant photos.
4:30-5:00 pm: Preparation for Ceremony
This is a good time for the couple and family to relax and freshen up before the ceremony. I use this period to prepare my camera equipment and scout the ceremony location for the best lighting.
5:00-5:30 pm: Ceremony
As guests arrive, I capture candid moments. With a second photographer, we ensure varied angles and comprehensive coverage. Before the ceremony starts, I discuss with the officiant to ensure I can move around discreetly, allowing for unique and intimate photographs.
Wedding Ceremony Photography Tip:
If you have an outdoor ceremony, keep everything in the shade, including the background. This will prevent squinting and ensure an even light in your Boston wedding photos.
5:30-6:30 pm: Formal Photos and Cocktail Hour
Immediately after the ceremony, I begin with the essential wedding family photos. With a pre-planned list, I can complete this in about 15 minutes, followed by 10 minutes with the wedding party, keeping these shots simple. The remaining time is spent on relaxed portraits of the couple. Concurrently, I also document the cocktail hour, capturing guest interactions, room details, food, and overall ambiance.
Wedding Family Photo Tips:
Prepare a photo list in advance: A pre-planned list of family photos ensures no critical photo is missed, making the process smooth and efficient.
Family Photo Coordinator: Assign someone familiar with the family to call up the next group and have them ready while I photograph the current group. This will speed everything up.
6:30-10:00 pm: Wedding Reception
The reception is a lively part of the day, perfect for capturing energetic moments. I document everything as it unfolds, including introductions, first dances, toasts, and general dancing. Any additional requests can also be accommodated during this time.
Wedding Reception Photo Tip:
If you have group photos, like a college photo, do not take them during the dance set. Take them right before the band opens the dance floor.
Conclusion
This wedding day timeline without a first look provides a reliable guide to ensure everything runs smoothly, allowing you to focus on enjoying one of the most important days of your life. If you are looking for additional help planning your wedding I recommend connecting with a Boston wedding planner for day of wedding coordinator.
