Are You Planning a Wedding?
If you are, than this post is for you!
Wedding planning is a full-time job in itself, isn’t it?!
Figuring out every little detail is enough to drive the most organized person crazy, so that’s why I’ve created a Wedding Photography Checklist to help you out!
Why Use a Wedding Photography Timeline / Checklist?
Honestly, I have a checklist for everything in my life – business, family, finances, goals, housework – you name it, I have a list for it. I just function better that way.
So, since I’m a professional list making machine (LOL), here’s a list to help guide you and your photographer through your wedding pictures!
First things first.. Before the Wedding Day
No less than a week before the wedding, reach out to your wedding photographer and confirm your wedding day plans. Be sure to re-confirm the obvious things, such as the date of the wedding and when and where your photographer is expected to arrive – just to make sure you’re both on the same page.
Then, at least 72 hours before the big day, map out your wedding pictures checklist/timeline.
You’ll want to include the estimated times, or time frames, for the major events throughout the day – like the ceremony, cake cutting, bouquet toss, etc.
Once you’ve figured out how much time you have in between those major events, you can gauge which poses, locations, or moments are most important – then put them on the checklist for your photographer.
I know – it’s a lot, but it’s worth it.
Here’s some more help…
Wedding Photography Checklist Example
- 5pm – Getting Ready – Bridal Parties, First Look, Flowers, Jewelry, Dress, Parents, Special Moments, Hair & Make-Up
- 6pm – Ceremony – Guests Arriving, Wedding Party, Groom Waiting, Bride’s Entrance, First Kiss, Bride & Groom Exiting, Bridal Party Exiting
- 6:30pm – Cocktail Hour – Bride & Groom’s Portraits, Guests at Cocktail Hour, Venue
- 7pm – Reception – Bride & Groom’s Entrance & Mingling, Tables, Cake, First Dance, Parent Dances, Speeches, Unique Decor, Entertainment, Religious Practices
- 7:30pm – Dinner – Food, Bride & Groom’s Table, Guests Eating, Photographer Meals
- 8pm – Cake Cutting – Bride & Groom Cut the Cake
- 8:15pm – Bouquet Toss – Does the Bride Toss Bouquet?
- 8:30pm – Garter Toss – Does Groom Toss Garter?
- 8:30-10pm – Party Time – Dancing, Drinking, Partying
- 10:30pm – Exit – Bride & Groom’s Exit Strategy
*Note: Don’t hesitate to bring up special circumstances. Common requests can be a unique family dynamic or the types of photos appropriate for your beliefs. Most importantly, if you’ve made any last minute changes – tell your photographer as soon as possible.
Your photographer thrives off of information, so load them up with every single detail and favorite wedding pose possible on your checklist, then send it to them ASAP.
As your professional photographer, it’s vital for me to know when and where I need to be in order to map out my footing, equipment, lighting, and angles beforehand.
I hope this information truly helps you, and if you’d like to print and use my sample Wedding Photography Checklist, you can do so here!
Best of Luck, Break a Leg!
XoXo,
Mikki