Planning is critical on wedding days, and having a clear timeline isn’t just for planners. Writing your own timeline ensures you know exactly when and where you need to be to capture key moments. It also helps the couple stay informed and makes the entire day run more smoothly, leaving you free to focus on creating memorable photos.
Coming to you from John Branch IV Photography, this insightful video explains the importance of taking control of your timeline. Starting with the initial meeting, Branch emphasizes the need to plant the idea early with couples. During this meeting, ask about the general flow of their day and whether they’re considering a first look. While you don’t need to finalize anything, introducing the idea of a custom timeline lets them know you’re thinking ahead. Once the couple is booked, follow up with a questionnaire to gather the details needed to finalize their timeline.
One of the key points discussed is the importance of knowing when hair and makeup will start and end. This sets the stage for your arrival time and helps coordinate with other vendors. If you’re covering both the bride and groom’s preparations, this timing is critical. For example, showing up about an hour before makeup finishes allows you to capture the tail end of the preparation while leaving time for other portraits. Knowing whether there will be a first look is another critical piece. A first look not only opens up more time for photos but can significantly reduce stress later. Branch highlights the practical advantage: families and wedding parties are already present, making group photos easier and faster to organize.
The video also discusses how to approach the ceremony and cocktail hour. While you won’t have much control over the ceremony’s timing, you do need to account for how it fits into the larger day. Cocktail hour is another area where careful planning can make or break your schedule. Without a first look, you may find yourself battling distractions, like family members heading off for drinks, which can delay portraits. A properly structured timeline gives you a backup plan in case of unexpected delays or bad weather.
Branch also stresses the importance of communicating with the wedding planner. Once your timeline is drafted, share it with the planner and collaborate to ensure everyone’s on the same page. This avoids conflicts on the wedding day and shows you’re a team player. Planners are key allies, and fostering a good relationship with them can smooth out potential challenges. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Branch.
If you would like to continue to learn about wedding photography, be sure to check out "How To Become A Professional Commercial Wedding Photographer With Lee Morris and Patrick Hall!"
