Wedding photographer in New Haven. Wedding day timeline
When you start planning your wedding and while you are booking your wedding photographer you may wonder what the best wedding day photography timeline is.
Typically you have to first decide what time you want to book your wedding venue and the amount of hours you will need it as well as the time the time for the ceremony.
As a wedding photographer I am frequently asked by my clients what is the best time schedule for getting ready, family portraits as and/or first look when the bride and groom see each other for the first time. I love it when they want to discuss it with me because it means that it is very important to them to have this most important event captured perfectly.
Before you book your wedding photographer, it is also crucial that you take into consideration the timeline of the wedding day. If you think you would like your photographer for the first look or getting ready, it would be wise to consider hiring them for at least 8 hours. Also, depending on the size of the wedding, it is important that enough time is reserved for family portraits.
Here is a sample schedule of events:
- Hair/makeup/getting dressed – if you want your photographer to be present when you have your hair and makeup done, make sure to let them know during booking process. Hair and makeup is the first event of the day that you might want to have photographed. The photographer will probably need at least one hour to capture variety of images. You would want your bride maids, maid of honor and/or mom to be there to help you get dressed. It is entirely up to if you want to ask your photographer to capture the moment when the bride maids see you for the first time.
- Individual portraits of the bride/groom. This is optional but allows the photographer to create some artistic individual portrait of the bride and groom. Ideal time allotment for these is 15 to 30 minutes per person.
- First look. This special moment is when your future husband will see you for the first time. Make sure you discuss this part of the day with your photographer in detail. It is very important to let them know where the event will take place so that the photographer stands in the right area. The total time needed for this is about 15 minutes.
- Couple portraits. Once the bride and groom see each other for the first time, it’s time for their photo session! This is especially important event because most of these photos are usually chosen for their wedding album. I suggest about 30 minutes.
- Wedding party photos – at least 30 minutes for these
- Ceremony
- Family portraits. After the ceremony, it is time for family portraits. This will take at least ½ hour depending on the family size. Please discuss with your photographer to let them know how many people will be included in family portraits.
- Another couple session. By the time the ceremony is over, the sun usually starts going down, I love to take some beautiful shots of the bride and groom alone again. This will give them variety of images
- Reception and reception events
- Sparkler exit. Please make sure you let your photographer know where this will take place.
Every wedding is different and that’s why I created a pre-wedding questionnaire to make sure I am aware of all the events that take place. I always appreciate when I know all the details of the big day beforehand.
Location: 450 Lighthouse Rd, New Haven, CT 06512.
