I will be the first to admit, I am serious, all in, “Type A” personality — organization is my second love. Think I’m exaggerating? My movies and books are all arranged in alphabetical order. The shirts in my closet are first arranged by color and then by sleeve length within color. I keep a calendar for personal, work, and blogging, a to-do list on my phone, and a day planner, that way I am never without one of them! It may be a tad overzealous, but it’s what keeps me sane and part of what I think makes me a great Washington, DC wedding photographer. After all, taking photos is just part of the job; there is so much more to it than that!

This obviously held true on my wedding day as well. I had an Excel spreadsheet that detailed every 15 minutes from 10:00am to 10:00pm. No, not just for me. For myself, Rob, my parents, the bridal party, guests, and all vendors. To an outsider, this DEFINITELY sounds a tad overzealous, but to the right person this can be a dream (or nightmare). We didn’t have a wedding planner, so my mom and I were doing everything ourselves. This timeline was my way of being in control without having to actually be in control! That sounds like it doesn’t make sense, but listen… The more I planned in advance and spoke with vendors and family, the more I was able to let go on the day of because I already trusted that everything would be done according to the timeline. And you know what? It worked! With the exception of my mom’s speech (which never actually made it’s way to the timeline… see!), we didn’t miss anything.

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it a million times (no matter how cliché) — your wedding day goes by in the blink of an eye. ENJOY IT! The easiest way to ensure this happens it to coordinate with your vendors regarding what you want to see happen and when on your special day! It definitely does not need to spell out every 15 minutes, but be sure to include all major events. Here are a few tips when planning out your timeline:

• Build in some buffer time at the front end of your schedule. Things always end up running a little late and you’ll be thankful you added extra time.

• Ask hair and makeup exactly how long it will take for each girl in your party. Add an extra 30 minutes.

• Are you getting ready at your ceremony location? Is your ceremony in the same location as your reception? If not, factor in the travel time!

• Things that get forgotten: exchanging gifts, cake cutting, toasts/speeches, first dances, formal exits.

• Your photographer and videographer should eat when you eat — that way we don’t miss anything!

And from a photography standpoint, please give the photographer at least:

• 30 minutes for details (also helps to have these all together and ready for when we arrive!)

• 30-45 minutes for getting ready images

• 15 minutes for first look (if you choose to do one)

• 30 minutes for bride and groom portraits

• 20 minutes for wedding party

• 20 minutes for family

• 15 minutes for reception details (This is important! You want to make sure the photographer has time to get in before guests so that the room is untouched. It may be your ONLY chance to see it!

 

I know that sounds like a lot! This is why I truly encourage first looks; it gives you the opportunity to get the majority of these images taken before your ceremony even happens and enjoy your cocktail hour.

Below is a copy of what my timeline looked like. Other great resources here and here — OR just work with your photographer, they will be happy to be part of timeline planning!