A Photographer’s Guide to Creating the Perfect Wedding Day Schedule

As an affordable wedding photographer in Oklahoma City, I’ve been to a lot of weddings, and I mean A LOT.

As far as weddings go, I’ve seen and experienced it all. Big weddings, small weddings, short weddings, long weddings, one-of-a-kind weddings, traditional weddings...and, yes, good weddings and bad weddings. When I think about all of those weddings and which were my favorite, every wedding that comes to mind has one common denominator - a good schedule.

So, today I’m going to tell you how to create a schedule for your wedding day that will help it to rank among the best of the best.

Let’s get started.

ALLOW YOURSELF TIME TO GET READY

Perfect wedding days are not rushed or filled with panic. In fact, the best weddings I have attended as both a bridal party member and a wedding photographer are the weddings when the bride and groom have been relaxed and throughout the entire day. But, if you want to go with the flow and create a chill atmosphere, making sure you have enough time to get ready without being rushed is key.

Every bridesmaid should have enough time to have their hair and make-up done, get their gown on, and eat a snack (maybe not in that order) before pictures begin. According to the experts, a bride with four bridesmaids should allow at least 4 hours total for hair and makeup.

BUDGET ENOUGH TIME FOR BASIC WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOS

The most basic wedding photography packages include pictures of the bride, groom, bridal party, wedding ceremony, the newlywed couple, and wedding day details. Not including the ceremony, these basic wedding photos will account for at least 2 hours of time on your wedding day.

Of course, these basic wedding photos do not have to be taken all at once. In fact, I recommend breaking these categories into a few smaller sessions throughout the day to help with the flow of the schedule. That way, not everyone in the bridal party is occupied at the same time, and if something goes wrong, the schedule can be easily changed to make amends. To see how I recommend breaking down the sessions and how long each one takes, check out the free guide offered on my website!

SCHEDULE TIME FOR YOU AND YOUR SPOUSE TO BE ALONE TOGETHER

Last but not least, don’t forget to schedule time for you and your spouse to be alone with one another. Sneak off into the sunset and enjoy a beverage or go outside and enjoy a dance under the stars. (Oh, and if you don’t mind a third-wheel for your time alone with your spouse, it can be a really great opportunity for your wedding photographer to grab a few candid shots that capture the real beauty of your day.)

No matter how you decide to create your schedule, just remember, you only get one wedding day...so don’t forget to schedule the time to take it all in.