If you’re in the midst of planning your wedding, first of all, congratulations! You may be here because you’re wondering why it’s important for you to create a wedding photography timeline. The answer is that a timeline during your wedding in general is going to keep everything running smoothly. As a wedding photographer whose captured many weddings, I want get into why a wedding photography timeline is so important in order to keep your wedding day running as smoothly as possible! Let’s get into it.

Amy Buchanan | Washington Wedding Photographer

Why Do You Need a Wedding Photography Timeline?

Like I said above, having a timeline is what’s going to keep everything on track and running smoothly! Planning a wedding can be stressful enough in itself. The last thing you want is for an unorganized wedding to cause more stress. This is a day that you should be enjoying yourself! There are so many different moving parts and logistics to a wedding day. Having a timeline won’t just help with staying organized, but may help you keep your sanity, too! 😉

A Timeline Will Keep Everyone in The Loop & Things Moving Swiftly

Once you create your wedding photography timeline, share it with the wedding party and those who you’ll be getting photos with! This will save a lot of time because people will know when they’re supposed to be and where. Nothing slows down the wedding day like tracking down that one person whose supposed to be in your photos but has already made their way over to the dessert table! It may be helpful to appoint a trusted family or friend who knows both sides of the family to help rally people up for photos. This ensures that we can keep the timeline running as smoothly and efficiently as possible!

Make Sure The Planner and Wedding Photographer Are on The Same Page

It’s essential that your wedding photographer and wedding planner are on the same page. At the end of the day, we’re here to work as a team to bring couples the best experience possible. That is a lot harder to achieve when we’re on different pages! Communication makes the world of difference when it comes to wedding planning!

Having a Good Wedding Photography Timeline Means Better Portraits

Yep, you read that right. Having a well thought out wedding photography timeline with enough time set aside for your portraits will get you better photos. Why is this? Because we don’t feel stressed to get them done! There’s nothing worse then feeling like we have to hurry and take a ton of photos because we’re behind schedule. As your wedding photographer, I want you to be in the moment and enjoy this time. If you’re able enjoy yourself and not feel stressed, your photos will turn out so much better.

Pro Tip: Incorporate a First Look Into Your Wedding Timeline

If you’re a couple looking to keep it super traditional, then feel free to skip this part. If you’re a couple whose open to doing a first look prior to the ceremony, then keep reading! Doing a first look not only allows you a private moment with your spouse, but its also beneficial for your wedding photography timeline. This is because it gives us the opportunity to knock out most, if not all of the photos BEFORE the ceremony!

Imagine taking your portraits, wedding party photos, and family formals and then being able to head straight into cocktail hour to mingle with your guests. Sounds like a dream right? It’s possible when you do a first look! And if you want to sneak away during the reception for some romantic sunset portraits, we will have SO MUCH time to do so! Check out my “3 Reasons You Should Incorporate Wedding First Looks Into Your Timeline” to see more on why you should do a first look!

Will You Be Creating Your Wedding Photography Timeline? Keep These Tips in Mind!

I hope that this blog has given you insight on the importance of creating a wedding timeline, along with tips to remember when you do so! If you want your wedding day and photos to go as smoothly and efficiently as possible, then a wedding photography timeline is a MUST! Looking for a wedding photographer to not just take your photos, but to help you create your photo timeline? Let’s do it! You can learn more about me here. If I sound like the perfect wedding photographer for you, then inquire with me here! I can’t wait to hear from you. In the meantime, follow me over on Instagram and let’s stay connected!