Planning the timeline for your wedding day is a crucial step to make sure that your special moments are beautifully captured without feeling rushed.
Balancing the schedule between the ceremony, celebrations, and photo or film sessions requires thoughtful consideration and an understanding of your priorities.
This guide breaks down practical steps to create a wedding day flow that comfortably accommodates photography and videography in the Perth wedding setting.
Start with Your 'Must-Have' Shots and Scenes
Before setting the timeline, list the key moments and types of photos and video scenes you want to capture—such as your first look, family group shots, candid preparations, ceremony highlights, and couple portraits.
Example: A couple may decide that the first look and sunset portraits are their priorities, so they'll allocate morning prep time and late afternoon for these sessions accordingly.
Chat with your photographer and videographer about signature shots and film styles you love.
Consider how much time each set of photos or filming sequences typically takes.
Note any specific locations you want to include for portraits or video scenes.
Build Buffer Time Between Key Events
In Perth’s relaxed atmosphere, while it's tempting to keep things tight, building in buffer times helps reduce stress and accommodate small delays.
Example: If the ceremony starts at 4pm, set aside at least 30 minutes after the service for group photos before moving on to dinner or speeches.
Allowing extra time also creates opportunities for natural, unscripted moments your videographer or photographer can capture.
Add 15-30 minutes buffer between each major segment like prep, ceremony, and reception.
Keep in mind travel time if your photo or film locations change on the day.
Discuss the flow with your vendors to set realistic expectations about timing.
Schedule Morning and Preparation Shots Thoughtfully
Capturing the excitement and intimate details during morning preparations can create wonderful memories on film and in photos.
Example: Allow your photographer and videographer to arrive about an hour before you start hair and makeup, ensuring they catch the natural build-up.
Keep the timeline flexible around hair and makeup to avoid feeling rushed, which also benefits the creative process for your artists.
Plan your morning to include time for photos of details like attire, rings, and stationery.
Coordinate with your stylist so the photography team can anticipate when to start shooting.
Consider having bridesmaids, groomsmen, or family involved early so group shots can happen during prep.
Plan ‘Golden Hour’ Couple Portraits and Filming
The Perth light in the late afternoon or early evening often offers perfect conditions for romantic, cinematic photos and film.
Example: Scheduling your couple portraits around an hour before sunset provides flattering, soft natural lighting.
Work with your photographer and videographer to identify the best timing for these portraits based on your ceremony and reception schedule.
Review your ceremony timing to pick the best window for portraits without missing key reception moments.
Allow 30-45 minutes for these portraits including some relaxed, candid moments.
Consider locations nearby to minimise travel and maximise time with your guests.
Incorporate Group Photos Efficiently
Group photos can be challenging to organise but planning their place in your timeline helps keep the day running smoothly.
Example: Holding formal family group photos immediately after the ceremony prevents having to gather everyone again later.
Share your family groups list with your photographer ahead of time to speed up the process and prevent delays.
Communicate clearly with your wedding party about the timing and location for group photos.
Try to keep the number of group shots manageable—focus on the most important combinations.
Set expectations for guests to be punctual to keep the timeline on track.
Allocate Time for Candid and Reception Moments
Your videographer and photographer will want to capture the atmosphere and emotions during your reception, so including blocks for this is important.
Example: Scheduling coverage at key points like speeches, the first dance, and cake cutting helps ensure these moments aren’t missed.
Allow your photographer and videographer to move freely without interfering with your guests to encourage natural, joyful captures.
Plan the timeline to include time for arrivals, mingling, and candid shots between formal events.
Discuss with your vendors their approach to unobtrusive coverage during your reception.
Consider leaving some open time towards the end of the reception for relaxed shots without rushing.
Communicate and Confirm Your Timeline with All Vendors
Once your timeline draft is in place, share it with your photographer, videographer, venue coordinator, and celebrant to ensure everyone is aligned.
Example: Confirming the timeline a few weeks before the wedding reveals any potential conflicts or required adjustments.
Be flexible and open to expert suggestions from your creative team—they bring valuable experience to the planning mix.
Send your timeline to all relevant parties for feedback and confirmation.
Schedule a final check-in closer to your wedding date to review any last-minute changes.
Keep a printed and digital copy of the timeline handy on the wedding day.
Frequently asked questions
How much time should I allocate for couple portraits on my wedding day?
Typically, setting aside 30 to 45 minutes for couple portraits allows your photographer and videographer to capture a variety of shots and candid moments without rushing.
Can we adjust the timeline if the wedding day runs late?
It’s common for events to shift slightly during a wedding day. Building buffer times into your schedule helps accommodate these changes. Communicate with your vendors so they can adjust accordingly.
Should we have our 'first look' before the ceremony or wait until the aisle?
This depends on your personal preference and timeline constraints. A first look before the ceremony allows more time for portraits and can ease nerves, but some couples prefer the traditional aisle reveal. Discuss what feels right with your photographer and videographer.
