Wedding photography Itineraries & why they are important.

Wedding Itineraries & why they are important.

Your day, it’s a busy one. The bride will be treated like a queen… Hair, makeup, the whole thing she’s ever dreamed of having.

The groom, they are usually nervous.. getting suited up, misplacing things, and hoping they don’t forget their wallet, keys, and phone.

The bouquets aren’t here yet, the boutonnières are with the bride. Someone’s running late, or someone forgot something.

However, how is my quick how, to make sure you make a detailed itinerary, is well thought out, and ALSO communicate with family and friends beforehand

When making an itinerary, ALWAYS give yourself more time than you need, instead of less time. If you feel like you’re going to take this long to get ready, get yourself the extra 30 minutes. Every detail of your day is itemized down to even when you cut your cake.

So first start with:

(Do you have one or two photographers?)

If you have 2 photographers… great! Then one photographer will typically handle groom prep, while the other handles bridal. If you have ONE photographer, ALWAYS make sure they go to the grooms first, as they get ready quicker. After groom prep is done, the photographer typically heads over to bridal prep (always add in travel time, it matters) that way, groom prep is done, and now we can focus on the bride as her preparations are much more detailed.

Groom prep? Where? When? How?

Does the groom have special things such as cuff links, jewelry, a gift from the bride, groomsman gifts, notes, special socks, or anything else? Does mom or dad want to have some poses of helping the groom adjust his tie? If so MAKE SURE everyone is at the location that is supposed to be and make sure all special things are on location.

Bride prep? Where & when? Numerous locations?

Have your jewelry, invitations, rings, shoes, notes, gifts from the groom, bridesmaid's gifts, and anything else of special value in your possession. If you want classic poses of mom helping with dress, also make sure she’s on location as well.

First, looks? Do you have a special location request? Where? What time? Is it at the venue? When you have 2 photographers, this does make it a lot easier to coordinate. Come up with a SPECIFIC shot list of family, and make sure all family members are AT the location you requested. If there are any other family members outside the immediate family, inform your photographer, and those family members ahead of time.

Ceremony— how long? What time? Any special traditions? Are you having a receiving line? Is there a flower girl?

Cocktail hour— (if you had a first look, family/bridal poses will be done so relax.. unwind.. and have a drink!!!) how long is it? Bear in mind, if you didn’t do a first look, family and bridal photos will be cutting into cocktail hour, after the ceremony. Sometimes, it helps when you ask the minister to tell your immediate family to hang back, to make sure they get photos done. This can be a timely thing, and if everyone is not where they should be, it can take longer.

Reception- what time does it start? When are introductions? Is the entire bridal party getting introduced?

What time are the toasts? What time will dinner be? What time will the First dances, and parent dances be? If doing a garter/bouquet toss what time will that be? And what time will the cake cutting?