Planning your wedding day schedule is crucial to ensuring everything runs smoothly, especially when it comes to capturing those unforgettable moments. As experienced Winnipeg wedding photographers, we know the importance of a well-structured wedding timeline. Whether you're working with a wedding planner or handling your own wedding planning, here are some tips to help you create the perfect wedding day timeline.

Tip 1: Consider a First Look if Your Ceremony Starts After 3:30 PM

If your wedding ceremony begins later in the day, such as after 3:30 PM, incorporating a First Look can be a game-changer. A First Look allows you and your partner to have a private moment together before the ceremony, and it's a great opportunity to capture those emotional first reactions. Afterward, we can proceed with bridal party and newlywed photos, ensuring that most of your photos are completed before the ceremony. This frees up more time for family photos and additional newlywed shots after the ceremony.

Tip 2: Limit Photo Locations to Keep Your Wedding Day Schedule on Track

While it may be tempting to visit multiple locations for photos, it's important to balance this with your wedding day timeline. A good rule of thumb is to limit photo locations to one per hour. This ensures you stay on schedule and have ample time for creative and memorable shots without feeling rushed.

Tip 3: Allocate Two Hours for Bridal Party and Newlywed Photos

To capture a wide variety of photos and allow for creative poses, we recommend setting aside at least two hours for bridal party and newlywed photos in your wedding timeline. This will give you plenty of options and ensure your wedding album is filled with diverse and beautiful memories.

Sample Wedding Day Schedules

Non-Traditional Wedding Schedule

• 12:00 PM: Photographers arrive for morning prep photos

• 1:00 PM: Bridal party gets dressed

• 1:30 PM: First Look photos

• 1:45 PM: Bridal party photos

• 3:30 PM: Arrive at ceremony location

• 4:00 PM: Ceremony photos

• 4:30 PM: Family photos

• 5:00 PM: Newlywed photos

• 6:00 PM: Arrive at reception location

• 6:30 PM: Grand entrance photos and dinner

• 7:30 PM: Speeches and candid photos

• 8:00 PM: Cake cutting and candid photos

• 8:30 PM: First dance and party photos

• 10:00 PM: Photography coverage typically ends

Traditional Wedding Schedule

• 10:00 AM: Photographers arrive for morning prep photos

• 12:00 PM: Bridal party gets dressed

• 12:30 PM: Arrive at ceremony location

• 1:00 PM: Ceremony photos

• 2:00 PM: Family photos

• 2:30 PM: Bridal party photos

• 4:00 PM: Newlywed photos

• 5:30 PM: Arrive at reception location

• 6:00 PM: Cocktail hour photos

• 6:30 PM: Grand entrance photos and dinner

• 7:30 PM: Speeches and candid photos

• 8:00 PM: Cake cutting and candid photos

• 8:30 PM: First dance and party photos

• 10:00 PM: Photography coverage typically ends

Whether you're planning a traditional or non-traditional wedding day schedule, keeping your wedding timeline organized is key to capturing every moment. As your Winnipeg wedding photographers, we're here to help ensure your wedding day runs smoothly and that you get all the photos you’ve dreamed of.