Planning your wedding schedule Guide
Why you should take the time to speak to your wedding photographer when planning your wedding schedule
It's important to plan your wedding schedule with your wedding photographer because it ensures that all of the important moments of your wedding day are captured. Your photographer will work with you to create a schedule that includes all of the key events of the day, such as the ceremony, family portraits, and the reception. By planning ahead, you can ensure that there is enough time for each event and that the photographer is able to capture all of the images that you want.
Additionally, a schedule allows the photographer to plan for any potential challenges, such as lighting or weather, and make any necessary adjustments. Furthermore, having a schedule in place can also help you stay on track and feel more relaxed throughout the day.
Another important reason is to get the best light. Some of the best light of the day can be morning and evening, setting a schedule to align that can greatly enhance the wedding photography outcome. Also scheduling the right time for specific photography such as the couple's portrait, family and group photograph can also be key.
Lighting
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of wedding photography. It can greatly impact the overall look and feel of the images, and can be used to create a wide range of moods and styles.
Natural light is often considered the best light for wedding photography because it creates soft, flattering, and natural-looking images. Photographers will often schedule outdoor ceremonies and portrait sessions to take advantage of the beautiful light that can be found during the "golden hour," which is the hour just before sunset when the sun is low in the sky and creates warm, soft light.
Flash photography can also be used to create dramatic and creative images. It can be used to fill in shadows and add light to dark areas, or to create striking backlit images.
When planning your wedding photography schedule, it's important to take into account the sunset times. The best time for outdoor photography is during the "golden hour," which is the hour just before sunset when the sun is low in the sky and creates a warm, soft light. This light is especially flattering for portraits and can create a romantic and dreamy atmosphere.
It could also be a good idea to plan for some flexibility in the schedule in case the weather or other factors affect the timing of the photography.
Top tip - Bring a spare pare of old shoes to change into. Heels sink into grass and you don’t want to ruin them
Weather
Planning for the weather on your wedding day is an important consideration for wedding photography. Unpredictable weather can greatly impact the quality and style of your images and can also affect your overall schedule and comfort. Here are some tips for planning for the weather for your wedding photos:
Have a backup plan: Plan for both sunny and rainy weather by having a backup location for your ceremony and portrait sessions. This will give you peace of mind and allow you to take advantage of different lighting and backdrop options.
Check the forecast: Keep an eye on the forecast leading up to the wedding. If bad weather is predicted, be prepared to make any necessary adjustments to your photography schedule.
Bring appropriate clothing and accessories: Bring appropriate clothing and accessories such as umbrellas, jackets or boots to protect you and your wedding attire. This also goes for the bridal party.
Embrace the weather: Sometimes the best thing to do is to embrace the weather and make the most of it. An overcast day can create beautiful and dramatic images, and a light rain can add a romantic and dreamy atmosphere to your photos.
Communicate with your photographer: Talk to your photographer about your plans for the weather and ask for their input and advice. They will be able to make recommendations on how to make the most of the conditions and also provide you with options and tips if things change unexpectedly.
Be open to indoor options: Plan for indoor options for your couple's portrait, family or bridal party photos, you can always get creative and use indoor spaces such as a hotel room or a balcony.
Group Photos
Planning group photos at a wedding can be a bit of a challenge, but with a little bit of preparation and organization, you can ensure that the process goes smoothly and that you end up with beautiful and meaningful images of your loved ones. Here are some best practices for planning your wedding group photos:
Create a list of the group photos you want: Before the wedding, sit down with your photographer and create a list of the group photos you would like to have taken. This can include family photos, shots of the bridal party, and any other groups that are important to you.
Assign a point person: Choose someone who will be responsible for rounding up the people you want in the photos. This can be a bridesmaid or groomsmen, a family member, or a wedding planner.
Make a schedule: Plan out when the group photos will be taken during the wedding day and make sure everyone involved knows when and where they should be.
Communicate with your photographer: Talk to your photographer about your vision for the group photos and any special requests you may have. They will know the best way to arrange and light the groups for optimal results.
Be flexible: Be prepared for some delays or unexpected hiccups. Group photos can take longer than expected, so it's important to be flexible and have a backup plan in case something doesn't go as planned.
Be efficient: Plan to take the group photos in a logical order to minimize time and avoid confusion, group the family photographs by immediate family and then the extended one, this way you save time and the photographer can manage better who goes next.
Have fun: Lastly, remember that group photos are an opportunity to capture memories and have fun with your loved ones. Encourage everyone to smile and enjoy the moment!
Top Tip - It takes on average two minutes for each group photo to be taken
Summary
I hope you found some of the information above useful. I find trying to have as much communication before their wedding day helps everyone involved, but more importantly, it lets each couple relax on the day knowing that their photos have been taken care of no matter what the situation.
If you have any questions or tips of your own it would be great to hear from you, please do get in touch.