So you are planning your wedding, how exciting! Having photographed weddings for more than 15 years now, one of the most frequent things couples say after the day is how quickly their wedding day went. Did you know that your professional wedding photographer can assist you greatly on your wedding day by gently managing the times so you are in the right place at the right time?

On your wedding day, how much time should you allocate to each part of the day? Let’s assume your wedding and reception is to be in the same place; somewhere like Sirromet or Songbirds Rainforest Retreat on Mt Tamborine. With a 3pm wedding, the most popular time for autumn and spring weddings in Brisbane, the above timeline is a useful guide.

Our documentary approach to photography ensures you are not rushed and can enjoy the moments of the day as they unfold. We typically spend half an hour or so with the groom doing boys things before heading off to photograph the bride getting ready.

After hair and makeup is complete, time to get dressed; allow about half an hour for this. Photographing a bride looking fabulous in her gown, with gorgeous hair and makeup is time for photos with a fashion edge. So much time has gone into the wedding planning to get to this moment, allowing an hour with the bride, bridesmaids and parents is perfect!

Guests typically start to arrive at the ceremony about half an hour before, so photos of the groom are completed before this so he is available to meet and greet guests without interruption. Nervous laughs and expressions soon become deep gulps as the bride arrives about 5 minutes before the ceremony. Time to breathe, fresh lip gloss and a photo with the car and dad and it is showtime!

Most ceremonies take between 30-40 minutes. After this allow about 15-20 minutes for greeting your guests; there are lots of hugs and “air kisses” from excited girlfriends. Priceless moments!

A group photo and family photos are next, we have pre-prepared a list of the people you want included so it is all nice and organised.

The bridal party photo shoot is lots of fun, we make sure there is time for a celebratory drink and a relax. This may be the first moment in the day you get to relax together. Allow about an hour for your bridal party shoot, if you have travel time, add this to your timetable.

During this shoot we capture those precious moments between bride and groom, the way you look at each other, we tell stories of love.

Some couples like to mingle with guests before sitting down; others prefer guests to be seated before joining them. Allow about 15 minutes for guests to be seated, at Customs House Brisbane, guests need to go up some stairs, at Sirromet, it is a short walk from the Cellar Door and down some stairs to the Barrel Room, Songbirds guests enjoy drinks and canapés with rainforest views and are just a minutes’ walk from the restaurant.

Being on time to the reception is important; chef is working to deliver meals at the agreed time. After entry to the reception, the party starts, time to mingle and chat with friends and family. Speeches are such a personal thing, most couples demand them to be short and to the point but heartfelt. Speeches are traditionally after the main course, some couples split them with some after entrée, the remainder after main. This approach helps nervous speakers get their speech over early so they can relax.

While at your reception, take a minute during your reception to observe all before you and drink it in. What a day it has been. Congratulations, best wishes for your honeymoon, after such a wonderful day we have shared with you, we are excited to see you in the studio to show your images and design your album with you, typically before you go back to work.

We hope these wedding day timetable suggestions help you as you plan your wedding day. If there is anything more we can do to help with your professional wedding photography, please don’t hesitate to give us a shout.