How Long Should Wedding Photos Take?
Cultural differences make it difficult to standardise on a set schedule for taking wedding photos. Explore our photography packages and services at Wild Romantic Photography if you're in need of wedding photography advice. Even yet, there are optimum periods of time to factor into your daily schedule. A lot of time can pass what seems like nothing at all, but take into account that:
- Day will go by quickly.
- The average wedding is about an hour or two behind schedule.
- We're going to keep these photoshoots lighthearted so the time goes by quickly.
When Should the Wedding Photo Session Be Held?
The most stunning wedding images often look as though they required minimal effort on the part of the photographer, but this is far from the truth. Consequently, it is crucial to create a photography timeline for the wedding. However, how much lead time do you need to take your photographs? And how precisely does one plan for taking wedding photos?
Find out how to plan your wedding photography timeline in this article:
Figure out the portraits you want
During your wedding photograph session, not only should you and your future husband pose for numerous photos, but so should the rest of your family and wedding party. You might expect a "suggested formals list" of photo groups from your hired photographer if you go with their services.
Remember that the time you spend complying with your parents' demands that you pose for formal photos with your extended family is time that could otherwise be spent enjoying the event to its fullest. Keep the number of formal shots to a reasonable number (Jasmine recommends 15 distinct groupings for family portraits) by including only the members of your bridal party, your immediate family, and any other special relatives you like to honour.
Decide on locations
Now that you've decided who will be in your wedding shots and how they will turn out, it's time to start thinking about where you want to take them. The ceremony and reception sites you've selected are naturally the most ideal spots, but your hotel room (where you'll be getting ready) can also do the trick.
So, you've always dreamed of having your wedding photos taken in a particular location (a local beach or park, a neighbourhood in your city, etc.). If this is the case, you'll want to guarantee that all of your VIP guests make it to the wedding on time and without incident by factoring in travel time while planning the photography coverage.
End the "1st look" controversy
Having a "1st glance" with your spouse before the wedding allows you to have more time at the reception with your family and friends.
If you're going to wait until the ceremony to meet your future husband, then you should plan on spending the entire cocktail hour (and maybe even longer) snapping photos of the two of you. Make sure you've decided on a style for your wedding photography before you start planning the timeline.
Know how long wedding photos will take
Before the big day, you and your photographer should discuss how much time you'll need to capture the perfect wedding photographs. Photographers agree that half an hour is about right for capturing wedding party portraits. Taking photos of an intimate family group like immediate family members will take about half an hour, while a couple's portrait session would take about 45 minutes to an hour.
All of this can be taken care of before the ceremony if you and your spouse-to-be engage in the practise of having a "1st look," but even if you don't, there will be plenty of time to take individual photos of the family and wedding party. The cocktail hour, however, is when any photos of the pair will be taken.
Write it out and spread the word
It's highly advised that you and your wedding planner collaborate on a detailed written timeline for the big day. Remember to include in travel time if you need to get from one location to another, and add five minutes to your schedule at various times of the day as a "buffer" in case of delays.
Make sure all of your VIP guests are aware of the itinerary and know when and where they need to be. If you want your wedding to go off without a hitch, advise your guests to stick to a regular schedule. This is the case even if you are the punctual type.
What time of day is ideal for starting wedding photography?
Prepare your dress 30 minutes to 1 hour before you plan to wear it
The time you spend with your mum and closest relatives and friends on your wedding morning will have a special feel. In the same breath, it manages to be humorous and relaxed. The photographs here serve as a nice preface to the full tale of your big day that will be captured in your album.
The photography for your wedding should begin around an hour before you are scheduled to get into your dress. If time is of the essence, the photo shoot could begin as early as 15 to 20 minutes before you change into your bridal gown. There is plenty of time for you to get ready.
The other side of the coin is that we have customers who would rather not have their "getting ready" images shot. If nothing else, that will do! In some cases, the photographer may wait until the "first look" or even up to 30 min before the ceremony to begin taking pictures. It is entirely up to you and whatever is most important to you to have photographed and captured on your wedding day.
Planning your dream wedding and don’t want to miss out on the special moments on your big day? Worry no more, Wild Romantic Photography has you covered.
How Do You Make the Call to Have a "First Look" Before the Ceremony or Wait Until After?
How crucial is it for you to have him see you for the very first time as you walk down the aisle, or to be on time for the cocktail hour?
These two photographic alternatives are both so striking and so plausible that we just cannot pick a favourite.
When we talk about making a good first impression, what do we mean? After the bride is ready but before the groom sees her for the first time on the wedding day, they have a "first peek" session to shoot photos of them together. The "first glance" is typically taken before the wedding, rather than during the ceremony itself.
If you don't want to miss any of the cocktail hour at your reception because you were taking photos, conduct a "first peek" with your future spouse before the ceremony. You should do the same if you don't want to miss any of the dancing during the reception.
It's sweet to have thought ahead and chosen a picturesque location for the first look, and it's even more thoughtful to have friends or members of the bridal party help with the arrangements. Get in touch with your wedding photographer for advice on the specifics, and they'll ensure that this element of your big day turns out beautifully.
However, many guests want to witness the bride's arrival for the first time as she goes down the aisle. As the ceremony nears its peak, the mood of the groom and guests is bound to become intense.
Waiting to see each other after the ceremony is an option if you want to have time for a portrait shoot after the ceremony. In need of wedding photography Melbourne? Stop right there! The problem is solved by Wild Romantic Photography.
When planning a wedding, how much time should I allot for taking pictures of the bridal party and the family?
- Small Family Portrait Sessions: About 15-20 Min
- Big Family Portrait Sessions: About 45 Min
- Little Wedding Party Portrait Sessions: About 10-15 Min
- Big Wedding Party Portrait Sessions: About 25-30 Min
To capture everyone's genuine emotions during a family portrait session, it's best to work swiftly. Forcing someone to stand in one place with the same expression on their face for more than a few seconds at a time can make it difficult to remain calm. That's why it's useful to have a photographer who is skilled at corralling families for portrait sessions and who can keep things lively, fast-paced, and entertaining despite the potential chaos. Indeed, this holds truest if you are the one footing the bill for the photographer.
To illustrate the time commitment necessary in shooting images of extended families, let's use the example of a bride and groom who each have two parents and two siblings, but no additional members of their immediate family. This should take no more than 20 minutes under typical circumstances.
For brides and grooms from prominent families, the portrait session will typically last around 45 minutes (possibly including grandparents, stepparents, married siblings with children, and so on).
A modest wedding party consisting of the bride and groom and perhaps one or two bridesmaids and groomsmen would require about 10 minutes to finish a portrait session. A full wedding party portrait session, which may include more than seven or eight bridesmaids and groomsmen on each side, would take around 25 minutes to complete.
On the other hand, you can spend more time on these portrait sessions and even be more outrageous and silly than usual if having portraits taken with your wedding party is very important to you and you want to have a great time with them.
Your photographer will be able to give you a more precise estimate of how long the family and wedding party photographs will take if you tell them what details are most essential to you and how many individuals will be in attendance.
Is It Necessary To Have A Shot List For The Portrait Session?
A shot list is useful if the portrait session is crucial to you. You won't need a shot list if capturing candid moments is your top priority.
The answer depends entirely on your individual taste and character. Some of our clients place a high value on getting the best possible shots of the wedding party and their families, so they want to take extra care to ensure that everything runs well. Our client form includes space for the bride and groom to specify their desired number of portraits, as well as any special requests they may have.
For some clients, posed images aren't as important as they are to others, who place a larger value on candid shots. There are occasions where we receive no shot list at all. In the same vein, this is likewise completely fine.
Imagine that your parents haven't been able to get along since they separated, or that there are personality clashes within the family. If this is the case, it's best to plan ahead for how you'll insert and remove people from the photos so that no one feels uncomfortable.
We advise you to enlist the help of a trusted friend or relative who can function as a "portrait session traffic officer" and help steer individuals into and out of the photos. You won't have to lift a finger, and instead can rest assured that your needs will be met by highly qualified specialists.
How long should we set aside for only the bride and groom's portrait?
20-30 Minutes Per Location, Up To An Hour Or More Total
Aside from the ceremony itself, the portrait session is the only time you and your spouse will get on your wedding day to spend some quality time together without any other guests present. Some of the couples we work with dedicate an entire hour or more to taking bride and groom portraits, and they always express their gratitude for the opportunity to relax, enjoy each other's company, and have those precious memories captured in photographs.
The length of your portrait session will depend mostly on how many various locations you want to visit for your photos, as well as how much time and how much traffic you'll spend travelling between each of those locations.
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When setting up a receiving line, how long does it typically take?
25-45 minutes
Tell your photographer ahead of time whether there will be a reception line after the ceremony. This is because waiting in a receiving line might consume a lot of time. After all, everyone in attendance at the event will want to express their individual congratulations to you.
The length of the reception queue can range from 25 to 45 minutes, depending on the number of guests. If you decide to set up a receiving line, make sure to provide plenty of time in your schedule for it to move along smoothly.
How Long Should Your Photographer Remain At The Reception?
Until the very end, if at all possible!
We love candid images, and there will be plenty of them as the mood at your wedding reception lightens up and guests start dancing, drinking, and generally having a fantastic time. As such, our number one piece of advice for you is to have your photographer stick around for the full duration of the party.
Sometimes, however, you have to make difficult choices because of your financial situation. If you are unable to have your photographer stay until the conclusion of the reception, you can ask them to merely photograph the beginning, which includes the first dance and any toasts that are delivered. It's possible to work together with both the venue and the caterer for your event. They can help you organise the day's events, so you can have some fun with the cake cutting and get some great photos of it before your photographer has to depart.
Ideal Times For Your Photography
RINGS, DRESS, SHOES, AND OTHER DETAILS
- Schedule That Works Best– 30 min
- Suitable Time– Morning
- The Perfect Setting – Bridal Suite, Hotel Suite
There are times when we have to take the dress all the way down to the lobby or even outside because the hotel room is too crowded or unsightly. As can be seen from the results, the extra time and work put into this is well worth it.
PREPARATION
- Schedule That Works Best– 60 min
- Suitable Time – Morning/Early Afternoon
- The Perfect Setting – Bridal Suite, Hotel Suite
This includes snapping images up close of the cosmetics and hair being done, as well as capturing the natural reactions of the bridesmaids and groomsmen as they get ready for the wedding. Remember that you don't want to miss the day's most exciting and delightful moments just because they fall in the middle of the day.
INDIVIDUAL PICTURE
- Schedule That Works Best– 30 min
- Suitable Time – Morning/Early Afternoon
- The Perfect Setting – Venue, Garden, Lobby, Bridal Suite and Hotel Suite
Portraits of the wedding couple should be taken as soon as they have finished getting dressed for the ceremony (separately). It's early in the day, so the subject's hair and makeup will still be in good condition, and you won't have to rush to get any good shots.
Remember that almost all hotel rooms have windows, and that the natural lighting provided by these openings creates an atmosphere that cannot be replicated, no matter what time of day it is. Starting to think about hiring a wedding photographer? View our collection of Mornington Peninsula wedding photography here.
1ST LOOK AND ENGAGEMENT SESSION
- Schedule That Works Best – 45-60 min
- Suitable Time– Morning/Early Afternoon
- The Perfect Setting – Venue Hallway or Venue Garden
The first visit to the doctor should take 45-60 min. The happy occasion of the wedding also serves as the happy occasion of the wedding couple's first meeting. Real first looks usually last no more than 10 minutes, but that's plenty of time to get some candid shots of the bride and groom.
Most of the couples counselling session can be put off if necessary. If we can't find any other time during the day, though, we'll need an extra half an hour to an hour to make sure we obtain enough shots of the two of you together.
BRIDAL PARTY PHOTOS
- Schedule That Works Best – 45-60 min
- Suitable Time – Morning/Afternoon
- The Perfect Setting - Beach, Any Distant Location, Venue Garden or Venue Lobby
The time needed to take bridal party shots is estimated to be 45-60 min. These days, it's easy to capture photographs from all directions. Sometimes the most memorable photographs are the candid ones that caught the moment just so.
Enter into a sequence of clever and engaging images. Finally, don't forget to take individual shots of the bride and groom, as well as their attendants.
CLOSE RELATIVES
- Schedule That Works Best – 30-45 min
- Suitable Time – Morning/Afternoon
- The Perfect Setting - Park, Distant Location, Garden, Lobby, Beach
The photographs of the immediate family will take an additional 45 min. Even if you already have formal photos of the newlyweds, it's important to take some more with their families.
You should expect to spend roughly three minutes with each set. If you had ten separate groups, for instance, it would be most efficient to arrange them all into the same thirty-minute slot.
DETAILS AND LOCATION OF THE CEREMONY
- Schedule That Works Best – 30 min
- Suitable Time – Morning/Afternoon
- The Perfect Setting – Ceremony Site
The minimum time required for guests and suppliers to be permitted back into the ceremony site to take photos is thirty minutes. You need to get to the ceremony location well before the guests are seated if you want to capture photographs of the entire ceremony scene being set up. To get the greatest photos possible of the event, do as such.
FORMALS (IMMEDIATE AND EXTENDED FAMILY, INCLUDING FRIENDS)
- Schedule That Works Best – 45-60 min
- Suitable Time – Morning/Afternoon (After Ceremony)
- The Perfect Setting – Ceremony Site
Based on the number of guests and the size of your family, a formal celebration should last between 45 min and an hour. Each set should take about three minutes of your time. For instance, if you had ten different groups, it would be most effective to schedule them all into the same thirty-minute time.
Some newlyweds choose to request pictures with only the most notable guests in order to expedite the process, while others want to get pictures with everyone who came to the wedding. In this case, we think it's best if both sides can compromise a bit.
COUPLES SESSION
- Schedule That Works Best – 1 hour
- Suitable Time – Late Afternoon
- The Perfect Setting – Beach, Venue Lobby, Park, Venue Garden
The ideal time for a couple's therapy session is between 30 and 45 min before dusk, and it should last for around an hour. We've arrived at the perfect time of day for photography. As a result, stunning images of landscapes beneath a rainbow sky have been captured. If the event is going to be held in a city or other region with towering structures, it is not necessary to precisely stick to this time limit.
However, if the beach or vineyard views were a major factor in choosing the venue, you should definitely take this timeline suggestion into consideration.
DETAILS AND LOCATION OF THE RECEPTION
- Schedule That Works Best – 30 min
- Suitable Time – Early Evening
- The Perfect Setting – Reception Site
In order to get the best shots possible of the reception, the second photographer will need thirty minutes to work after the room has been set up but before any guests or vendors arrive. In the same vein as the ceremony, this is our one and only opportunity to photograph the reception site before the people come and ruin the mood.
FIRST LOOK AT RECEPTION
- Schedule That Works Best – 10-15 min
- Suitable Time – At the close of the cocktail hour, just before the doors open to the guests
- The Perfect Setting – Reception Site
When this time comes, the happy couple will have their first look at the venue where their reception will take place. Pictures of people's honest reactions are priceless, and getting some one-on-one time with the main stage to practise your opening dance can help you look your best in the photos you snap of it.
COUPLES SESSION – QUICK EXIT AT THE RECEPTION
- Schedule That Works Best – 30 min or less
- Suitable Time – From Dusk/Night Time
- The Perfect Setting – Areas with attractive lights, fountains, cityscapes and mirrors
I was wondering if you could sneak away for a few night photos perhaps during the reception. We simply need twenty to thirty minutes since we know how important it is to be a kind host. If you want to get the most out of the nighttime photography we offer, though, you'll need to devote this much time.
You should do this either after you've eaten or when there's a break in the unrestricted dancing and you have a chance to rest. These shots should be taken near the end of the evening, after most people have gone home.
Added Information Regarding the Big Day
During a table shot, the camera pans from one table to another as the cameraperson pays each table a visit. At the moment, two distinct methods of photographing are possible. We have two alternatives here: (1) Posing formally with each table is possible or (2) If you want us to adopt a photojournalistic approach, we shall capture the unscripted moments of joy and affection as you interact. In (1), each of these tables is suitable for use in a posed photograph.
Remember that if you want to shoot formal table pictures, it will take about three to five min per table. To finish 20 tables, for instance, you'd need between 60 and 100 minutes. We at Wild Romantic Photography would love to be your wedding photographers.
Cultural Weddings: Taking pictures of the many rituals and ceremonies that occur at a cultural wedding, such as an Indian wedding, may be a lengthy process because of the importance of capturing special moments like the Baraat.
Conclusion
Cultural differences make it difficult to standardise on a set schedule for taking wedding photos. There are optimum periods of time to factor into your daily schedule. It is crucial to create a photography timeline for the wedding. Find out how to plan your wedding photography timeline in this article. Having a "1st glance" with your spouse before the wedding allows you to have more time at the reception with your family and friends.
Take photos of an intimate family group like immediate family members will take about half an hour, while a couple's portrait session would take about 45 minutes to an hour. Photography for your wedding should begin around an hour before you are scheduled to get into your dress. In some cases, the photographer may wait until the "first look" or even up to 30 min before the ceremony to begin taking pictures. It is entirely up to you and whatever is most important to you to have photographed and captured on your wedding day. When planning a wedding, how much time should I allot for taking pictures of the bridal party and the family?
Small Family Portrait Sessions: About 15-20 Minutes. Big Wedding Party Portraits: About 25-30 Minutes. Bride and grooms from prominent families typically have a 45-minute portrait session. The photographer will be able to give you a more precise estimate of how long the family and wedding party photographs will take if you tell them what details are most essential to you. Our client form includes space for the bride and groom to specify their desired number of portraits.
The length of your portrait session will depend mostly on how many various locations you want to visit for your photos. If you are unable to have your photographer stay until the conclusion of the reception, you can ask them to merely photograph the first dance and any toasts that are delivered. Brides and groomsmen should be snapped up close and personal as they get ready for their nuptials. View our collection of Mornington Peninsula wedding photography here. Get to the ceremony site well before the guests are seated if you want to capture photographs of the entire scene.
Some newlyweds choose to request pictures with only the most notable guests, while others want to get pictures with everyone who came to the wedding. Schedule That Works Best – At the close of cocktail hour, just before the doors open to the guests. The Perfect Setting – Areas with attractive lights, fountains, cityscapes and mirrors. First Look at Reception Site – This is our one and only opportunity to photograph the reception site before the people come. Wild Romantic Photography would love to be your wedding photographers.
To finish 20 tables, for instance, you'd need between 60 and 100 minutes. Taking pictures of the many rituals and ceremonies at a cultural wedding may be a lengthy process because of the importance of capturing special moments like the Baraat.
Content Summary
- Find out how to plan your wedding photography timeline in this article: Figure out the portraits you want During your wedding photograph session, not only should you and your future husband pose for numerous photos, but so should the rest of your family and wedding party.
- End the "1st look" controversy Having a "1st glance" with your spouse before the wedding allows you to have more time at the reception with your family and friends.
- Make sure you've decided on a style for your wedding photography before you start planning the timeline.
- Know how long wedding photos will take Before the big day, you and your photographer should discuss how much time you'll need to capture the perfect wedding photographs.
- It is entirely up to you and whatever is most important to you to have photographed and captured on your wedding day.
- After the bride is ready but before the groom sees her for the first time on the wedding day, they have a "first peek" session to shoot photos of them together.
- Get in touch with your wedding photographer for advice on the specifics, and they'll ensure that this element of your big day turns out beautifully.
- That's why it's useful to have a photographer who is skilled at corralling families for portrait sessions and who can keep things lively, fast-paced, and entertaining despite the potential chaos.
- On the other hand, you can spend more time on these portrait sessions and even be more outrageous and silly than usual if having portraits taken with your wedding party is very important to you and you want to have a great time with them.
- We advise you to enlist the help of a trusted friend or relative who can function as a "portrait session traffic officer" and help steer individuals into and out of the photos.
- The length of your portrait session will depend mostly on how many various locations you want to visit for your photos, as well as how much time and how much traffic you'll spend travelling between each of those locations.
- If you are unable to have your photographer stay until the conclusion of the reception, you can ask them to merely photograph the beginning, which includes the first dance and any toasts that are delivered.
- You need to get to the ceremony location well before the guests are seated if you want to capture photographs of the entire ceremony scene being set up.
- Pictures of people's honest reactions are priceless, and getting some one-on-one time with the main stage to practise your opening dance can help you look your best in the photos you snap of it.
- We at Wild Romantic Photography would love to be your wedding photographers.