Get the Timing Right!

by Steve Hoffmann
hoffmannphotographer.com

Planning your wedding day in Mexico or the Caribbean to accommodate enough time for professional photography is a very easy way to make your wedding pictures look better. If photography has to be rushed not only does the possibility for missed photos increase, but the quality of the photo decreases. This is because the attitude of relaxation and joy shows through very clearly in photographs.

The following timeline works well for most destination weddings and focuses primarily on the pre-reception part of the day. It also assumes that the bride and groom will not see each other before the ceremony. A reception timeline is not included because each reception varies based on the events, the venue and a few other details.

The photographer should generally arrive at the getting ready location about 3 hours before the ceremony start time. While the bride is finishing getting hair/make-up the photographer is taking pictures of the dress, the shoes, the jewelry and the girls getting ready. This is a great time for candid pictures of all the girls being themselves. If there are any other important details (like a gift from the groom, bridesmaids gifts, other jewelry) be sure to let the photographer know.

At about 2.5 hours before the ceremony start time all of the bridesmaids should be dressed and it is time to put the wedding dress on. The wedding dress goes on along with the shoes, the garter, the veil and any remaining jewelry. Since many photographers prefer to shoot using natural light, this should all be done near the biggest window in the room (sliding glass door for example).

At 2 hours before the start of ceremony all of the flowers for the girls should be available. There should now be at least 45 minutes for photographs of the bride and the bridesmaids. Any family members related to the bride could be available for pictures at this time, but it is not necessary. There is generally a time for family pictures after the ceremony. The pictures done during this time can begin in the getting ready room, and then move to the immediate premises (hotel or venue) or another pre-determined location.

At one hour prior to the start of ceremony the bride and her entourage can return to their room for champagne and touch-ups. The groom and groomsmen should now be ready for pictures and can meet the photographer at the ceremony site or a predetermined location. The guys should have their flowers pinned on and be ready for about 30-40 minutes of pictures. Once again, the immediate family members of the groom can be available for pictures but it is not necessary. After the guys are done with their photos they generally head to the ceremony site to begin ushering in guests.

After the ceremony is the best time to do family pictures. The guests will go to the cocktail hour and you have the certainty of having all family members available now. Family photos should not last more than 20 minutes and should be directed by a member of the wedding party who is familiar with all of the family on both sides. Giving a list of family pictures to the photographer is generally not helpful since he does not know anyone at the wedding. This should leave about 35-40 minutes for pictures of the entire wedding party and then the bride and groom together. Although this may seem like a short time, your experienced photographer should have more than enough time to get lots of great images.