Tips FOR GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TIMELINE

“Cultivating a Smooth and Joyful Wedding Day Timeline”

In the world of weddings, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable wedding day while getting those perfect photos is an art. A well-structured timeline is the secret sauce to making your special day memorable. Drawing from our own experiences, we’ve put together a list of top tips to guide you through creating a timeline that’s as stress-free as it is fun!

1. Give Yourself Time to Get Ready

Ladies, let’s be real—hair and makeup often take longer than we think. Getting ready, especially when it comes to getting into that stunning dress, can throw off your schedule. Our advice? Build in some extra time as a safety net. If you find yourself running a little behind, it’s all good!

2. Identify Your Timeline Guru

There’s usually that one person who’s all about sticking to the schedule. They’re the guardians of your timeline. Chat with them ahead of time, go over the timeline, and assure them that your day is going to be fantastic no matter what. Smooth things over in advance and enjoy a stress-free timeline!

3. Get Your Details Ready for Their Close-up

Do you love the little details? Do you have special items you want to remember? That’s why flat-lay photos exist. They take some time to set up, but having everything ready makes it easier for your photographer to work their magic. We recommend keeping smaller details in Ziploc bags and larger ones in a separate bag or box. This way, you can hand them off to your photographer when they arrive.

4. Keep It All Together

One of the best ways to save time on your big day is to have everything in one place. Moving between multiple locations, even if they’re close, can add up in terms of setup and travel time. Plus, your photographer and videographer need to move their gear, too. Fewer locations mean more time for your photos!

5. Embrace the Magic of the First Look

Consider having a “first look” before the ceremony. It’s a modern trend that makes your day run smoother. It allows you to take most of your formal photos before the ceremony, so you can tie the knot and start celebrating right away. No more guests waiting for dinner while you’re caught up with photos!

6. Split Up Formal Photos

Even if you skip the first look, you can divide and conquer your formal photos. Most people don’t enjoy posing for the camera for too long. Splitting them up means you can focus on different groups at different times. For example, groomsmen with the groom and bridesmaids with the bride before the ceremony. Then the whole wedding party after the ceremony, making the day more enjoyable for everyone.

7. Align Your Vision with Your Photographer

We always have a “Timeline Planning Session” with our couples to make sure everyone is on the same page. Walk through your timeline with your photographer step by step to ensure that everyone’s in sync.

8. Have a Plan for Photos

Make sure you have a solid plan for photos, and consider a backup location if the weather doesn’t cooperate. This saves time that might be wasted on last-minute decisions.

9. Consider Hiring a Wedding Planner

An experienced wedding planner knows the ropes and can create a well-thought-out plan for your big day. They’ve seen it all and can help ensure everything goes off without a hitch. To see how a planner can make your wedding day even more memorable, check out our article on why you should hire one.

10. Capture the Reception Area

Don’t forget to take photos of your reception area before the guests arrive. It’s a little detail that’s often overlooked, but you’ve put time and effort into the decor, so make sure it gets its moment in the spotlight.

11. Embrace the Magic of Golden Hour

If you can, plan to take some photos during the golden hour, just before sunset. Sneak out while your guests are busy, and you’ll get stunning lighting for your pictures without making your guests wait.

We hope these tips make your wedding planning journey more enjoyable and stress-free. If you have any other insights or experiences you’d like to share with fellow couples, please share them in the comments below. Your wedding day is a special journey, and we’re here to help you make it as enjoyable as possible! 🎉💍😊

Brett and Katie’s Lake House Wedding from a few years ago is easily one of the most popular weddings ever that we’ve photographed in Calgary and it’s easy to see why.

Ceremony + Reception Venue: The Lake House / Coordination, Design + Styling: Paper Doll Events / DJ: Pez Productions / Florals: Flowers by Janie / Guitarist: Jason Delaney / Officiant: Bruce Halliday / Planning: Paper Doll Events / Stationary: Emma Allen / Videographer: The Toths

[Images edited with Refined presets]

We’d love to hear about your wedding plans! Check out our Calgary Wedding Photography site to learn more.

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