Early Wedding Planning Tips – From a Photographer’s Perspective
Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) experiences of your life. You’re dreaming of your dress, the music, the flowers—and of course, the photos that will help you remember it all.
As a wedding photographer, I've seen how the early decisions you make can have a huge impact on not only how your wedding day unfolds but how some decisions can make your wedding photos look the best possible. These aren’t the flashy parts of wedding planning, but they are the details that make a big difference in how your day feels—and how it photographs. So here are some key things to consider early in your planning process, from a photographer’s point of view.
Evaluate Your Venue for Photo Opportunities
It’s easy to fall in love with a venue for the vibe, the price, or the location, but don’t forget to consider the photo potential. Does the venue have a variety of beautiful, natural backdrops? Are there shaded areas for mid-day photos? If the ceremony is at a church or a separate location from the reception, take time to ask:
- Are there great spots for portraits nearby?
- Do we need to add a stop between the ceremony and reception for better photo opportunities?
Planning a buffer of 30–60 minutes for off-site portraits can make a big difference in your final gallery, especially if your main locations don’t offer much variety or the photo potential you're looking for.
Think About Timing – Especially Sunset
One of the first things to consider is your ceremony time in relation to sunset. Golden hour (about an hour before sunset) offers the most flattering, romantic light for your couple portraits. If you want those dreamy, glowing images, try to schedule your ceremony so that your portrait session lands right in that window. Also consider your family photos and if you're planning to take them directly after the ceremony, plan a little bit more time before golden hour, so that once we move from taking family photos to the romantics, your romantics fall right into the golden hour and sunset time frame.
Pro tip: If you're planning a fall or winter wedding, keep in mind that the sun sets earlier, sometimes as early as 4:30 PM. A timeline that works in summer may not work in November.
Consider a First Look (and Know Why You’re Choosing One or Not)
First looks aren’t just a modern trend, they’re a tool for creating a more relaxed, photo-friendly timeline. This is especially true in the winter after the time changes and the sun sets so early in the day. Seeing each other before the ceremony can allow more time for portraits, reduce stress, and help you enjoy cocktail hour with your guests.
Not only thinking of the timeline, but if either of you get nervous in front of people it may be a good idea to do the first look privately to give take the pressure off and give you time to decompress together. I always love that the first look gives your more time together as a couple instead of waiting all day to see one another and then going into a whirlwind of the ceremony, photos, and greetings with all your guests. The first look really helps to slow down the day and gives you more time together and more time for great photos.
Whether you decide to do one or not, make that decision early so your timeline can be built around it.
Get Your Photographer Involved in the Timeline
We're more than happy to talk over the timeline and where things will fit best to make more time for photos and give you time to really enjoy your day. Try not to wait until the final weeks to loop in your photographer on the schedule and to make any changes due to time we might need to take photos. The timeline isn't one size fits all for wedding days because larger families and wedding parties need more time than smaller ones. It also really depends on if there are multiple locations. Also be sure to let us know your photo preferences throughout the day early. Do you want to prioritize candid shots? Dreamy sunset portraits? Family and friend photos? Letting us know these things helps us build a game plan tailored to you and know where to prioritize the timing of your photos. Once everything is set, your photographer can help you craft a timeline that prioritizes the light, gives breathing room for delays, and ensures you get all the shots that matter most to you.
Plan Buffer Time into Everything
Weddings almost never run exactly on time. Hair and makeup almost always take longer than expected, guests may arrive late, or a last-minute dress adjustment might be needed. It's also very important to know if you're having your wedding on a holiday weekend or a location where there are other big events nearby, traffic will always slow down your guests and possibly your vendors. Be sure that you check those details and communicate that travel times will be longer, especially if you have a wedding with multiple locations.
When you build buffer time into your timeline from the start, you're setting yourself up for a more relaxed day and ensuring your photos aren’t rushed and nothing important is missed.
Build a Photo List for Family & Must-Have Shots
While most of the day will unfold naturally, it’s helpful to create a family photo list and highlight a few personal must-haves. Be sure to let your photographer know what is the most important to you. Also, let your photographer know things that are important to know during family photos such as if there are certain family dynamics that may create issues due to any family member who do not get along well or are no longer with us.
Here is a common family/friend photo list example:
- Couple with bride’s immediate family
- Couple with groom’s immediate family
- Couple with both sets of parents individually and together
- Bride with siblings / Groom with siblings
- Bride with mom alone and dad alone
- Groom with mom alone and dad alone
- Couple with grandparents
- Full wedding party (group + individuals)
Some personal "must-have" moments to consider:
- First look with dad and/or mom
- Reading letters or vows privately
- Sentimental items
- Champagne toast with bridal party
- Flat lay of invitation suite & rings
- Private glimpse of Reception room before guests enter
Pro tip: Every couple is different and we love to hear what is most important to you and will be sure to prioritize your custom list. This is your big day and we want you to love your photos. Always be sure to let us know what photos you want and what are the most important shots.
Your wedding day goes by in a blur, but your photos last forever. Early planning with your photographer in mind means more time soaking in the moment and more images that reflect your story beautifully and authentically. Let your timeline serve the photos, not the other way around and you’ll end up with memories you will love for many years to come.
We would love to hear from you! If you're looking for a wedding photographer, or if you just have questions, reach out and say hello. We can't wait to talk to you soon!
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