PLANNING YOUR WEDDING AROUND YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY

Weddings can be stressful once they're in full swing, and once the day is over are you going to regret getting those special shots with your photographer, that will last a lifetime?

We've put together an easy guide to help you plan in your wedding photography around the timings of your wedding. 

1.BRIDAL PREP...

You're Photographer will most likely be turning up 2 to 3 hours before your ceremony. Hotel/House bedrooms can quickly and easily become a bombsite. Try and keep the room tidy throughout, so when your wedding photographer arrives, he can get on with doing his job. Its also a good idea to have any items you want photos of in easy reach for when they arrive. Items such as your wedding dress, shoes, engagement ring, garter, jewellery, etc.

2.GROOM PREP...

Aim to be ready for a few Groom and Groomsmen photos around 45 minutes before the ceremony. Its usually a quick 10 minute session where we'll get a few epic shots that we might not get time for later on in the day. So try and work this into your timings.

3. CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST...

Depending what the weather is doing will ultimately decide when you can get your outdoor photos. You'll want to plan your formal guest photos and a confetti shot for just after your ceremony. I usually leave you to mingle with your guests for 15 minutes then get on with the formals. If its clear blue skies and the sun is overhead, ill look at doing photos of just the bride and groom later on in the day when there's not as many shadows. Keep this in mind, as the only gap you may have is between your meal finishing and your evening party starting. This would be a good time to leave clear just in case you need to go and spend 30 minutes with your photographer.

4. WHAT TIME DOES THE SUN SET?...

Depending on the time of your you're getting married, will depend on what time the sun will set. Its a good idea to pencil in a good 15-20 minutes just before sunset to get some epic shots with your photographer. This may mean having your first dance a little earlier or later. 

5. BRIDE AND GROOM PHOTOS AWAY FROM THE VENUE...

Maybe you're thinking of having some couples photos away from your venue, maybe at a local park, etc. Be sure to add some more time between ceremony and wedding breakfast for travelling, etc.

6. PLANNING SOMETHING SPECIAL?...

Are you planning some sort of entertainment during the day? Maybe a Magician or singing waiters? Make sure you let your photographer know in advance, so they are prepared. I usually take my break when you guys are eating, so I may be sat in the bar when your signing waiters hit the floor.

So, just a quick rundown of times your photographer might need to get some epic photos of you during the day:

• 2 hours before your ceremony for bridal prep
• 45 minutes before your ceremony for some shots of the groom (arrange a meeting point)
• 30-60 minutes at some point during the day for couples portraits (either after ceremony or after reception and dependant on the weather)
• 20 minute session, around half an hour before sunset (ask google what time the sun will set on your wedding day)

Hopefully this has given you an insight into what timings you should need for photos on your wedding day.

If you have any questions please get in touch at rob@rcphotographystudio.com