The two biggest things that throw wedding timing out of whack.
As a photographer, I am well versed in “time that I don’t have” management. Things happen throughout the day that can cause delay and that is understandable for any wedding schedule. However, the two things that are the worst and normally overlooked, actually revolve around one thing…Dinner.
When you are a wedding photographer, being rushed to get as many beautiful shots in a short amount of time comes with the territory. It isn’t pleasant for the Bride and Groom, though. Being rushed into several different poses while trying to be natural under all the pressures of the day, while worrying about the time schedule as well can make for a stressful wedding.
If couples plan enough time for these two biggest things, the wedding will be a lot more enjoyable for them and a lot less stress. So here we go…
Wedding Schedule Tip #1
Leave enough time for your after the ceremony photos! This is the time for formal photographs, wedding party, and intimate photos with just the Bride and Groom. Depending on how large your family and wedding party is, will determine the amount of time you will need. It also depends on how accessible they are as well. This is why it is a good idea to have a list of people that will be in the formal photos and a wedding planner to help keep them together. The whole process can take up to 15 to 30 minutes. You are going to want at least 15 minutes for yourself on top of that.
So in the meantime, you have guests that are waiting patiently for all of this to happen. Have something for them to do if time runs a little over while you are getting photos of moments that will last forever. Aside from having a drink bar, serve appetizers as well to keep them busy. Perhaps even have a photo booth or other activity that they can do.
Wedding Schedule Tip #2
Leave enough time for dinner! If you have 300 guests and a buffet, you shouldn’t expect everyone to be through the line for a minimum of an hour and a half to two hours. There is really no way to avoid this if you have a buffet. So a good rule of thumb is to add a little longer than it should take. The same applies if your guests are being served. Some activities that happen after dinner can happen during, but activities that happen before dinner cannot.
So, there you go! When you plan your wedding schedule, leave a some extra time before dinner with drinks, appetizers and other activities for your quests, and leave enough time for everyone to eat!
