Why You Need More Time Than You Think

As a candid wedding photographer in Weymouth, Dorset and across Somerset, Devon, Hampshire and Wiltshire with a fair few weddings under my belt, I thought I would give you my top tips for your wedding time line.

Plan and preparation lead to perfect partying.

You’ve spent AGES planning your wedding; the dress, the flowers, the little details that make it yours. But when the big day arrives, there’s one factor that often gets overlooked: time. This year I have noticed couples struggle with this even more so, so hear me out; I want to help you! Why? Do you know what, his isn't primarily about the photos, crazy right? Having a frantic, packed out time line is likely to make you feel stressed on your day, and like your jumping from one thing to the next instead of doing the most important thing.... enjoying yourself. This, in, turn will impact the photos, so I want to make sure you feel super chill and you can create some wonderful memories.

Why timings matter

Rushed schedules often mean couples feel overwhelmed, overstimulated and stressed. Time lines that are jam packed often mean you miss out on mingling with guests and those fab candid moments with family and friends. I will capture your day however it happens, but your photos are your memories. Once the day has passed, they’re what remain, So creating calm spaces for you to connect and fun and really absorb the day is key and I am sure you want to enjoy your day.

Recently couples have either packed so much into their day they are running around and don't have time to stop. Or they haven't taken into consideration how long things ACTUALLY take that they have missed out on the first dance, cake cutting and even just socialising properly. Time is so important, particularly if you are a neurodivergent Bride or Groom as your wedding will start to feel like a series of demands and you won't feel relaxed.

How long things really take

This is where couples are often surprised. A few quick examples from my experience:

• Getting ready: My couples are generally really chill in the morning, fun music laughter and some nerves then all of a sudden it is a rush. My advice get into outfit on an hour before you are due to leave. Lacing dressing, ironing suits, touch ups take time. If you are wanting first look photos, or photos with your best friends then factor this in too as I need to leave before you do to set up, capture guest arrival and any detail shots (where possible!)

• Travel- If you are travelling between venues factor in traffic time, time to park up and walk down.

• Confetti Time- If you are choosing to walk down the aisle and then have a separate confetti shot (which I love doing) then factor in your guests lining up, and confetti being handed out. You can easily lose 10-15 minutes here! Prepare your wedding party what to do and get your Celebrant/registrar to announce at the end of the service what your guests are to do!

• Group photos: Allow 3–5 minutes PER GROUP. Keep it simple. five key group shots, definitely no more than 10. I promise you, you will get bored! 10 groups = 30-50 minutes of standing in one spot!! These are not photos you are going to hang on your wall... I recommend 1) couple and parents 2) couple, parents and siblings 3) couple and grandparents 4) Best friends 5) everyone. I do generally squeeze in Bride/Groom and their parent/s on their own, and you will find your friends and other family members will request photos with you and I will hijack and take a photo too. I find these are more relaxed and natural than when I set up a group, even if I do make bad jokes to relax everyone. Create a list with names of who you want, and have a loud/bossy helper to round up guests, .

• Couple portraits: I recommend around 15-30 minutes, more if we’re moving between locations or you want to explore the grounds. I often do not take photos for the full 30 minutes, but this also gives a bit of buffer time if time lines are delayed. I use this time to help you both take a breathe, reconnect as a couple, reflect on the day and enable me to capture something timeless yet authentic

.

• Speeches: Speeches almost always overrun (parents love a story or two). Give your speakers a time limit around 5-7 minutes. Enough for some soppy/funny stories but not too long that people start to clock watch

• Food: Build in buffer time for people to grab a drink and sit down (this is usually a good time for couple photos too). But also ask your caterers how long they thing the meal will last. Genearally, 2-3 course last around 2 hours, guests will mingle between course and walk around too which may create some additional diversions. Buffets also take longer than you think- If each table takes 5 minutes to grab food, and there are 10 tables that's 50 minutes there Mirror your buffet so guests can go from either end to shorted the queuing time.

The truth? Timelines that run back-to-back often overrun and create stress. Little delays creep in, caterers taking longer, guests needing a break, or everyone simply wanting to chat. Planning extra time means your day still feels relaxed, not rushed so when the inevitable happens you still have time.

How to plan ahead

A calm timeline is possible with a little preparation:

• Hire an MC or Coordinator to coordinate and herd guests kindly but firmly- I lose a lot of time photographing by playing coordinator
• Keep group photos to a shortlist — ideally 5, no more than 10.
• Role of Photographer Assistant- give a bossy/confident friend the job to round up the guests- it speeds up the process.
• Encourage shorter speeches (5 minutes each is perfect).
• Build in buffer times — 10–15 minutes between each key part of the day.
• Add downtime for guests — garden games, a photo booth, audio guest book, or a sweet cart keep energy flowing without a strict timetable. See blog on activities

Final thought

At the end of the day, it is your wedding day! So do what you feel is best for you. I will follow your lead on the day, remain your cheerleader and capture all the incredible moments along the way!

“Beautiful photos don’t happen in a rush.”

Ready to chat?

Planning your wedding day and looking for a candid wedding photographer? Let’s talk about your timings — I’ll help you create a relaxed schedule that leaves space for creating fabulous memories.