Why You Needs 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.

It is your day...

Arrange the timings to suit you! The cake cutting does not have to be before the first dance- cake is often wasted this way! Cut it after your ceremony and have as part of your canapés, or cut before your speeches and wedding breakfast so it can be served as pudding. Have your first dance in the golden light OUTSIDE. Have your DJ/Band set up so you can enjoy the sun for longer.

How long things really take

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

• Group photos: Each group setup takes 3–5 minutes — and that’s if nobody has wandered off to the bar. 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,
• 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 & food: Speeches almost always overrun (parents love a story or two). Wedding breakfasts usually take around 2.5 hours, especially if guests are moving through buffets. Building in buffer time allows for all of this.

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
• Get your outfit on - this takes longer than you think especially a gown with hooks and eyes or a lace up back; get it on an hour before you are due to leave, especially if you want to capture photos of the first look with the wedding party/parents.
• 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.

Contact me