Wedding Timeline Guide


The purpose of this page is to assist you in wedding planning for your wedding day, as well as provide other recommendations based on the experience of photographing a number of weddings over the years.

A sample timeline for a full day wedding would look like this:

 

10:00 am - Hair and makeup

  • Our arrival time typically ranges between 11am and 12pm, which may vary depending on the final stages of the bride's makeup. The exact time could also be influenced by factors such as the number of bridesmaids requiring hair and makeup services or other logistical considerations.
  • Throughout this period, we capture photographs of other important elements, such as the flowers, wedding gown, shoes, suits, rings and so on.
  • We will also take candid moments in between.

 

1:00 pm - Get into dress

 

1:30 pm - Leave for venue. Allow time for travel to the venue or photoshoot location.

 

2:00 pm - Ceremony commences.

 

2:30 pm - Ceremony finished. Couple mingling with guests.

  • Following the ceremony, it is recommended to allocate about 20-30 minutes for guests to mingle with you and offer their congratulations. Trust me, they would love to congratulate you guys.
  • Once the mingle has concluded, we suggest taking a large group photo, followed by smaller family group photos. To ensure a smooth and organized process, we recommend appointing someone to call out each group's turn for photos, as we may not know everyone. It is advisable to allocate approximately 3 minutes per family photo. A free template for family photos can be provided to you which can be modified to include or exclude any groups as needed. Simply pass the updated list to the designated person(s) to assist with calling out the groups. It is important to note that the more family photos there are, the more time will be required.
  • We usually arrange group photos with the couple in the middle and try to keep the sides balanced, alternating genders where it fits naturally.

3:00 pm - Group photos - includes one big group photo followed by smaller groups.

  • Download the free template for group/family photos here. You are welcome to increase/decrease the list, the more on the list, the more time will be needed.

 

4:00 pm - Bridal party photos and photos for the bride and groom.

 

6:00 pm - Speeches

 

6:30 pm - Dinner

 

7:30 pm - Cake cutting

 

8:00 pm - First dance

  • We will capture the first dance and stay a bit to capture people dancing and will leave so you and your guests can enjoy the rest of the night.

Things to consider:

Golden Hour:

The timing of golden hour can vary depending on the season or weather. If the opportunity arises during golden hour, we can take a few minutes to capture photos of you as newlyweds.

First Look:

A number of the couples we have photographed have opted to do a first look before the ceremony. In this case, the bride and groom will have their first look and then proceed to take family photos if desired. By taking this approach, you can minimize the time spent away from your guests and enjoy more time catching up with them during your wedding day.



Understanding Lighting & Editing in Professional Photography


Many couples today also receive phone footage from guests or content creators, and it's natural to compare. It's important to know that smartphones use automatic filters and AI to instantly brighten images, soften shadows, and warm up colors—often giving a very flat, bright look. As a photographer, I take a more intentional approach. I aim to preserve the natural mood of the day, including the contrast, lighting, and atmosphere that make your photos feel real. This may mean shadows are kept for depth and sunlit moments are carefully balanced—not blown out. My editing is guided by both creative vision and technical care, ensuring your gallery feels authentic and polished, not overly filtered or artificial.


Contact Us

I'd love to hear from you!

Please fill up the form below and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Ces

ces@cesphotography.co.nz

021 436 773

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