WEDDING DAY TIMINGS

Philippa James Photography – www.philippajamesphotography.com

Here is a guide to what your wedding day timings may look like. I’ve written this based on the majority of weddings I photograph, but of course every wedding is different.

GETTING READY

I usually arrive 1.5–2 hours before the ceremony to photograph the busyness of the morning. I try to document both of you, even if you’re getting ready in different locations.

Once you’re dressed and ready, I’ll take a few quick portraits of you and some with your gang. This doesn’t take long, but it’s worth building into your morning schedule.

For more tips, read: WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE MORNING OF YOUR WEDDING DAY

bride getting ready - wedding day timings

groom getting ready - wedding day timings

ARRIVING AT THE CEREMONY

Find out exactly what time you’re expected to arrive. Traditionally the groom greets guests first and the bride walks in last, but this doesn’t apply to everyone. Same-sex weddings, couples entering together, brides already in the room — you can do whatever feels right.

In churches, most paperwork is done before the ceremony. At registry offices, you both speak to the registrar separately for about 10 minutes before you marry. If you don’t want guests to see you beforehand, time your arrival carefully.

THE CEREMONY

Ceremonies usually last between 20 minutes and 1 hour, depending on what type you choose. Catholic weddings with Mass can last up to 1.5 hours.

If you’re marrying in a religious venue, speak to your officiant about photography rules. Some are relaxed, others are strict. I’ll introduce myself on the day, but it helps to know any restrictions in advance.

If you’re looking for ideas, read: SIX WEDDING CEREMONY IDEAS YOU WOULDN’T HAVE THOUGH OF

CONFETTI

Confetti usually happens straight after the ceremony.
Some venues don’t allow confetti, so many couples do it at the reception instead.

I help plan this moment with you ahead of time. I also organise your guests on the day so it runs smoothly.

For inspiration, visit: WEDDING CONFETTI IDEAS

GROUP SHOTS

I aim to shoot group photos straight after the ceremony. At that moment no one has disappeared to the loo or the bar, so it’s fast and painless.

This isn’t always possible due to weather or timings, but it’s the plan I start with. I usually take around five essential combinations — parents, siblings, grandparents, and anyone especially important.

If there are children in the bridal party, I photograph them now too. Kids give me a very small window of cooperation, so I move fast while they still look clean and sweet.

More on this here: WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY PLANNING – THE GROUP SHOTS

THE DRINKS RECEPTION

This is when the storytelling begins. Everyone hugs you, wishes you well, and chats excitedly. Guests reconnect, meet new people, or laugh about the hen or stag do.

I mingle with everyone and photograph the atmosphere: hugs, jokes, movement, and little unscripted moments. I also take informal group photos here and there.

The drinks reception usually lasts between 1.5 and 2.5 hours.

WEDDING PARTY PHOTOS

At some point I photograph you both with your wedding party — bridesmaids, best men, ushers, etc. I like doing this before your first portrait session when everyone looks fresh and the flowers are still perfect.

This is the shot you’ll want printed big, framed, or on a vinyl-style cover.

bridal party - wedding day timings by Philippa James Photography

PORTRAIT SESSION ONE

Once you’ve hugged everyone, grabbed a canapé and a glass of bubbles, I take you away for 15–20 minutes for your first portrait session.

I guide you the whole time. No awkward posing. No forced smiles. You’ll end up with natural, non-cheesy portraits of the two of you on your wedding day.

It’s also your moment to breathe and say, “hell yeah — we just got married!”

THE WEDDING FEAST

Guests are usually called into dinner about 15 minutes before food is served. Once everyone is seated, the two of you make your entrance to cheers and applause.

I photograph the atmosphere — all the people you love in one room, sharing one big feast.
This is also the time I take my break to eat. I’m happy to sit with your guests if there’s space, or in a separate supplier area if that’s what the venue prefers.

Dinner usually lasts around 2–2.5 hours.

SPEECHES

Many couples do speeches before dinner to help nervous speakers. Others keep them after dinner for the traditional feel.

Either works. I photograph speakers and, more importantly, the reactions — the laughter, the tears, the cheers, the “oh my god did they just say that?” moments.

If you have more than three speeches, consider splitting them up. (A few before dinner, a couple after, or one between each course — a tradition borrowed from Denmark.)

Together, speeches and dinner usually take 2.5–3 hours.

PORTRAIT SESSION TWO

By now the formal parts of the day are over. Ties are loosened. Heels are off. You’re relaxed and happy. This second portrait session is quick and easy.

We sneak out for a few minutes, catch the gorgeous evening light, and get those soft, golden shots.

THE BIT BEFORE THE PARTY

The first dance usually happens 1–1.5 hours after dinner. This gives the venue time to turn the room around (if needed) and gives guests a breather.

During this time, I finish portraits, photograph mingling, and document the natural build-up to the evening party.

CUTTING THE CAKE

Couples commonly cut the cake right before the first dance because everyone is gathered in the same place.
If you’re serving cake as dessert, you may cut it before dinner so the caterers can slice it up in time.

FIRST DANCE

Evening guests usually arrive just in time for the first dance.
If you’ve choreographed anything or have a secret plan, tell me beforehand. I once had a bride switch all the lights off for her fireworks reveal mid-dance — stunning, but a heads-up helps!

Not every couple has a first dance. Gareth and Amy chose to skip it and had a small private dance during their portraits instead. When the band started, everyone piled straight onto the dance floor.

PARTY INTO THE EARLY HOURS

After the first dance, the real party starts. If you’ve booked me to stay late, this is when I look for the wild moments — friends throwing shapes, relatives letting loose, and everyone fully in celebration mode.

Dance floors warm up slowly. Slower songs don’t photograph as well, but once the upbeat tracks hit, the pictures are magic.

If you want tips for a great dance floor, read: HAVING A WEDDING DISCO? MY TOP TIPS ON CREATING A BUZZING DANCE FLOOR