The Complete Studio KH Wedding Guide
Section 2:
Sample Timeline
Need to see things mapped out in a more visual way? I’ve got you! Below, I’ve outlined how I’d expect an 8 hour day to go with all events taking place at one site, modest wedding party and family groupings, and a first look.
12:00 PM
KH arrives and shoots details
I like to spend the first 15-30 minutes arranging and shooting your wedding day details before the activity ramps up. This includes things like heirloom pieces, personalized details, wedding rings, and invitation suites. If detail shots aren’t your thing, we can easily allocate this time to more getting ready images. If you have an abundance of items, we can chat about how much time that may take.
12:20 PM
Couple finishes getting ready
In an ideal timeline, I arrive a full hour before the first look to catch these tail-end preparations and to give everyone a chance to warm up to the camera. My focus is aimed at getting dressed and accessorized.
1:00 PM
Couple’s first look
Between arranging both parties, the actual first look, and the few minutes of alone time afterwards, first looks are solidly 15 minutes.
1:15 PM
Couple’s portraits
Ideally we can dedicate 45 minutes for just the two of you.
2:00 PM
Wedding party photos
This is dependent on how many pals are in your party! With less than 4 on each side, somewhere around 30 minutes. If we’re working with 7 or more, we need a solid 45+.
2:45 PM
Family formals
A list of about 15 combos will usually take 20 minutes. I block out 30 minutes, using the extra 10 as overflow time, or to nab those ones you just forgot in the planning process. If we wrap early, you get bonus time to relax!
3:15 PM
Prep for ceremony + relax
I like to schedule 45 minutes in case events run over and to prevent any early guests for seeing you before the ceremony. Having at least a solid 30 minutes is something you won’t regret.
4:00 PM
Ceremony!
If you’re including a first look, most warm weather ceremonies begin between 4-4:30pm and last for 20 minutes.
If you’re skipping a first look, start times are usually around 2pm or earlier, especially if there’s a full hour-long Catholic Mass.
4:30 PM
Recessional into cocktail/social hour
This may end up starting a bit later if you include a receiving line. Around an hour tends to be the sweet spot for the cocktail hour. Longer, if you want to linger.
5:30 PM
Start seating for dinner
Depending on your guest count, this could take anywhere from 5-20 minutes.
5:50 PM
Formal announcement into reception + welcome toasts / prayers
A sweet 5-10 minutes.
6:00 PM
Dinner is served
I like to keep 30 minutes clear for you to actually eat. It’s surprisingly easy for this time to be eaten up in other ways, but we need to make sure you’re fed before that dance floor!
6:30 PM
Cake cutting
Depending on whether your catering team needs to get your cake back to the kitchen to cut for guests, we can also do this during your formal introduction. No more than 5 minutes needed here.
6:40 PM
Toasts
For toasts, there is a huge range of how long they take and I’ve seen anywhere from 5 minutes to almost 2 hours. If I had to place an average on it, I’d say 20ish minutes in duration, with a start time 40 minutes after dinner begins.
7:30 PM
First dances
Usually doesn’t stray from 15 minutes for the first 3 traditional dances. Less, if you’re combining parent dances or cutting songs.
7:45 PM
Dance floor opens
I like to capture a minimum of 15 minutes of dance floor shenanigans. If events are running behind, I can do it in 5 if we have the right song and a crowd of people eager to dance.
8:00 PM
Coverage ends
If you’re not ready to say goodbye, you can add an hour of coverage on the fly.
For 9 and 10 hour days, I’d slot more time in on both ends, and/or add more buffer + breathing room between events. If travel between venues is happening, we’ll shift things around to accommodate it.
Also not included in the above timeline: golden hour portraits! Timing varies significantly through the year, and we aren’t always blessed with clear days. Being prepared to sneak out for 5-15 minutes usually allows us to capture some of the most beautiful photos of the day, and I highly encourage being open to it.