WEDDING DAY SCHEDULES AND TIMESHEETS
Your wedding will probably be the biggest event you’ll plan. And whilst most wedding couples aren’t event planners, such a complex logistical affair still ends up in their hands.
The good news it’s not that hard when you get a few pointers, so here are some tips for the most common dilemmas experienced by our clients.
Staying on time on your wedding day
Before the wedding, we always meet with the bride and groom to create the final run sheet.
Having a detailed guide which covers all the elements of your day means you can maximise your photography time, and create that complete collection of wedding photos you are hoping for.
For example, we’ll talk about when hair & makeup needs to be finished for you and the bridesmaids (the most common reason for bridal lateness!), and when your dress should be on and ready for photos. When flowers and buttonholes should arrive, when the boys need to be ready, and when the cars need to arrive / pickup at each location throughout the day.
Beware! Everything takes longer on your wedding day.
- Allow more time for the simple things. Moving around in your wedding gown is no ordinary affair – it’s tight and heavy, turning is harder, your hands are busy holding a bouquet. Regular tasks like getting into a car and taking the stairs can suddenly become multi-person logistical events.
- Wedding cars move slower than regular vehicles. Although most brides are fashionably late, you don’t want the car ride to hold you up if you are already running behind schedule.
- Delegate or run late. Ahead of time, put someone else in charge of carrying any extra bags, bringing props and dealing with your house/hotel keys.
Getting more from of your wedding location photos
- Build in time for walking to and from the cars when moving between locations. With a wedding dress, an excited bridal party and the wedding-day high you’ll be on everything takes longer and 30-minute segments disappear before you know it.
- Plan for wet weather, as this will affect your timing.
- Allow at least one hour of shooting time (after your arrival at a location). More time means more photos
- Choose ‘photo rich’ locations to ensure a good variety of images. Here are some of our favourite spots and we’ll discuss others plus any location permits you may need
The wedding MC plays a critical role
The best MCs seem to have a few key traits in common. At the reception they virtually become the organiser as they keep an eye on what needs to happen next and inform everyone involved, from venue staff to a large crowd of guests.
They become your “go to” person at the reception so you are not left to manage multiple people and activities yourself (cake cutting, speeches, the first dance, announcements etc) instead of enjoying your day.
Our top tips for choosing a great MC are:
- Find someone who is a natural traffic cop and can organise and fix anything on the day. Your MC should deal with the venue, update the photographer if there are any changes, ensure speakers are ready to take the stage, and the cake is in position for cutting.
- Make sure they have an “amicably bossy” disposition so they can engage the crowd in a friendly way but maintain everyone’s attention. Without their clear instructions, guests will be confused and drift off.
- Look for a reliable and confident speaker. Great jokers aren’t always great orators, good organisers nor willing to drink moderately until their main duties are finished (usually after speeches). Pick someone you can depend on until the formalities are finished.
- Pick someone who knows you both well. This way their style and stories they tell will sound genuine rather than orchestrated or generic.
Good luck with your planning and remember that the preparations you put in before your wedding will pay off on the Big Day!
