Documentary wedding timelines and just a typical wedding timeline are not the same.
I’ve had so many clients hire me, a documentary wedding photographer, then they hire a wedding planner that’s stuck in circa 2016 that revolves around wedding a production. This means they don’t care about leaving room to breathe in a timeline or authentic moments. They’re entire philosophy is set around your wedding day as a ‘production’ with quick and fake recreated moments and rushing from one thing to the next. This type of planning will not get you documentary wedding photos. There won’t be time for you to have those genuine moments where there’s no ‘place to be’ you’re allowed to just exist during your day. Planning a documentary photography wedding timeline, specifically, is key.
To get documentary photos obviously you hire a documentary photographer, step one. Step two, is hiring a planner that understands your desire for documentary, candid + real moments to happen. Express your desire to have room to breathe without the constant rushing. Instead of hiring vendors whose values clash when planning your day, they’ll be aligned and you’ll leave your wedding day with memories and beautiful photos.
How should your documentary photography wedding timeline look?
A documentary photography wedding timeline should look like it has some empty space. This doesn’t mean you’ll be sitting around, it means you can do whatever you want. Have a dance party with your girls, visit your cocktail hour and mingle with your guests, etc.
Here is a free timeline template:
11:45 AM – Photographer(s) Arrive On-Site at the Venue
12:00 PM – Detail Shots (ring, shoes, invitation suite, dress, etc.)
1:15 PM – Getting Ready Moments captured
1:45 PM – Bride Gets into Dress
2:20 PM – First Look
2:45 PM – Bridal Party & Groomsmen Formal Photos
3:50 PM – Bridal Party Lines Up
4:00 PM – Ceremony
4:30 PM – Family Formal Portraits
5:00 PM – Cocktail Hour for Guests / Bridal Portraits
6:00 PM – Mingling Time with your Guests
6:30 PM – Sunset
6:30 PM – Bridal Party Entrance
6:45 PM – Special Dances & Dinner
7:30 PM – Toasts Begin
7:40 PM – Cake Cutting & Fun Reception Games
7:50 PM – Party!
9:50 PM – Grand Exit (more on this coming up!)
10:00 PM – Photographer(s) Depart
Do you have to have a planner to get documentary photos?
Absolutely. If you want a GUARANTEE you will have the time + space to enjoy your day, which is what gives you photos you want as a result. You absolutely have to have a planner. If not, nothing is guaranteed. Being in the moment is forsaken when someone has a question, which they will, or something goes wrong, which it will, or something has to get done right this second, which always happens. Is it possible to get documentary photos without a planner? Sure. Is it guaranteed? Absolutely not, and it’s way less likely. I’ve been to weddings that have spent upwards of $50K on details, florals, photo + video, venue, etc. but there was no planner. The day was spent in pure chaos. Photos didn’t start at until 2 pm when they were suppose to start at 11 am. Things went missing, there was no point person in charge…. so when things went wrong, the bride had to be involved in some capacity. I think the bride spent over half the day on the phone putting out fires, when she should have been oblivious to any issues, enjoying a glass of champagne with her girls.
What if I don’t have the budget for a planner?
That’s totally okay and understandable. Planning a wedding is a very expensive investment. We can get creative with a solution. Do you have a bossy friend, aunt or cousin? “hire” them for the day. Have a meeting, or several, before the day of. Brief them on everything there is to know, give everyone their phone number, not yours. And kick back, giggle, cry, and have genuine moments.
Hiring a Documentary Photographer
A good documentary photographer knows to get candid + real moment photos, it takes planning. Knowing your couple + creating a timeline that is conducive to how you work. Which is why I give my clients a questionnaire 3 months prior to the big day that goes in depth into every detail of the day. I use their answers to create a timeline that not only fits their vision, but exceeds it and leaves room for me to do my thing. Document their wedding day in a way that feels true, natural, candid + real. Documentary photographer is an art form, and any art takes time.
Trying to find a documentary wedding photographer? Hi, I’m Trinity! I’m a destination wedding photographer with one goal in mind, storytelling + artful imagery that allows you to relive your day. Photos that bring you back to your memories, instead of allowing your day to be about the photos. The photos will be about your day. I have an arsenal of planners that are incredible at their job ready to recommend to my couples. Inquire here!!
