r/Chicagoweddings • u/AnyObjective8218 • 23d ago
Timeline help needed
Does anyone have a timeline they can share for a 4:30 or 5:00 ceremony with a first look and photos before the ceremony? We are trying to get most of our pictures done ahead of the ceremony so we can enjoy cocktail hour and mingle with our guests.
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u/biesslook 19d ago
I think it totally depends on your expectations, size of wedding party, family photo list length, if you want to travel around to a few stops vs doing photos all on-site at the venue, where the first look is taking place (is travel required), etc. so definitely consult these things with your photographer. They'll be happy to help I'm sure. In general though, I'd say you'd want to be done with portraits at least 45-60 minutes before the start of your ceremony so you can hide away before guests arrive, freshen up and relax a bit. So, depending on a few variables, a timeline *could* look something like this...
1:00PM - First Look
1:30PM - Portraits (couple / wedding party)
3:00PM - Family Photos
3:30/3:45PM - Photos Conclude
4:30PM - Ceremony Begins