Ever wonder how the best vendors always know what’s happening when? Watching wedding photographers, florists, planners, and designers all come together seamlessly might just be proof of magic.
Actually, it’s all in the planning.
(To be honest, it kind of is magic.) Welcome to the mini-course on timelines and why the go-to vendors always use them.
No one likes the unknown, especially on the best day — your wedding day.
All joking aside, planning is magic. One of the first steps I take with my clients is to create a wedding day photography timeline. I then follow up with their wedding planner to ensure that my couple’s wedding photography goals and can’t-miss moments line up across the day’s schedule as a whole. This has been a huge key for me in my own business, and it’s just a courtesy for the wedding planner to keeping us all on the same page. 
So, what’s a wedding photography timeline anyway?
A timeline is basically a way of keeping your day on track while capturing all the details that matter most to you. Gathering this intel might involve a questionnaire, a phone call, or sharing some Pinterest boards to illustrate what you’re envisioning for your wedding day photos. Once, I had a client share a slideshow she made just to capture the aesthetic. It was incredible. Feel free to get into it and have fun!
Want photography of your custom wedding cake topper? Including an heirloom that you want remembered? Let your team know – they want only the best for you!
You might be thinking, “That’s great. But do they matter that much?” I get it. You’ve done so much planning. After choosing vendors to securing venues to cake tastings, down to planning what to wear for your engagement session, it may not seem like a timeline is all that important.
It’s totally a matter of preference and every couple is different. That’s what makes this job so fun.
On the other hand, I don’t know who came up with the expression of “herding cats,” but truer words were never writ. 
Pros of timelines:
- You’ll know exactly where to find me and when. As will your planner, your mom, or anyone else who you’d like to help you navigate the day.
- Playing the day by ear can be fun when it comes to Saturdays or unexpected days off. But your wedding day, one of the biggest days of your life, with all the emotions, loved ones, and countless details, is a day that needs structure. When you’re working with five other wedding pros who are committed to making sure you look your best, why stress with improvising? There’s not much of a safety net. Plus, on the greatest and busiest of days, you deserve to relax!
- As one of the few people who’s by your side almost all day, my goal is to put your mind at ease however I can. (Tip: This also means advocating on your behalf for alone time and distracting well-meaning and very excited family members, whether you’re planning an intimate wedding in the city or a large wedding in the countryside.
Cons of timelines:
I suppose that it does take a few minutes to fill out a questionnaire or two. Then again, this could be another pro because you’ll be making sure all the major points are in order. The jury is out on this one.
Remember: Your plans will change. That’s okay. Nothing is fully set in stone, and professional wedding photographers and the best in the business It will probably change on the day, and that is okay.
Have more questions? Ask me anything and let’s connect!
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