Flow of the day

Every wedding is different - - the people, the lighting, the church and the symbolism that the couple wants to present all play a part in how the day(s) flow. To that end, the following rough sequence of events (together with my wedding photography check list) will help you start thinking about how you are going to sequence events. This is one reason why I always attend the rehearsal - - I can watch and see when I can - - and cannot - - take pictures due to the sequence of events. If I am in one place to take a picture I may not be able to move to a different location to take the next picture in time.

Preliminaries

Arrival and setup (night before and day of)

The Wedding

• Ushers seating guests
• Seating of Grandparents
• Seating of Parents
• Lighting of candle
• Processional
• • Groomsmen and Minister Enter
  • Bridesmaids down the isle
  • Ring Bearer down the isle
  • Flower girl down the isle
  • Bride and father down the isle
• Giving away of the bride
• Homily
• Music
• Pledge of marriage
• Lighting of unity candle
• Music
• Wedding vows
• Benediction
• Introduction of the new couple
• Recessional (in reverse order of entrance)
• Receiving Line at church exit (sometimes done at the dinner)

The Reception

• Bride and Groom arriving - - Announcing their entrance
• Arrangements at the head table
• Eating
• Toasting the couple (various people)
• Cutting the cake
• First Dance
• Bouquet and Garter
• • Bride's Bouquet Toss
  • Grooms Garter Toss
• Opening Presents
• General Open Dancing time

During the reception between events I try and take the bride and groom outside and away from the inside proceedings to take some pictures outside. Most reception places have good outside backgrounds that are less distracting when taking portraits than inside a reception area. Another reason why I also scout out the reception location before attending a wedding so I can find good backgrounds to pose the couple (or group) against.