you have your DATE set, and have hammered out your ceremony and reception locations, the photographer, caterer, cake,  florist, coordinator, musicians, invitations, videographer, dj and found a dress. CONGRATULATIONS!  you've accomplished a great deal!  the BIG DAY is quickly approaching.  NOW WHAT? ahhhhhhhhhh, the timeline...

since we're photographers, this will be framed with picture making in mind.  some things to consider...

1.  sunset times.  you can get complete sunrise/sunset data by day through the US naval observatory website. this is a bigun'.  will there be light?  let there be light!!  is your ceremony taking place inside?  if so, is there natural light?  where will the sun be at the time of your ceremony?  if it will be dark or getting dark, is the use of flash permitted?  if you're quite a distance from your guests and photographer access points, your special image maker may need to set up lights.  is that acceptable?  you could always call in exclusive events to create that killer lighting if it doesn't exist naturally.

2. what time will you begin getting ready and where? how much visual storytelling coverage would you like?  some of the most emotional moments take place when couples are getting ready.   are you getting your hair and makeup done at a salon?  would you like the photographer to be there at that time?   one of my favorite times of day is when the bride sees herself for the first time after putting on her dress.

3. if you are getting ready early in the day, will you have time to eat? hungry people are grumpy people.  will food be brought in or ordered?  who will be responsible?

4. will you see each other prior to the ceremony? some couples do and some don't.  when couples do see each other prior to the ceremony, it seems everyone is often more relaxed.  but, it's a personal choice.

5. will you formally exit your ceremony venue? receiving line style?  bubbles?  butterflies?

6. when and where will family formals take place? it always helps to appoint a family member or someone in the wedding party to help organize everyone.  it also helps to make a SHORT list of must-have family combinations.  a clean backdrop works well.

7.  how much time do you need between the ceremony and the reception? what will guests be doing during this time?  what will YOU be doing at this time?  some couples go out around town solo or with their wedding parties to get those edgy fashion portraits  for an hour or two (we LOVE when there is time for this!).   others bar-hop with their wedding parties, and sometimes the time line doesn't allow for anything but a b-line to the reception venue.  which leads us to number 8.

8.  what is the distance between the ceremony and reception?  allow guests enough time to get there before important activities start.

9. will many young children be in attendance and need a nap in between the wedding and reception?  if so, plan for it in your schedule.

10. will guests enjoy a cocktail hour? i LOVE cocktail hours.  i think they're a fabulous idea.  they give the newly-wedded couple time to go make yummy couple pictures or to be alone and enjoy each other's company.  it's also the time for the venue staff to flip the room if you're hosting the ceremony and reception at the same location.  and let's face it, a well-lubricated crowd is a happy crowd.  what's the lesson for the day?  food, naps, drinks make for a smooth wedding day.  just kidding.  mostly.

11. when will you cut the cake?  totally up to you.  just make sure your photographer is around.

12. what important dances will take place and when?  the happy couple, father/daughter, mother/son, wedding party, etc. 

13. will you be doing a bouquet and garter toss?  again, make sure your photographer is aware this is coming.

14. how late into the reception would you like the photographer(s) to stay?   once major reception events have concluded is a good time to send home your photog.