The ultimate wedding day timeline guide.

The getting-ready part of the day is more than just prep – it’s the build-up. It’s anticipation, nerves, laughter, and those fleeting moments with your closest people before the day begins. That being said, we don't need to be there with you the whole time. Usually, getting the final flourishes of hair and makeup is fine – this way, everyone is all but finished and looking runway (wedding aisle) ready!

We recommend:

• Having all your details (dress, rings, invites, shoes, flowers, etc.) in one spot ready to be shot.
• Allowing time for candid moments – not just hair and makeup, but hugs from Mum or that quiet cup of coffee.
• If you’re doing a letter or gift exchange, schedule the opening or reading of it when your photographer and videographer are with you.
• Making sure your room has no unnecessary clutter and lots of natural light! It makes all the difference in photos and footage. Making this responsibility for one of your bridesmaids works well!

If you're getting ready in separate locations, allow for a travel window between the two. If you both are getting dressed at the same time or the distance is more than 5-10 minutes apart, you’ll need to consider adding second shooters or doing a “Final Prep” before the ceremony for one of the parties.

A first look is a private moment between the two of you before the ceremony. It can help calm the nerves and make space for some quiet connection – and from a photo/video perspective, it gives us beautiful reactions in great lighting without a crowd around. It's also a good opportunity to schedule in bridal party photos straight after.

Not for everyone, but definitely worth considering if:

• Your ceremony is late in the day
• You want to get most of your creative shoot done early by getting Bride & Groom and Bridal party photos done before the ceremony.

Pro tip: Just because it’s called a First Look, it doesn’t mean you have to use this time to set eyes on each other for the first time! We’ve had couples come together without seeing each other and holding hands around a corner and praying together before the ceremony.

The ceremony is the heart of your day, and we’ll be capturing it all – from the aisle walk to the rings, the kiss, and the reactions of your guests.

Even though it can be a nerve-wracking experience for some, take your time walking down the aisle. It gives your film and photo team time to get different angles and focal lengths.

Savour your first kiss, throw in a dip even. A long, leisurely first kiss gives your team lots of opportunities for gorgeous shots. A quick peck is easy to miss!

Pro tip: Make the most of the natural light if you’re outdoors but avoid being in a bit of light and a bit of shade. Try to ensure indoor spaces aren't too backlit.

Photo/video notes: Let us know if there are any special moments during your ceremony such as readings, music or cultural traditions.

After you walk back down the aisle, you’ll wonder what to do or where to go. This is the moment for your bridal party to gather around and give their first congratulations, which will let all your other guests know that they can do the same. This time is gold – candid, emotional, and full of joy. We usually stay close but discreet during this bit, capturing the natural moments as they happen.

Pro Tip: Create a short list of must-have family combinations – you can send through your group lists to us on our helpful form here.

The timeframe for this can vary a lot depending on how many guests you have and how many groups you want captured, and things can easily run long, so we always recommend:

• Nominate a helper (ideally someone who knows both families and has "boss" energy) to help wrangle guests
• Keep the list realistic – you don’t need every second cousin, just the combos that matter most

If you’re wanting a big group photo with all your guests, usually, the celebrant would invite guests to congratulate the bride and groom and ask them to stay close for the photographer to take a big group photo.

We’ll take you and your bridal party after group and family photos for a creative portrait shoot, starting with all of you, then your bridal party can go get ready for the reception arrival and we’ll get some shots with just bride and groom. This is when we capture some of your most beautiful, natural images together.

Golden hour (that soft light just before sunset) is magic for both photo and video – if you’re up for it, we’ll sneak you out for a few minutes while guests are finishing dinner or dancing.

Photography coverage can be limited to key moments including entrances, cake cutting and first dance – if at the beginning of reception, your photographer could end here. Moving Films photo coverage extends to speeches as well.

Videography coverage captures the same key moments and also includes audio of speeches, candid crowd reactions and entire cultural performances that can be seen in the raw footage compile.

We work around your meal service (no one likes being filmed mid-bite!) so we focus on the atmosphere, laughter, and energy of the evening. If you have surprises or special moments planned, just give us the heads-up so we’re ready.

The dance floor is where things loosen up – and it’s always some of the most fun footage to watch back later. If you’re planning a sparkler exit or last dance, let us know so we don’t miss the finale.

Coverage tip: Check if your package includes late-night coverage. If this is your vibe, make sure you add on extra hours!

Planning ahead of the day, and flexibility on the day is key.

Every wedding is different. Some couples want a chill, slow-paced afternoon; others have packed schedules and surprises at every turn. A good photographer and videographer will adapt – but a thoughtful timeline helps make sure we have space to tell your story properly, without rushing.

If you have questions about the timeline for your day, get in touch! I’m more than happy to help you plan the perfect wedding day for you!