Schedule explanations
Schedule
Explanations
Please review the information below to help you complete your schedule.
Kindly Avoid Waiting
Please do not wait until the last week to send your schedule as we need time to organize everything on our end as well.
Let's Get Started
We’re thrilled to be part of your upcoming wedding, and now it's time to start planning your wedding day schedule! Our goal is to help ensure your day flows seamlessly, so we’ve put together some helpful information to guide you through the process. In the email you received, you’ll find our Schedule Template attached.
Every wedding is unique, and depending on your culture or personal plans—whether you're doing a first look or switching up the order of events—feel free to adjust the template to fit your day.
Please fill out as much information as possible, including your timeline, addresses, postal codes, cross streets, names, and phone numbers. If any of your locations aren’t easily found on Google Maps (http://maps.google.ca/), kindly provide detailed directions. We also ask that you notify us of any known roadwork or events in your area that could impact travel time. Having this information allows us to assist you in creating a smooth, stress-free schedule!
Every wedding is unique, and depending on your culture or personal plans—whether you're doing a first look or switching up the order of events—feel free to adjust the template to fit your day.
Please fill out as much information as possible, including your timeline, addresses, postal codes, cross streets, names, and phone numbers. If any of your locations aren’t easily found on Google Maps (http://maps.google.ca/), kindly provide detailed directions. We also ask that you notify us of any known roadwork or events in your area that could impact travel time. Having this information allows us to assist you in creating a smooth, stress-free schedule!
1. Timing
The usual time we allocate at various locations is as follows:
The timing varies depending on the number of people in the bridal party or close family. Please also remember to allow enough time for travel between locations. If you think you need extra time at a specific location, please explain why, as our recommendations are based on 30 years of experience and are designed to create a smooth flow for your day.
Occasionally, brides feel they need 2 to 3 hours for photos and videos during their preparations. However, we can assure you that, 95% of the time, this is not necessary. That said, if you feel it is, we’re happy to discuss.
Occasionally, brides feel they need 2 to 3 hours for photos and videos during their preparations. However, we can assure you that, 95% of the time, this is not necessary. That said, if you feel it is, we’re happy to discuss.
- Groom’s preparations: 1 - 1 1/2 hours
- Bride’s preparations: 1 - 1 1/2 hours
- Ceremony: 1 hour
- Family pictures and bridal party after the ceremony: 1/2 - 1 hour
- Couple pictures: 1 - 2 hours
2. Locations
If you have specific locations in mind, please include them in your schedule.
We've put together an online gallery featuring locations we think you might find interesting. Feel free to draw inspiration from it or surprise us with your own ideas.
We've put together an online gallery featuring locations we think you might find interesting. Feel free to draw inspiration from it or surprise us with your own ideas.
PASSWORD FOR THIS GALLERY IS: debellelocations
Family Pictures
We STRONGLY recommend taking family photos and videos at the same location as your ceremony. However, you’ll need to confirm with the church, synagogue, temple, or venue whether there is time available after your ceremony, as another wedding may be scheduled immediately after yours. Additionally, be sure to ask for permission to remain inside the venue for family pictures in case of rain.
If taking family pictures at the ceremony site isn’t an option, we suggest doing them at the reception hall upon arrival. Unless you have an exceptionally large family, 30 minutes is typically enough time to capture these moments. We generally advise against bringing family along to your couple and bridal party photo session, as coordinating travel, parking, and keeping everyone together can take up valuable time. Often, more time is spent waiting than actually taking photos and videos—so having the family session at the ceremony site is the best option.
If taking family pictures at the ceremony site isn’t an option, we suggest doing them at the reception hall upon arrival. Unless you have an exceptionally large family, 30 minutes is typically enough time to capture these moments. We generally advise against bringing family along to your couple and bridal party photo session, as coordinating travel, parking, and keeping everyone together can take up valuable time. Often, more time is spent waiting than actually taking photos and videos—so having the family session at the ceremony site is the best option.
Couple & Bridal Party Pictures
If you have specific locations in mind, please let us know! If you’d like suggestions, we’re happy to provide ideas—just tell us whether you prefer a nature, urban, or unique setting.
Rain Locations
Don’t forget to include a backup rain location! It’s important to have a plan B in case of bad weather. This could be your reception venue, a bar, a restaurant, a historical building with access, or any other indoor or covered area.
We’ve also created an online gallery with rain location ideas. Feel free to browse for inspiration—or surprise us with your own creative choices!
PASSWORD FOR THIS GALLERY IS: RAIN
- IMPORTANT
You must verify with your chosen locations whether there are entrance fees or if a permit/permission is required for photography. It is your responsibility to confirm if any permits, fees, or special permissions apply.
Special Pictures
You don’t need to list standard shots like the exchange of rings, bride with parents, or groom with parents—those are always included. However, if there are specific photos that are meaningful to you, please note them. Examples include a picture with your pet, a shot in front of a special location, or a group photo with childhood friends or out-of-town relatives.
Ceremony
Please inform us of any specific photography or cinematography restrictions imposed by your church, synagogue, temple, or officiant.
3. Limousines
Ensure that your limousine or car rental service has been booked with enough time to accommodate potential delays. Some companies schedule another job immediately after your wedding, leaving no margin for unforeseen circumstances. We strongly recommend sending them your schedule as proof of your timeline. Despite this precaution, car-related issues still occur at 25% of the weddings we document.
4. Makeup & hair
Make sure your hair and makeup artists are aware of your schedule. Miscommunication in this area often causes significant delays. For example, if your ceremony is at 3:00 PM and you need to leave by 2:30 PM, your hair and makeup should be completely finished by 1:00 PM—not 2:30 PM. Otherwise, there will be no time for photos or videos. Even with this reminder, hair and makeup delays still happen at 25% of the weddings we cover. Just something to keep in mind!
5. Meals For Our Crew
Please don’t forget to arrange meals for our photographer, cinematographer, and assistants. Also, ensure they are seated in the same room as you during the reception. Sometimes couples think they’re doing us a favor by providing a separate dining space, but in reality, this makes us miss key moments while we’re away. Keeping us in the same room allows us to stay engaged and ready to capture every special moment.
6. Returning Your Schedule
Please email your completed schedule to:
yourwedding@debellephotography.com.
yourwedding@debellephotography.com.
Once we receive it, we’ll reach out a few weeks before your wedding to review the timeline and address any questions. Try to fill it out as thoroughly as possible before submitting it.
Don’t wait until the last week to send your schedule—we need time to organize everything on our end. The sooner you send it, the sooner we can finalize details and ensure our photographers and cinematographers are fully prepared.
We truly appreciate it, and we can’t wait to work with you this year!
Don’t wait until the last week to send your schedule—we need time to organize everything on our end. The sooner you send it, the sooner we can finalize details and ensure our photographers and cinematographers are fully prepared.
We truly appreciate it, and we can’t wait to work with you this year!
Bonus Tip
Let It Go & Let It Flow
Once your big day arrives, relax and enjoy. You’ve done all you can to plan every detail—now it’s time to let go and let the day unfold. You can’t control everything, and small hiccups may happen, but that’s okay! Trust the team you’ve hired, embrace every moment, and your day will be absolutely amazing.
