Wedding Day Timeline: A Photographer's Schedule and Sunset Times in Patra

Insights · A guide for your wedding

Your wedding day goes by faster than you imagine. A good timeline doesn't box you in. It gives you time for everything you want to experience, without rushing and without delays.

In this guide you will find how we plan the wedding day from the photographer's point of view, how the day usually unfolds for the groom and the bride, why hair and make-up decide the whole morning of preparations, and a detailed table with the sunset time in Patra for every day of the year.

Start with the ceremony time and the sunset

The whole timeline is built around the time of the ceremony. From there we count backwards for the preparations and forwards for the reception.

The second time worth knowing is sunset. In summer, a ceremony at 19:00 or 20:00 ends close to the most beautiful light of the day. In winter the sun sets before 17:30, and an afternoon ceremony already takes place after dark. That isn't a problem; it simply changes where and how your photos will be taken.

A timeline, not a mould

The timeline we prepare for each couple is based on our many years of experience at weddings. Its purpose is to reduce stress, organise your preparations precisely and guide you through every stage. It isn't strict. It is a guide that keeps the day organised and leaves room for spontaneity.

All you need to do is relax and enjoy the day. For that to happen, though, good organisation in advance is essential. In broad terms, the day unfolds like this:

The exact times are set for each wedding separately, depending on the ceremony time, the distances and the light of the season. The most important time in the timeline is the departure time. If it is kept, the rest of the day flows smoothly. Group and family photos are taken quickly and in a relaxed way, so they won't delay you.

The most critical hour of the day: hair and make-up

If anything throws the bride's timeline off, it is usually hair and make-up. A half-hour delay there means less time for getting dressed, for her friends, for portraits and for family. And in the end, a bride who rushes off to the church.

• Give them the day's timeline. They should know in advance when the team arrives and when the bride needs to be ready to get dressed.
• When dressing begins, the bride should be almost ready. Hair and make-up should be finished before the bride puts on her dress.
• Plan for everyone else too. If the mother, sisters or friends will have their hair or make-up done in the same space, build that into the timeline too, so the bride isn't pushed to the end of the queue.

The same goes for everyone involved in the day. Let friends and family know the preparation timeline, so they can organise themselves and avoid delays.

The preparations: what to have ready

The biggest delay during preparations is usually searching for things. Gather the following in one place before the team arrives, so we can start straight away.

For the bride

• Wedding dress, shoes and perfume.
• Engagement ring, jewellery and accessories, such as the veil.
• Two invitations.
• One element from the decoration: a flower, a little greenery, a ribbon.

For the groom

• Suit, shoes and perfume.
• The wedding rings, the watch and an invitation.
• Tie or bow tie, cufflinks, belt.
• One element from the decoration.

Details are photographed first. That's why it is best to have them gathered before we arrive.

• A bright room. Ideally with natural light from a window or balcony door, and plain walls.
• A little tidiness. Clear away coffee cups, empty glasses and bags. A clean space shows in the photos.
• Only the people who need to be there. Fewer people in the room means more calm for you.
• For the groom: before dressing begins, he should already be wearing his trousers, shirt and socks. The shirt can be slightly open.

Arriving at the church

The groom usually arrives a little earlier to welcome the guests. For the bride, a few small tips make a big difference:

• Drive once or twice around the church, so your escorts have time to find a parking space.
• You can wait a few minutes in the car until everything is ready for your entrance.
• At the entrance, walk at a natural, steady pace. There is no need to hurry.

The ceremony

When the moment of the ceremony comes, we want you to let go and live every minute without thinking about us being there. From the moment you see each other until the end, let your emotions flow naturally. The team stays discreetly in the space and captures every moment as it happens.

After the ceremony: family photos

Family photos are taken at one set spot, in a short and organised flow. Let your relatives know in advance that they will happen, and choose one person who knows the family to gather them. That way they finish quickly and the guests can move on to the reception.

Photos of the couple and the sunset light

If you would like photos of the two of you in the sunset light, look at the table above. Depending on the season and the ceremony time, that light may fall before, during or after the ceremony. These photos can also be taken on a separate day, at your own pace, in an After Day session. We discuss it together when we put the timeline together.

At the reception

After the ceremony comes the most carefree part of the day. Before the reception, it helps us a lot to know what you have planned:

• Will there be live music or a DJ?
• Will you have a first dance?
• Will there be a cake cutting?
• Is there a special entrance or idea?
• Will there be fireworks or sparklers?
• Is there a moment that is especially important to you?

Shortly before your entrance we have a quick catch-up with you to confirm the details. Reception coverage lasts as long as needed for a complete result. Once everything has been covered, the team leaves discreetly and you carry on with the evening with your people.

Small tips for your day

• Wake up early and have a good breakfast. You will need the energy.
• Let friends and family know the preparation timeline, so they can organise themselves too.
• Eat something light and drink water throughout the day.
• Keep a few minutes just for yourselves, amid the intensity of the day.
• And don't forget your smile. It is the most genuine “accessory” in every photo.