Getting Ready

Varying on the count of bridal party members and who is in charge of makeup, hair and styling, getting ready is typically about 2 to 5 hours before the wedding ceremony. Usually the photographer should arrive 1 hour before the bride is completely ready. If the groom is at another location most photographers will have a second shooter or will arrive early to capture all the detail shots.

Ceremony

Standard wedding ceremony order usually starts with the wedding processional with the entrance of groom, wedding party and followed by the bride. After the processional, typically you’ll have religious literature or a wedding reading, then signing of the wedding certificate, exchange of vows, exchange of rings, a unity ceremony, the officiant sanction of the marriage, first kiss and a recessional. During the recessional the bride and groom usually head to a remote location with the wedding party and parents to take wedding photos, then they all head to the wedding hall where the guest are waiting.

Wedding Photo Session

During the recessional the bride and groom usually head to a remote location with the wedding party and parents for wedding photos. Depending on the photography package, most wedding photos consists of a couple session, solo bride session, bride and groom with bridal party and family formals pose session then head to wedding hall where all the guest are waiting.

Cocktail hour

This is a prelude to the reception. This is typically 1 to 3 hours from 4pm to 7pm before the first dance and dinner. Guests can socialize, mingle, have a few cocktails and horderves usually while the bride and groom are out for photos.

First dance

The first dance is the opening dance by the newly weds and is considered a very cherishing moment. It shows love and unity between the new couple. This is one of the most awaited moments of the evening followed by the father and daughter dance and then the mother and groom dance.

Champagne and Toast

After everyone has been seated and the first course has been served. The best man starts the toast and gives his speech, followed by the maid of honor. The couple respond accordingly and then parents and other guests can say a few words as well.

Dinner

Most occasional wedding dinners, the guests are served three courses: a appetizer, an entrée, and a dessert. The caterers will usually give guests a choice of two or three entrées, which is selected beforehand. Another option is serving a duet plate and give guests two proteins, such as meat and fish, on one plate.

Cake Cutting

The cake cutting ceremony usually takes place shortly after dinner. The bride places her hand on the cake knife, and then the groom places his hand over hers as they cut the cake to form a single slice. The slice is placed onto a plate, and the groom feeds the bride the first bite, then the bride feeds him the second bite.