Before the ceremony
For this example, the two of you get ready, marry and have portraits on the same property. Agree who brings each partner to the spot. Choose somewhere away from arriving guests and ask anyone helping with clothes or flowers to work to the earlier ready time.
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1.15 pm | Both dressed. One partner and the photographer head to the agreed spot. |
| 1.30 pm | Meet in private. Stay a few minutes together, then walk to a nearby portrait spot. |
| 2.15 pm | Finish portraits, have water and freshen up before guests take their seats. |
| 3.00 pm | Ceremony. Allow time for congratulations before calling family groups. |
| 4.00 pm | A short family-photo list, then join your guests for canapés. |
Seeing each other at the aisle
If the walk down the aisle is the moment you’re most looking forward to, keep it. You can take pictures with your own attendants or whānau beforehand and ask your MC to let guests know when you’ll be back.
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 2.15 pm | Separate photographs if you want them. Check the routes into the ceremony keep the surprise. |
| 3.00 pm | Ceremony, followed by greetings. |
| 4.00 pm | Gather named family groups while guests are still nearby. |
| 4.25 pm | Take a short walk together for portraits. |
| 5.00 pm | Rejoin guests for canapés. If you’re cutting the cake on entry, ask the MC to have everyone gathered when you walk into the reception. |
What if we’re running late?
With a first look, agree ahead of time which portraits can move until after the vows. Without one, prioritise guests who need to sit down or leave early. Keep your MC and caterer in the loop if photographs change the plan.
If there are two venues, put the drive, parking and walk into the plan in both directions. Check your full span in the wedding coverage planner.