WEDDING RUNSHEET PLANNING TIPS
Planning out the run sheet for your big day can be so overwhelming and complicated if you do not know what to include or how much time you should allocate to each part of your day. I have put together a guide that will help run your big day smoothly without ripping out all your hair missing vital parts of your big day. This is a very general rule of thumb which you can use as a template to plan your own wedding - and customise it how you like!
Also take account in travel time to and from each location !
IMPORTANT: If you have a videographer as well, I would recommend adding another 30 minutes to each prep, and ensure that they have enough time to setup for ceremony (30 mins before it starts usually). If you do not cater to this - you will not have enough time for coverage.
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Groom Getting Ready (1 hour - 1.5 hours)
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Starting off with the details such as the suit, watch and details the groom will be wearing - no story is complete without every single piece. Before they suit up - we will capture moments of them relaxing and being themselves. This part is very important because it'll show the bride what the boys get up to before the ceremony (that she doesn't get to see on the day! looking back on the photos will definitely be worth your while even if you feel like this part of the day isn't necessary, it's just as important as bride getting ready).
Please leave out: suit, shoes, cufflinks, watch, tie, socks, cologne and anything else groom will be wearing before getting dressed.
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If parents are at the same location - make sure they are dressed and ready.
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Bride Getting Ready (1.5hours - 2hours)
With epic photos of the wedding dress, shoes and accessories to having a toast with your bridesmaids in your robes before getting changed - this is where all the months of planning have come to! With final touches of makeup, putting on that dress, and perfecting the bride for the big day! Can even throw in father's first look in here too!
TIP: Time your schedule so that when I arrive, all the hair and makeup is completed and final touches are just needed. Otherwise your run sheet will go overtime...
Hang the dress or place it nearby where you want the hanging shot
Leave out: wedding invite, flowers, shoes, perfume, jewellery and any other accessories
If parents are at same location - make sure they are dressed and ready too !
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Traditions (1 hour - 2 hours)
We live in a diverse culture with many traditions involved for our wedding day ! If you have any traditions such as games or tea ceremony for example, it adds to your story with all the laughter and emotive moments during the traditions!
Tea ceremony: 1 hour , if at two locations take account for time travelling in between.
Tea ceremony plus games: 1 hour 30 mins
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Ceremony (30-60 mins)
The time has come ! When the boys are waiting nervously for the bride and her bridesmaids to arrive, to the groom's reaction when the bride walks down the aisle! When you both exchange vows and promise to be together for the rest of your lives! Finish it off with the kiss and signing of marriage certificate and walking down the aisle for the first time as husband and wife! Depending on if you're having a church ceremony, time will vary here.
TIP: When the bridesmaids are walking down the aisle, space yourselves to an aisle interval and when the bride is coming down the aisle.. TAKE YOUR TIME ! :D
Also make sure the groomsmen and bridesmaids on the sides do not cover the bride & groom in the middle so that I can capture your reactions during vows :D
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Group Photo & Formal Portraits (20-40mins)
After taking a massive group photo with all your family and guests, I will let them congratulate you and then take photos with your immediate family, siblings and grandparents :) If you'd like other friend groups too - let me know beforehand :D
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Location Shoot (1-3 Hours)
Here we will go off to a few locations nearby your ceremony or reception IF they aren't at the same venue. Here we will capture moments with your bridal party and then the two of you alone at different locations. The more time the better for variety and creative shots :D
TIP: Even if you don't know where to go for location shoot - I'll have suggestions and make it work !
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Reception (Varies)
Capturing your entire venue before all your family and friends arrive, this is your entire setup for reception including all your table gifts, decorations, flowers, details and tables! Once that is all done, we will grab photos of your guests coming in. General formalities such as cut cake are done after bridal entrance and then followed by meal intervals for speeches, first dance, father daughter dance, open dance floor, garter and bouquet toss plus any other tradition that you may have. We stay till the end when you farewell your family and friends for the night!
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A sample reception runsheet is as follows
7pm Bridal Entrance + Cut Cake
7:15 Entre
7:45 Speeches
8:10 Mains
8:30 First Dance, Open Dance floor