The Perfect Timeline for your Destination Wedding in Cabo
Why is so important a good timeline for your Cabo wedding day?
A timeline for your wedding day is important for so many reasons. It helps your vendors know when they need to be ready and have you ready for the next thing on your agenda. A timeline for your wedding day helps your wedding party members know when they need to be ready and where they need to be for the entire day. It keeps your close family members be aware of your plans so they do not miss out on any of your special memories. Finally, a wedding day timeline helps you and your future spouse RELAX and actually ENJOY your day instead of trying to coordinate the entire day from the makeup chair or the front of the ceremony!
Every wedding is unique and this is especially so with destination weddings! There may be a few additional factors to consider when tying the knot in Los Cabos, Mexico that you maybe wouldn't have to consider locally. Things such as: flights, booking hotel rooms, transportation to your wedding venue for your guests, hotel room blocks for guests, and more. But, don't let that stop you from having the wedding of your dreams in fabulous Los Cabos! I've been photographing weddings in Cabo for almost 10 years, including countless destination weddings from intimate elopements to weddings with 100 + guests.
It's such a treat for me to get to meet and create relationships with so many amazing couples! As I've gotten to know couples in the months before the wedding day, one of the main things I want to communicate with them is the importance of a timeline. Whether it's a quick 2 hour elopement or a traditional wedding with a reception, all wedding days can benefit from a timeline. They will keep the day running smoothly and having a timeline helps give everyone involved piece of mind.
I'll be sharing a timeline for a destination wedding day where the couples chooses a first look + ceremony + reception, averaging 8-9 hours of coverage. This tends to work well for the majority of our couples, however, I always work closely with each individual bride and their wedding planner to ensure everything runs smoothly!
Photographers Arrive to Hotel for Getting Ready images
(90 min) . I usually arrive to the bridal suite as the hair and makeup artist is finishing up to grab some of those action shots. Then, it's time to capture all the pretty details in the room such as your shoes, dress, jewelry, invitation, etc. This is a great time to relax and enjoy some champagne with your bridesmaids before it's time to get dressed and go see your groom!
You may also need to account for travel time if you're getting ready in your hotel room and your ceremony and reception are in another location. If your venue is 15 minutes away, factor in 30 minutes of travel time. It's always best to add at least 15 minutes to add "cushion" to the timeline.
First Look + Bridal Party + Bride & Groom
(60-90 min) This is one of my favorite moments, as the bride and groom really get to enjoy a nice quiet moment before the ceremony. Plus, a first look allows you to be together throughout your entire wedding day and it totally helps calm your nerves! After the first look, we meet up with the bridal party for some group photos, before taking you away again for some portraits of just the two of you. We always give you at least 30 minutes to break from photos and freshen up before the ceremony. I use this time to capture all the pretty details of your ceremony and reception spaces.
Ceremony + Family Photos + Cocktail Hour
(90-120 min) We understand how significant this moment is and our style is to photograph your ceremony as it unfolds, in the most unobtrusive way possible. Immediately following your I do's, we'll move right into the family photo groups. This works great, as everyone is together in one spot. Having done a first look and most of the formal portraits before the ceremony, most couples get to enjoy mingling with their guests during cocktail hour after the family photos.
Reception Coverage
(3 hours). Let's get this party started! Now that all the nerves of the ceremony have passed, it's time to pour some more bubbly and toast to the happy couple! We'll be there to document your first dance, parent dances, cake cutting, toasts, and any other special traditions you may have during the reception.
The secret to a successful and easy-flowing wedding is not military precision, but allowing enough time for everything to flow nicely throughout the day.
VERY IMPORTANT
If you're at the beginning of your search for a wedding venue in Baja Sur, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Before booking with a hotel, check if you're allowed to bring in your preferred vendors. Often, hotels may charge high fees for external vendors, and even if you opt for their in-house services, it doesn't necessarily mean they're the best, but rather the ones that bring in the highest commissions for the hotel. As a wedding photographer based in Cabo San Lucas, I understand the importance of choosing vendors that align with your vision and budget. Don't hesitate to inquire about vendor policies before finalizing any contracts, as this can significantly impact your wedding planning experience.
Of course, this is a template and guide to help you plan your timeline. It works for most of our couples but your timeline may look similar or completely different from this and it's totally ok! As your wedding photographers, our goal is to capture your day as it happens and make beautiful memorable images for you. Having a complete timeline done before the wedding day, ensures that we'll be able to better serve you and you will be able to enjoy your day knowing that your day will flow nicely.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email myself at info@gvphotographer.com and I will be happy to make sure you are making the right decision for your needs.
Thank you,
Gonzalo Verdeja
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