The Ultimate Hindu Wedding Timeline
A well-planned wedding day timeline is key to getting the best photos. We will work with your planner to ensure key moments like the Jaimala (exchange of garlands) and Kanyadaan (giving away of the bride) are captured at the perfect time, making sure nothing is missed.
We know Hindu weddings encompass an incredible variety of traditions, with every community and family celebrating in their unique way. That’s what makes them so special! However, to help you plan efficiently, we’ve put together a general timeline to guide you through the ideal timeframes for covering each event. While this won’t fit every single tradition, it’s a helpful starting point to ensure your big day is captured beautifully!
Mehndi Event:
Mehndi events come in all shapes and sizes—from grand celebrations to cozy, intimate gatherings. To ensure your photographer captures exactly what you envision, it’s essential to communicate the type of coverage you’re looking for. If the bride’s henna application happens on the same day as the event, coordinate with the henna artist to confirm the timing. We typically arrive toward the end of the application process, snapping a few photos of the bride getting her henna done and then shifting focus to guests mingling and enjoying their designs. Our coverage usually lasts around 1–1.5 hours, but if you’re planning formal moments like speeches or dance performances, consider adding more time to ensure everything is beautifully documented.
Grah Shanti/Vidhi/Pujas:
Pre-Wedding prayers and rituals are very important for family members. Not all couples want this intimate event captured but when we are there, it’s anywhere between 1-3 hours of coverage. Some families follow all of the traditions awhile others want a short puja. It’s important to ask your parents how indepth of an event they plan on having.
Haldi/Phiti:
We absolutely love shooting this fun tumeric ceremony! It makes for so many memorable moments. And if your friends and family are the agressive type, the photos are a joy to look back on! For this event, we’re usually there for about 1-1.5 hours, depending on how many guests are invited.
Sangeet/Garba:
The Sangeet is one of the most vibrant and energetic events in an Indian wedding, brimming with music, dance, and joy. For wedding photographers, it’s a golden opportunity to capture the essence of celebration—from choreographed family performances to spontaneous dance-offs on the floor. The colorful decor, dazzling outfits, and emotional moments like heartfelt speeches or laughter-filled rehearsals make for incredible storytelling through photos.
We like to arrive about an hour before your Sangeet kicks off. This gives us time to capture stunning portraits in your gorgeous outfit and snap some immediate family photos before the action begins. As guests start arriving, we love documenting those warm, heartfelt moments when both sides meet—think big hugs, wide smiles, and plenty of laughter. Once the formalities wrap up and the dance floor heats up, we’ll stay to capture all the epic moves and high-energy performances. Typically, Sangeet/Garba night coverage lasts about 5 hours, giving us plenty of time to photograph the magic.
Wedding Day (Ceremony/Reception):
This is a general timeline but we’ll work with you to create a custom timeline to make sure everything is captured perfectly.
Ideally, we would love to take all of the photo formalities before the baraat. This way hair and makeup is still fresh, and there’s more quiet moments to savor the day before the fun craziness begins.
Getting Ready - We love starting the day with those cozy, behind-the-scenes moments as you get ready. It's a great way to ease into the day and capture heartwarming candids, especially if your friends or family are helping you. (~1 hour)
First Look - If you're sticking with tradition and waiting until the ceremony to see each other, we totally respect that! But if you’re open to it, a private first look can be a beautiful, intimate moment to share together before the excitement begins. (~15 minutes)
Bride & Groom Portraits - Our absolute favorite part! This is your time to shine. These portraits will become your go-to for social media and stunning wall art. With enough time, we can get a mix of candid and posed shots in a variety of beautiful backdrops. (~1 hour)
Wedding Party Photos - If you have bridesmaids, groomsmen, or a wedding crew, we’ll capture some fun group shots that showcase your personalities. (~45 minutes)
Immediate Family Photos - We like to schedule these before the ceremony for a different setting and to keep things moving smoothly later. (~15 minutes)
Baraat - Who doesn’t love a lively baraat? From the groom’s grand entrance to the milni and greetings, we’ll capture every high-energy, joyous moment. (~1 hour)
Ceremony - The ceremony duration depends on your family and priest, so check with them for an accurate timeline. We’ll be there to capture every sacred moment.
Family Group Photos - Right after the ceremony is the perfect time for large family group shots. Everyone’s already present, and the mandap makes a stunning backdrop. (~30 minutes to 1 hour)
Vidaai - If you’re planning a vidaai, we’ll document this emotional and heartfelt moment beautifully. (~30 minutes)
Bride & Groom Portraits (Reception Outfit) - If you’re changing for the reception, it’s a great time for a second round of portraits to highlight your new look. (~45 minutes)
Immediate Family Photos (Reception Outfit) - New outfit, new family photos! This ensures a complete collection of cherished moments. (~15 minutes)
Cocktail Hour - While we’re busy with your portraits, our second shooter will be capturing cocktail hour candids, group photos, and the vibe of the event. (~1–1.5 hours)
Reception - From speeches to your first dance, we’ll be there to document all the formalities. Once the dance floor opens, we’ll capture those epic moves before wrapping up the night. (~4 hours)
This is just a general guide! Don’t stress—your timeline can always be fine-tuned as the big day gets closer. 😊