The events of the day can usually be captured very unobtrusively and spontaneously once the formal photographs are completed.

A photographic session early on calms the bride, groom and families before the ceremony and gets the posed photographs out of the way early.  However, if the bride and groom are reluctant to see each other before the ceremony then time must be set-aside after the ceremony for those important images.  Use the sunrise - sunset table provided in another article to make sure you have set aside enough time.

It is important to note that I will usually take close-ups of the bride alone before the ceremony and with her parents and bridesmaids if the bride and groom don't get together before the ceremony and given time I will do the same with the groom before hand. This also shortens time for the posed shoots after the ceremony.

It is important to choose a location and make sure everyone is on time.

1. The first step is to decide which photographs are your priorities. It's a good idea to start with the bride and groom. This is the image everyone wants and will likely be passed down through the family for generations.
2. The immediate families are first to be photographed with the bride and groom. Most professionals will photograph extended families at the reception in order to cut down on the formal pictures immediately after the ceremony.
3. Next, I usually take formal and candid images of the wedding party and while doing so my assistant will send the parents on to the cocktail hour just to let the guests know the bride and groom are on the way.
   

Candid photographs are taken throughout the wedding.  There are certain events such as, the toast, the first dance, the cake, etc. where it's important for the professional photographer to have an approximate time line; however, it's my belief that these are still candid moments and not staged events.

Remember that there must be a time and a place to bring families and friends together for the photographs that are important. And remember one of the biggest set backs to the professional photographer comes when the bride is slow to get ready and the opportunity beautiful images becomes a rush to get to the church on time. Plan your photo schedule with the photographer well in advance of the wedding day.

(based on "An Insider's View on Planning Wedding Photography" by Carl Cox)