If there’s one thing I’ve learned after photographing weddings over the past few years, it’s that a solid timeline makes all the difference. It’s what helps the day feel calm, joyful, and actually enjoyable instead of rushed or chaotic. So if you’re in the middle of planning and feeling a little overwhelmed, here are my go-to timeline tips for a smooth wedding day—real talk from someone who’s seen it all unfold.
Because truly, you deserve to feel present on your wedding day—not just busy.
1. Start with the ceremony and build backward
Once you’ve nailed down your ceremony time, everything else can fall into place around it. This is the anchor for your timeline. From there, we can work backward to plan when you should start getting ready, when portraits will happen, and how much time we need to fit in all the special moments you’re dreaming about. It’s also really important to consider sunset when choosing your ceremony time—especially if you’re having an outdoor ceremony or want portraits afterward. The light fades fast, and making sure we have enough time before it disappears helps us capture those dreamy, glowy images you’ll love forever.
2. Always give buffer room in your timeline
This is a big one. Weddings never run perfectly on time, and that’s totally okay. But by adding 5 to 10 minute buffers throughout the day—especially around things like getting dressed, portraits, or travel—you’ll give yourself space to breathe and stay relaxed. It’s one of the easiest ways to protect your peace.
3. Consider a first look (if that feels like you)
I never push couples to do a first look, but if you’re even a little open to it, it can be a huge help. Not only does it give you and your partner a quiet moment together before the ceremony, but it also lets us knock out so many portraits early in the day not just of the two of you but also for the family formals and wedding party portraits. That way, you get to enjoy more of your cocktail hour with the people you love.
4. Share the timeline with your vendors
Once the timeline is finalized, make sure everyone involved in the day has it—especially your photographer, videographer, planner, makeup artist, and DJ. I always send a detailed photography timeline to my couples and their vendor team to keep everything running smoothly. When everyone’s on the same page, the whole day flows so much better.
5. Don’t forget to include travel time
Even if you’re not driving anywhere, transitions take time. Walking from a hotel room to a shuttle, getting across a venue property in heels, or waiting for a bridesmaid who ran back to grab her bouquet—it all adds up. Be generous with your travel blocks, even for small distances.
6. Plan time for sunset photos
That golden hour light is just so good. I always recommend setting aside 10 to 15 minutes around sunset for a few extra portraits. These are often some of my couples’ favorite images from the whole gallery—soft, glowy, and full of that just-married magic.
7. Make space for the personal stuff
This day is about you two and the people you love. If you want a first look with your dad, time to exchange private vows, or a champagne toast with your bridal party before the ceremony—let’s make it happen. Those little pockets of time often turn into the most meaningful memories.
A well-thought-out timeline is more than just a schedule—it’s the thing that helps you actually enjoy your wedding day. You’ve worked so hard to get here, and you deserve to feel every moment without rushing from one thing to the next. Every couple I work with gets a custom photo timeline that fits their day perfectly, and I’m always happy to help talk it through.
If you found these timeline tips for a smooth wedding day helpful, stick around the blog or reach out—I’d love to support you however I can.
Want more wedding planning tips?
I’ve got you! Whether you’re looking for outfit inspiration, photo ideas, or more ways to make your day feel intentional and stress-free, there’s a lot more where this came from. You can check out more wedding planning tips here or browse some of my recent love stories on the blog.
And if you’re more of an Instagram scroller, I share behind-the-scenes moments, favorite images, and honest tips over on Instagram—come say hi!
Wherever you are in your planning process, just know I’m cheering you on every step of the way.
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