Wedding Day Timeline Tips

Creating a relaxed, well-structured wedding day timeline can make all the difference in capturing stunning photos, reducing stress, and allowing everyone to fully enjoy the day. Here’s a guide to planning the flow of your wedding day, with a special focus on making the most of golden hour.

1. Start with Ample Preparation Time

Kick off the day with a calm start by allocating more time than you think you need to get ready. I recommend beginning hair and makeup at least five hours before the ceremony, allowing buffer time for unexpected delays. This allows the photographer to capture candid getting-ready shots without rushing, setting a relaxed tone for the day.

2. Consider a First Look

A first look before the ceremony can be a beautiful, private moment that also helps relieve pre-ceremony nerves. From a timeline perspective, it allows us to take many key photos, including couple portraits, wedding party portraits, and family shots, ahead of time. That way, you can fully enjoy the cocktail hour and spend more time with loved ones after the ceremony.

3. Golden Hour Portraits: Plan to Pause and Enjoy

Golden hour, the period right before sunset, offers soft, warm lighting that’s ideal for breathtaking portraits. It typically falls 45 minutes before sunset, so plan to pause for portraits during this time. Even just 20 minutes can yield timeless photos. Make sure to discuss this with your photographer, who can guide you on when to step out for these shots, so they flow naturally within your timeline.

4. Allow Time for Candid Moments

Creating buffer time between major events (like the ceremony, reception, and cake cutting) ensures that everything flows smoothly. These pauses also give your photographer opportunities to capture authentic, unscripted moments—the laughter, tears, and interactions that tell the true story of your wedding day.

By keeping these wedding day timeline tips in mind, you’ll not only get stunning photos but also create a seamless, memorable day for yourself and your guests. Planning for a relaxed timeline means that you, your family, and your friends can fully immerse in each moment, creating memories that last a lifetime.