How to Plan Your Wedding Day Timeline (and Actually Enjoy It!)
Planning a wedding is like piecing together a beautiful puzzle. When all the parts fit seamlessly, the picture is perfect—but if one piece is off, it can throw everything into chaos. As your wedding photographer, I’ve seen countless timelines unfold, and trust me, I know what works (and what doesn’t). So, let’s dive into some practical, fun, and friendly advice to help you nail your wedding day timeline!
1. Make Downtime a Priority
Your wedding is meant to be a celebration, not a marathon. If every minute is tightly scheduled, you’ll find yourself rushing instead of relaxing. Include buffer time—those extra 5-10 minutes here and there will feel like golden nuggets of calm. They give you space to breathe, chat with guests, or sneak a private moment with your new spouse.
Pro tip: If you end up ahead of schedule, grab a drink and soak up the love around you.
2. Start Morning Prep Early
The morning sets the tone for the entire day, and let’s be real—this part often runs late. Hair, makeup, and a hundred other little details have a way of eating up time. Starting an hour earlier than you think ensures that the morning isn’t rushed and allows you to truly enjoy one of the most special mornings of your life.
3. Make It About YOU
Do you love cake cutting, or is it not your thing? Group photos—must-have or skip-worthy? This is your day, so focus on what makes you happy. Forget the traditions that don’t resonate with you. A curated timeline filled with moments that truly matter to you will make the day unforgettable.
“Our first meeting with Kayleigh (hiding from the kids in the playroom on zoom! Haha) was amazing within seconds we felt like we had known each other for ages. She also gave us LOADS of great advice for the day and made us even more excited.”
4. Factor in Venue Logistics
If your venue is large, remember to account for travel time between spaces. Walking 10-15 minutes to your ceremony site or reception area can easily throw off your timeline. Nobody wants to sprint in their wedding attire!
5. Plan Around Light (and Heat!)
Golden hour photos are pure magic, but they require careful planning. Check the sunset time and carve out 20-30 minutes to sneak away for these dreamy shots. If you’re tying the knot in the heat of summer, consider scheduling your ceremony later in the afternoon when the temperatures are cooler.
6. Follow a Flexible Template
Here’s an example of a relaxed, adaptable timeline to get you started:
• 1:00 PM | Guests arrive
• 1:30 PM | Ceremony
• 2:00 PM | Drinks reception & canapés
• 2:30 PM | Photographs
• 4:00 PM | Speeches (before or after the meal)
• 5:00 PM | Wedding breakfast
• 7:00 PM | Golden hour photos / cake cutting
• 8:00 PM | First dance
Use this as a foundation and tweak it to fit your vision. Remember, the key is balance—structured enough to keep things running smoothly but relaxed enough to feel natural and fun.
Let’s Create Something Unforgettable!
Planning your timeline isn’t just about logistics - it’s about creating the space for incredible memories. And as your photographer, I’m here to capture every single one. Want some expert advice or a helping hand in planning? Let’s chat and craft the perfect plan for your day.