A guide to planning your wedding day timeline
Struggling to plan your wedding day timeline? Here’s a guide to creating a timeline that fits your vision and priorities, with tips to make the day flow seamlessly.
As a photographer, one of the most common areas couples ask for help with is planning their wedding day timeline. Whether or not you’re working with a wedding coordinator, creating a timeline that reflects your vision and priorities is key to a smooth, stress-free day. With my experience documenting countless weddings, I’ve learned how to craft timelines that balance the flow of the day with stunning photography opportunities. Here are my top tips to help you plan a timeline that’s uniquely yours!
Start with your vision
Begin by writing out how you imagine your day unfolding. Don’t overthink it—this isn’t the final draft! Pull ideas from weddings you’ve attended, scenes from your favourite wedding movies, or simply your own imagination.
While there are some loose “rules” to creating a timeline, there’s no one-size-fits-all formula. Think of this as a chance to create a day that feels uniquely yours.
Break it down
Once you have your vision in mind, dive deeper into how long you’d like each part of the day to last.
The Morning:
If you envision an elaborate getting ready process or a slow, leisurely morning with your wedding party, it’s important to leave at least a few hours for this portion of the day. This allows for hair, makeup, and plenty of time to relax and soak in the excitement.
If you’re more low-key and don’t need a lot of prep, you can streamline your morning and be ready in as little as 30 minutes! Think about what feels right for you and how much time you’ll need to feel relaxed and prepared.
The Ceremony:
Not a fan of long ceremonies? Keep yours under 30 minutes. Prefer a more traditional or detailed service? Allow extra time for readings, rituals, or special touches.
Do this for all portions of the day:
The key “parts” of any wedding day typically include:
Getting ready
Bridal/groom portraits
First look (if you're doing one)
Couples photos
Wedding party photos
Ceremony
Family photos
Cocktail hour
Processional
First dance
Reception (dinner and speeches)
Be sure to allocate time for each section to ensure you can enjoy the day without feeling rushed.
Build around your ceremony
The ceremony is often the anchor point of the wedding day timeline. Decide what time of day you’d like to say “I do.” For instance:
A morning ceremony might suit an intimate brunch wedding.
A golden hour ceremony offers stunning lighting for portraits afterward.
Once you’ve picked the time, build the rest of your day around it. Work backward to schedule getting ready and any pre-ceremony activities, like a first look. Then, work forward to plan family photos, cocktail hour, and the reception.
Overlap certain portions of the day
As you’re planning, it’s a good idea to think about which portions of your day can overlap to save time. For example:
Family photos during cocktail hour: If you prefer to skip the post-ceremony family photo session, consider taking family photos before the ceremony or having a portion of them taken during cocktail hour. This frees up time for you to enjoy the reception without feeling rushed.
Speeches during dinner: Instead of waiting until after dinner, speeches can often be incorporated into the meal, saving time and allowing for a smoother flow of events.
Consider what makes the most sense for your day and what will help the day feel relaxed without feeling like a race to check things off the list.
Refine your timeline with vendor input
Once you’ve sketched out a rough timeline, share it with your vendors to get their input.
Your photographer, in particular, will have valuable suggestions. I always work with my couples to adjust parts of the day that feel rushed or overly long, ensuring the timeline fits both their vision and the practicalities of wedding photography.
Additional questions to ask yourself
Here are some questions to help you fine-tune your timeline:
How late do you want your celebration to go?
If you’re someone who loves an early bedtime, there’s no rule saying your wedding has to last until midnight. On the other hand, if you want to dance until the wee hours, make sure your venue allows for late-night celebrations.
When should speeches happen?
Speeches are typically woven into dinner to save time later in the evening, but you can choose what works best for your vibe.
When should the dance floor open?
Do you want to jump straight into dancing after dinner or ease into it with a slower start? Most couples aim to open the dance floor shortly after dinner and speeches, around 8:30–9:00 pm.
Will you include extras?
Consider whether you’ll include a bouquet toss, cake cutting, or other traditional elements. These can be woven in before or after the dance floor opens. If you’d prefer a more modern, relaxed approach, you can skip these altogether.
Enjoy the process
Planning your wedding day timeline is all about balance—prioritizing the moments that matter most while leaving enough room to enjoy the day without feeling rushed.
Let’s create your perfect timeline together
One of my favourite parts of working with couples is curating their wedding day timeline. I’ll help you craft a schedule that flows effortlessly while making the most of your photography coverage.
When you book me as your photographer, I’ll create mock timelines based on the vision you have for your day. These are fully customized to your needs and give you a solid starting point to work from. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a grand celebration, I’d love to help bring your dream day to life!
Let’s chat about your wedding and get started on creating a timeline that’s perfect for you.