Hey, bride-to-be! Your wedding day is going to be ahhh-mazing and packed with love, laughter, and all the unforgettable moments. To make sure your day runs like a dream and you don’t miss a single memory, let’s talk about creating the perfect timeline for your photos and video. Trust me—a little planning goes a long way!
1. Start with Your Ceremony Time
Everything—and I mean everything—revolves around when you’ll be walking down that aisle! Once you’ve nailed down your ceremony time, you can start filling in all the fun stuff before and after. Make sure to note the sunset for your wedding day. If you love light and airy photography you wouldn’t want to do a 5:00PM ceremony if sunset is at 5:30PM (Unless you choose to do a first look! )
2. Give Yourself Time to Get Gorgeous
This isn’t just about hair and makeup—this part of the day is full of excitement, happy tears, and moments you’ll want to soak in with your besties! It’s also when your photographer and videographer capture those dreamy detail shots and candid laughs. We’re talking:
- Your dress, shoes, rings, bouquet, and invites (so Pinterest-worthy!)
- Laughter with your bridesmaids as you get dolled up
- That moment when you look in the mirror and go, “OMG, I’m a bride!”
Tips: Make sure your hair and makeup is finished before your scheduled to start photos. I always aim to have hair and makeup wrapped up 15-30 minutes in advance just in case they run behind.
3. Plan for a First Look (If You’re Doing One!)
Okay, let’s talk first looks. Whether you’re Team First Look or Team Save It for the Aisle, this moment can be SO special. It’s a chance to have a quiet moment with your honey before the whirlwind begins. Plus, it’s a huge time-saver for portraits later on!
Recommended Time: 30 to 45 minutes of pure swoon.
4. Family & Wedding Party Pics
Smile! It’s time for group photos. Whether you knock these out before or after the ceremony, having a photo list ready will make sure no one (looking at you, Uncle Bob!) gets left out.
Recommended Time: 30 to 45 minutes of hugs, smiles, and photo ops.
5. Allow for Travel Time (if Needed)
If you’re hopping between venues (say, from the hotel to the church), plan ahead! Factor in traffic, time to load up the bridal party, and maybe even a bathroom break.
Recommended Time: Varies, but add at least 30 minutes to be safe.
6. Golden Hour = Magic Hour
Golden hour—aka the hour before sunset—is when the light is like pure magic. Think dreamy, golden glow that makes your portraits look like a fairytale. Make time to sneak away with your photographer and videographer during this window!
Recommended Time: 15 to 30 minutes (quick and oh-so-worth it).
7. Capture Those Reception Details
Before your guests flood the reception, your photo and video team will want to capture all the décor you worked so hard on—table settings, centerpieces, cake, and all the pretty little details. These shots are chef’s kiss perfect for your album.
Recommended Time: 15 to 30 minutes before guests arrive before the ceremony.
8. Leave Room for Candid Fun
This is your day to shine, so don’t worry if things don’t go exactly by the minute. Some of the best moments—a surprise hug from Grandma or your best friend breaking it down on the dance floor—happen when you least expect them. Your photo and video team will be ready to catch all the feels.
Sample Wedding Day Timeline
1:00 PM – Getting Ready/Detail Photos Start
Details, glam squad, and Groom Getting Ready
2:00 PM – First Look & Couple’s Portraits
Cue the waterworks!
2:30 PM – Wedding Party Photos
Strike a pose with your besties.
3:00 PM – Immediate Family Photos
Time to smile and say cheese with the fam.
3:30 PM – Wedding Party in Hiding
Your Photo + Video team will get set up for ceremony and capture reception details.
4:00 PM – Ceremony
It’s GO time!
4:30 PM – Cocktail Hour & Reception Details
Guests mingle while portraits wrap up.
5:30 PM – Reception Grand Entrance
Get ready to party!
5:40 PM – Dinner
6:10 PM Golden Hour Portraits
Sneak away for those dreamy sunset shots.
6:30 PM – Reception Continues
Toasts, cake cutting, dancing, and all the fun.
10:00 PM – Grand Exit
Sparkler exit, bubbles, or a creative send-off!
Bonus Tips for a Stress-Free Day
- Hire a Planner: Seriously, planners are like wedding-day superheroes.
- Communicate with Vendors: Share your timeline with everyone—photographer, videographer, DJ, planner… the whole dream team!
- Pad the Schedule: Give yourself some buffer time. Life happens, and it’s better to be chill than rushed.
With a solid timeline in place, you’ll be able to soak in every magical moment without stressing about what’s next. You’ll have photos and videos that capture not just the events of the day, but the feeling of it—and that’s what truly lasts.
Need a little extra help with your timeline? I’m here for you! Let’s make your dream day happen!
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