Wedding Timeline Planning: Your No-Stress Guide to a Seamless Day
Planning your wedding timeline can feel like an overwhelming game of Tetris. If you’re not working with a full-service wedding planner (or even if you are!), I’m here to be your timeline wingwoman. Think of me as your favorite big sister giving all the best wedding advice. It’s so important to me that your wedding day flows together so you can be present to all the moments you put so much thought and heart into.
So let’s dive in and talk all things wedding timeline planning ⚡
Everything Starts With the Light
My number one rule: plan your timeline backwards from sunset. That’s the moment we lose all natural light, which means we need to be done with any outdoor photos you’re dreamin’ of about 20–30 minutes before that. (Unless we’re going for some fun night shots, of course.)
- Golden hour, that dreamy soft light everyone loves, happens 1.5–2 hours before sunset.
- For winter weddings from November-March (yay time change), we need to plan for the ceremony to start 2–2.5 hours before sunset.
- For spring/summer weddings with a late sunset, we’ve got more flexibility. We can sneak out during dinner or reception for that dreamy golden hour magic.
NO. 1 ADVICE: DON’T WAIT TO THE LAST MINUTE TO CREATE YOUR TIMELINE.
Not sure when your ceremony should be? Ask your photographer and planner EARLY—ideally before you order and send your invites. All my couples can schedule a timeline call with me any time throughout the prep process. Especially those with only month-of or day-of planners. It alleviates so much stress to see the day laid out in an orderly fashion. Especially if you aren’t super timeline-savey. I am, so I got you, friend!
Hair & Makeup Wedding Timeline Planning
Hair and makeup can seriously make or break the timeline. If it runs late, everything gets delayed. That’s why I always recommend finishing makeup around 30 minutes after my photo coverage starts. For a 5:30 ceremony, aim for your hair & makeup to be wrapped up by 2:30.
NO. 2 ADVICE: Choose a Hair & Makeup team who genuinely cares about following your timeline.
Sadly, there are some out there who consistently show up late to their clients’ weddings, and that will only cause you more stress. Some of my local favorites who always run on time and keep the day smooth:
Build in Buffer Time (This is Essential)
Friend, I mean it—build in buffer time. Give yourself 10–15 minutes of breathing room between each part of your day. Not because something might go wrong, but because real life moves at its own pace. Sometimes getting dressed takes longer than expected (especially with big wedding parties), someone important goes MIA during family photos, or a wardrobe surprise needs a last-minute fix.
That extra padding? It doesn’t just reduce stress—it creates space for more genuine moments, more laughter, more of you two being fully present. And don’t worry: even if we hit a snag, timeline sorcery is kind of my superpower. My goal (and your planner’s goal) is for you to feel relaxed and radiant, totally unaware anything was ever off in the first place.
NO. 3 ADVICE: The more pauses and down time you plan in your day, the more relaxed you’ll feel to fully enjoy it.
Lean On Your Planner (or Day-of-Coordinator)
I say this with all the love in the world: at the very least, have a day-of coordinator or month-of coordinator. Someone whose sole job is to advocate for you, troubleshoot the hiccups, and help keep your timeline running right along. It’s one of the best wedding gifts you can give yourself.
If you’re thinking of asking a loved one to help, make sure it’s someone who’s not in the wedding party. Your mom, your sister, your ride-or-die BFF—they deserve to be soaking in every second by your side, not figuring out how to round up everyone or cue up the cake cutting. If no one is assigned to that role, it usually ends up falling onto your photographer. And while I can help guide things and be a calm presence throughout the day, that means I’m no longer 100% focused on doing what I do best: capturing the soul & spirit of your love story.
NO. 4 ADVICE: Don’t try to DIY the timeline coordination on the day of.
Some local wedding planners and coordinators I LOVE and trust with my whole heart:
The Most Important Questions to Ask When Wedding Timeline Planning
Your wedding day is a celebration of your love story—so your timeline should reflect what feels most meaningful to you. Whether you’re planning every detail down to the second or you’re going for a relaxed, go-with-the-flow vibe, these are the key questions I always talk through with my couples to build a day that flows beautifully and feels just right.
- What time is sunset on your wedding day? (This helps us know when to wrap all natural light photos and plan portraits with intention.)
- Do you want to do a first look, a first touch, or share private vows? Not sure? I’ve got a whole blog post about it right here to help you decide!
- Do you want to do a first look with bridesmaids, your dad, or another special someone in your life? These are such sweet, grounding moments that deserve time.
- What time will hair and makeup realistically be finished?
- Do we have 20–30 minutes for family portraits built in? Guests usually start arriving 20–30 minutes before the ceremony starts, so let’s make sure all photos with the wedding party are done by then so everyone has time to reset, refresh, and breathe before the big moment.
- Do you want to sneak away for golden hour photos?
- Do you want to join your guests during cocktail hour?
- Are you planning a private last dance, a grand exit, or both?
- Are there any religious, cultural or family traditions that need to be worked in?
- Do you want to do something fun or personal that’s a little out of the box? Need inspo? I’ve got you! Check out these posts: 7 Unique Ideas To Personalize Your Wedding Day | Fun Things To Do At Your Wedding
The earlier we talk through these things, the smoother your day will feel. You do not have to have all the answers yet—that’s what I’m here for. Bring me your ideas, your worries, your Pinterest boards, your sticky notes, and let’s figure it out together.
Your love story deserves to be seen and celebrated in a way that feels natural, meaningful, and SO you.
Real Wedding Timeline Planning Examples by Season
Here’s a peek at real timelines from weddings I’ve photographed throughout the year so you can see how they differ—because daylight, weather, and vibes change season to season. Feel free to use these as your starting point. (And as your photographer, I’m always here to field any questions you may have!)
January Wedding (sunset ~5:40PM)
- 2:00 PM – Getting ready photos
- 3:00 PM – First look / touch / private vows
- 3:15 PM – Separate wedding party photos
3:30 PM – Guests start to arrive / Refresh/set for ceremony - 4:00 PM – Ceremony
- 4:30 PM – Cocktail hour & Family portraits, wedding party, and golden hour portraits
- 5:30 PM – Dinner + toasts
- 7:15 PM – Cake + partaaaay
- 10:00 PM – Grand Exit
March Wedding (sunset ~7:44PM)
- 2:30 PM – Photographer arrives, getting ready + details
- 3:00 PM – Bride gets in dress
- 3:45 PM – Portraits begin
- 4:30 PM – Ceremony
- 5:00 PM – Cocktail Hour + family photos
- 7:00 PM – Golden hour portraits
- 7:45 PM – Toasts
- 8:00 PM – Cake + partaaaay
- 10:30 PM – Grand exit
May Wedding (sunset ~8:10PM)
- 1:30 PM – Photographer arrives
- 2:00 PM – Getting ready photos
- 3:00 PM – First look + bridal portraits
- 4:00 PM – First look with dad
- 5:30 PM – Ceremony
- 6:00 PM – Cocktail Hour + portraits
- 7:00 PM – Reception begins
- 7:30 PM – Sunset photos
- 10:30 PM – Grand Exit
September Wedding (sunset ~7:25PM)
- 2:00 PM – Photographer arrives
- 3:00 PM – Detail photos + bridal party shots
- 4:00 PM – First look + family portraits
- 5:30 PM – Ceremony
- 6:00 PM – Cocktail hour
- 7:00 PM – Dinner + dancing
- 8:30 PM – Cake cutting + more dancing
- 11:00 PM – Grand Exit
Wedding Timeline Planning is Essential
& You Deserve a Day That Feels as Good as It Looks
There are so many “do this, don’t do that” wedding tips and advice out there, but as your photographer/wingwoman, I’m here to ensure your wedding day is your own: full of intentional pauses, deep breaths, dreamy light, and so much love. I want you to laugh ‘til your cheeks hurt, cry the happiest tears, dance with abandon, and never once worry about a timeline hiccup. Because even when they happen, I’ll be there to help ya roll right along (trust me, after 10+ years of doing this, I’ve seen it ALL!)
You’ve got this. It’s going to be AH-MAZING, and I can’t wait to capture the soul & spirit of your love story.
HI FRIEND! I’m so glad you’re here, I’m Leah!
San Antonio TX Wedding Photographer for Modern & Timeless Weddings | Virgo | Aspiring Home Barista | Favorite Big Sister | South Dakota to Texas Gal
Your wedding day is a momentous chapter in your love story and filled with so many decisions. Which wedding venue? How many guests? Who will officiate? What songs? And who will we trust to capture it all? It’s a lot. But… I got you. My superpower is helping you relax and be in the moment. So let’s grab a coffee or hop on a call.
