Creating a Wedding Timeline That Works: Tips from a Wedding Photographer

Wedding planning can feel like a giant puzzle, and one of the trickiest pieces to put together is the wedding timeline. After all, you want everything to go smoothly, but you also want time for the moments that matter most — like capturing those beautiful bridal portraits, enjoying the day with your closest people, and making sure no one’s rushing through any of it.

As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen it all when it comes to timelines — the tight ones, the overstuffed ones, and the ones that are just perfect. So, here are my best tips to help you create a wedding timeline that works, keeps everything on track, and allows time for the stunning photos you’ll treasure forever!

Photo by Philip Small of Small Story Films

1. Don’t Skip the Bridal Portraits

Bridal portraits (or couple portraits) are some of the most important photos of the day, but they often get squeezed into a tight corner of the timeline. You might be tempted to cut back on portrait time to fit in more details or activities, but trust me, you’ll regret it.

If possible, set aside at least 30-45 minutes for just the two of you to be photographed (and away from the crowd). These portraits are often where you’ll get some of your most emotional and intimate shots — you know, the ones you’ll want to frame or turn into your wedding album. A peaceful moment with just you and your partner allows your photographer to capture the genuine chemistry without distractions.

Plus, let’s be real: You’ve put so much effort into your hair, makeup, and that perfect dress — this is the time to make sure it shines!

Photo by Philip Small of Small Story Films

2. Plan for Travel and Transitions Between Locations

If you’re having your ceremony and reception at different locations, be sure to account for travel time. It’s easy to forget, but transportation can eat up a lot more time than you expect. Whether you’re traveling by car, bus, or limo, consider how long the journey will take and add a buffer for traffic or unexpected delays.

If you’re working with a wedding planner or a coordinator, ask them to help keep track of all logistics, but make sure they’ve factored in extra time between major events. A good rule of thumb: add an extra 15-20 minutes to your travel time. It gives you a bit of breathing room and keeps stress at bay.

Also, when transitioning between locations or events (say, from the ceremony to cocktail hour), make sure you’ve built in time for your photographer to grab candid shots of the guests mingling, as well as any special moments that could happen during that time.

Photo by Philip Small of Small Story Films

3. Don’t Overpack Your Day

A wedding day can easily fill up with lots of activities, but remember: less is more when it comes to the timeline. Try not to pack every minute with something. Instead, aim for a balanced schedule that gives you time to breathe, enjoy the moment, and still get the shots you want.

For example, if you want to include a fun activity like a first-look with your partner or your bridesmaids, consider moving that earlier in the day, so it doesn't get rushed or crammed in after the ceremony.

The goal is to build a timeline that allows for flexibility. Things will run late or be behind schedule at some point — that’s inevitable. A packed schedule doesn’t leave much room for recovery, and that's where stress starts to creep in.

Photo by Philip Small of Small Story Films

4. Allow for Extra Time with Your Photographer

Another big mistake couples make is underestimating how long photography takes. A professional photographer doesn’t just snap a few pictures and call it a day — they’ll need time to capture every moment, from getting ready, to the ceremony, portraits, and reception details.

It’s always a good idea to add in a bit of wiggle room between events for things like group shots with family, extra detail photos (like rings, shoes, and your bouquet), and even candids during the ceremony. These little details are often the ones that end up making your wedding album truly special.

If you’re planning to do a first look, you can actually use that time to your advantage! You can take some of your bridal portraits right after the first look (before the ceremony). That way, you’re not scrambling for time later in the day.

5. Don’t Forget About the Little Moments

While big events like your ceremony and reception might take up a lot of focus, remember the small moments are just as important! You’ll want your photographer to capture candid moments — like your partner’s reaction when they see you walk down the aisle, the laughter during your vows, or the joy of everyone on the dance floor.

So be sure to build in time for your photographer to float around, capture details like the cake or centerpieces, and snap a few candid moments of your guests enjoying themselves. These photos often become some of the most cherished memories of the day.

Photo by Philip Small of Small Story Films

6. Coordinate with Your Vendors

Timing is everything, and it’s not just about photography. Your other vendors (caterers, florists, musicians, etc.) will likely have their own time constraints too. Be sure to work with them to make sure everything syncs up. If your caterer needs a certain amount of time to set up before dinner service, or if your band needs a little time to set up their equipment before your first dance, it’s important to know these things in advance.

Have a clear timeline that you share with each vendor so everyone knows what’s happening and when. This will help things run smoother, and you won’t have to worry about things happening out of order or overlapping.

7. Be Realistic About the Length of Your Day

Your wedding day is going to be amazing, but it’s also going to be long. From getting ready to your last song of the night, it’s easy to lose track of time. If you’re planning a very long day (say, a 12-hour wedding timeline), be sure to build in some rest time.

Give yourself and your bridal party a chance to sit, relax, and recharge between major events. You’ll feel so much better for it, and your photos will show the joy rather than exhaustion!

In Conclusion

Creating a wedding timeline that works is all about balance. Leave enough time for the important moments (like bridal portraits), but also build in flexibility and time for the unexpected. The more prepared you are, the more relaxed you’ll feel on the big day — and trust me, you’ll be so glad you did when you look back at those photos!

If you’re ever in doubt about how much time to allocate for each section of the day, don’t hesitate to reach out to your photographer for guidance. They’re there to help you create a timeline that’s realistic and gives you plenty of space to enjoy the magic of your wedding day.

Happy planning, and don’t forget to take a deep breath!