How to Plan Your Wedding Day Timeline (Without the Stress)
Planning your wedding day timeline can quickly become overwhelming, but getting it right means you’ll enjoy a relaxed day with plenty of time to capture those beautiful moments.
But let’s be real—if your timeline feels rushed or crammed, those dreamy portraits might get squeezed out, or the whole day can start to feel stressful.
Here’s how to build a wedding timeline that keeps things smooth and leaves plenty of time for all the photos you’ll treasure forever.
Start with the Ceremony Time—and Check the Sunset
Your ceremony is the heart of your day, so pick a time that feels right for you and your guests. But here’s a pro tip: if you’re planning outdoor portraits, especially with natural light, consider when the sun will set.
Golden hour—the hour before sunset—is magic for photos, with soft, warm light that makes everyone glow. Aim to finish your ceremony at least 1.5 to 2 hours before sunset to give enough time for:
Cocktail hour
Formal portraits (wedding party + family + bride & groom)
Some relaxing downtime before the reception
You can quickly find the exact sunset time for your wedding day and location by searching online.
Allow One Hour for Wedding Party + Bride and Groom Portraits
Many couples overestimate how much time it takes to get quality portraits. We recommend setting aside one hour total for all your formal portraits. This includes:
Wedding party photos
Bride and groom portraits
This one-hour block ensures we don’t rush and that you get a beautiful variety of photos without feeling like you’re “on stage.”
Build Buffer Time for Travel & Unexpected Delays
Weddings rarely run exactly on schedule—there’s always a bit of wiggle room needed for traffic between locations, touch-ups, or last-minute hiccups.
Adding 15–30 minutes buffer time around key moments (like getting ready or travel to the ceremony) helps keep your day feeling calm and stress-free.
Sample Wedding Day Timeline for a 3 p.m. Ceremony
12:30 p.m. — Groom and groomsmen finish getting ready (photographer present)
1:30 p.m. — Bride and bridal party finish getting ready (photographer present)
2:30 p.m. — Guests arrive to ceremony
3:00 p.m. — Ceremony begins
3:30 p.m. — Ceremony ends / congratulations & mingling
3:45 p.m. — Wedding party + family photos begin
4:15 p.m. — Bride & groom portraits (golden hour begins approx. 4:30-5:00 p.m., depending on season)
5:15 p.m. — Couple rejoins guests at reception
5:30 p.m. — Round #1 of speeches
6:00 p.m. — Reception begins with dinner
7:00 p.m. — Speeches & cake cutting
7:45 p.m. — Dancing and celebrations
Work Closely with Your Photographer
I’ve photographed hundreds of weddings and seen what works best. Sharing your draft timeline early means I can help you tweak it so there’s enough time for everything, especially those portraits that really matter.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding day timeline sets the tone for your whole day. When you build it with intention, you get to soak up every moment, look amazing in your photos, and enjoy the celebration with your loved ones—without feeling rushed.
If you want expert help creating a timeline that flows perfectly with your photography, let’s chat! I’m here to make your day as joyful and memorable as possible.
Ready to start planning? Visit www.abouttimeco.com to learn more.
Amy x