We’ll be honest—no one wants to feel rushed on their wedding day. This is your moment to enjoy, and the last thing you want is to be stressing about timing. Having a timeline helps you relax and be present, because you’ve already thought through how the day will flow. Plus, if there’s a plan in place, you’re way less likely to miss any of those “must-have” moments.
If we had a dollar for every time someone said, “I just want it all to go smoothly,” we’d probably own a vineyard by now! But the real key to a killer timeline? Prioritizing. Do you want those dreamy sunset photos? Are speeches a must? Is there a surprise dance routine we need to time just right? The earlier we know what’s most important to you, the easier it is to make sure every part of your day gets the spotlight it deserves.
Now, let me tell you a secret: things never go exactly according to plan on a wedding day—and that’s totally okay! We’re flexible enough to adapt to the pace you set. Whether you’re the “everything on the dot” type or more into “let’s see how it goes,” we’ll adjust to whatever feels right for you on your wedding day. Just think of us as your laid-back, but ultra-organized sidekicks.
It’s not just about keeping the day organized—your timeline also helps us make sure we capture every moment that matters to you. We can plan our shots so that everything from your first look to grandma’s happy tears are caught on camera. With a timeline in place, we know exactly where to be at the right time. And if things shift? No problem, we’ll adjust and make sure you still get those perfect shots.
Life doesn’t always follow the schedule, and weddings? Oh, love, they definitely have a mind of their own. We’re prepared for that. The beauty of building your timeline early is that it gives us room to adapt. Whether things run behind or ahead (hey, it happens), we’re pros at keeping things stress-free. So breathe easy knowing we’re ready to roll with whatever comes your way.
If you’re wondering what a typical wedding day timeline might look like, here’s a sample:
Getting Ready: 1½-2 hours (because looking fabulous takes time, and we want to capture every detail!)
Ceremony With First Look: ¼-2 hours (the big reveal and the vows—it’s all happening here!)
Portraits: 1-2 hours (we’ll make sure you get those dreamy, just-married shots)
Cocktail Hour: 1 hour (while you freshen up, your guests can sip and snack)
Reception: 4-5 hours (dancing, speeches, and your favorite tunes—it’s all about the celebration now!)
Couple Send-Off: ¼ hour (one last hurrah to close out your amazing day)
But hey, this is YOUR day. You want a two-hour reception? Go for it. Want to take photos before the ceremony instead of after? Totally fine. It’s all about making it flow the way you want.
Download our Wedding Timeline Template now and start mapping out your dream day. If you need a little extra support or feel stuck at any point, don’t worry—schedule a call with us, and we’ll walk you through your first draft. We’re here to help you every step of the way!
Planning your wedding can feel like solving a jigsaw puzzle with 1,000 pieces. The cake, the flowers, and the seating chart get more complicated every time you look at it. And then there’s the timeline. It’s one of those things that’s easy to overlook, but trust us, once the day arrives, you’ll be SO glad you have one. And now, we will explain WHY.