Wedding Timeline Tips From a Photographer Who’s Seen It All

Hey friend — I’m so glad you’re here!

Whether you just got engaged (ahh congrats!) or you’ve been planning for a while and are finally tackling the big to-do list, I’m so honored to be part of your journey. This season should feel exciting, meaningful, and (dare I say it?) fun — not stressful.

That’s why I wanted to share a few of my go-to wedding timeline tips with you. These are the things I’ve learned after photographing dozens and dozens of weddings over the past eight years — from mountaintop elopements to big family celebrations, sunny backyard weddings to cathedral ceremonies. Every couple is different, but there are a few universal truths I’ve found that can help your day run more smoothly and feel more like you.

Let’s dive in:

1. Give Yourself More Time Than You Think You’ll Need

I promise — this is the number one tip I give every single couple I work with.
Wedding days almost always run a little behind schedule. Maybe makeup takes longer than expected. Maybe someone’s stuck in traffic. Maybe you just want an extra ten minutes to hug your mom or take a breath before your first look. All of that is normal.

So let’s plan for it.

When we build your timeline, we’ll buffer in some breathing room — in between getting ready, during transitions, and especially before the ceremony. You’ll feel way more relaxed knowing you don’t have to rush from one thing to the next. And if everything runs perfectly on time? Even better. That means you’ll have a moment to pause, grab a snack, or soak it all in.

2. Hair + Makeup Always Runs Behind — And That’s Okay

I love my glam teams dearly, but in my experience, hair and makeup almost always goes over the original estimate — especially if you have a large wedding party.

Here’s the trick: plan to be completely ready — hair, makeup, and dressed — 30–45 minutes before your first look or pre-ceremony portraits. That way you’re not feeling flustered trying to wrangle shoes or earrings when we’re supposed to be walking out the door.

And trust me: you’ll want those extra minutes to freshen up, sip some champagne, or just sit in silence before everything begins. That quiet moment right before the day really kicks off? It’s golden.

3. Lighting Can Make or Break the Vibe — Let’s Use It Well

This is where the photography nerd in me comes out — but it’s so important.
The quality of light can totally change the feel of your photos. And one of the most magical times of day for portraits is golden hour — that soft, glowy, golden light that happens about an hour before sunset.

If it works with your timeline, I love planning a short photo session during that time. We don’t have to make a big deal of it — just sneak away for 10–15 minutes during cocktail hour or after dinner. It’s a chance to breathe, connect, and get those dreamy, romantic shots that feel straight out of a movie.

4. First Look or No First Look? Let’s Talk About It

Whether or not you want to do a first look is totally up to you. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — but it will affect your timeline.

If you do a first look, we can knock out most of your portraits (including couple photos, wedding party, and even family shots) before the ceremony. That means you’ll get to enjoy more of cocktail hour, spend time with your guests, and feel like you're not missing out.

If you want to keep it traditional and wait until you walk down the aisle — I support that too! We’ll just build in plenty of time for portraits after the ceremony. Either way, I’ll help you figure out what’s right for your vibe and values.

5. Make a Family Photo List — and Include Names

Family photos can go super quickly… or they can be a chaotic mess of “wait, where’s Uncle Mike?” and “is Grandma supposed to be in this one?”

The best way to make this part smooth and painless is to write out a family photo list ahead of time. I’ll send you a questionnaire a few weeks before the wedding with a spot for this — and when you fill it out, be sure to include first names, not just “Bride’s Aunt” or “Groom’s Cousins.” That way I can call people out by name and keep things moving quickly.

Bonus tip: designate a point person (someone who knows both sides of the family) to help gather people. You’ll be amazed how much easier it makes things!

6. Ceremony Start Times Matter (A Lot)

This might sound obvious, but the time your ceremony starts will anchor your entire day. If you're getting married at sunset or at a church with strict timing, that determines when everything else — getting ready, first look, photos, dinner — happens.

Once you choose a ceremony time, we’ll work backwards to build a timeline that fits everything in without making it feel like a race. My goal is always for you to feel relaxed, grounded, and fully present — not stressed out watching the clock.

7. You Don’t Have to Follow Any "Rules"

At the end of the day, this is your wedding. If a standard timeline doesn’t feel like you — toss it. Want to get ready together instead of separately? Do it. Want to read vows privately in the woods before the ceremony? Love it. Want to do a champagne tower before dinner? Yes please.

I’ll help you build a timeline that reflects you two — your personalities, your values, your priorities. Because that’s what people remember most. Not whether the timeline was “correct”… but how it felt.

8. Things Will Go "Wrong" — and That’s Okay

It might rain. Someone might spill wine on their shirt. A boutonnière might fall apart. It’s all part of the story.

What matters most is that you're getting married — surrounded by people who love you. Try to let go of perfection and focus on presence. I’ll be right there with you, gently guiding the flow of the day and capturing every beautifully imperfect moment.

You’ve got this. And I’ve got you.

Want to See a Sample Timeline?

If you’re the kind of person who likes to see how things fit together (hi, same), you can download my Sample Wedding Day Timeline right here. It’s a helpful starting point that I’ll personalize with you later, based on your venue, ceremony time, and the unique flow of your day.

Final Thoughts

Timeline planning can feel overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be. If you book with me, I’ll build your custom wedding day timeline for you. We’ll fine-tune all the details together about 6–8 weeks before the big day so everything feels smooth, stress-free, and perfectly tailored to your day. You won’t need to worry about figuring it out on your own — I’ve got you.

That said, even if you’re still in the early planning stages or just exploring your options, I’m always happy to share tips and insight with newly engaged couples. I’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and what helps you actually enjoy the experience instead of stressing through it. My hope is that this guide gives you a head start and a little peace of mind.

No matter what kind of celebration you’re planning, I’m cheering you on and so grateful you’re here.

Can’t wait to learn more about you and your story.

xo,
Julia