Maine & NH Wedding Photographer // Wedding Photography Timeline Tips
Planning your wedding day timeline can feel like an Olympic-level task, but nailing it down is key to a stress-free day. As a wedding photographer who’s seen timelines go off the rails (hello, hair and makeup running an hour over!), I’m here to help you craft a timeline that’s as smooth as your first dance.
Let’s dive into some must-know tips for creating a stress-free wedding day timeline.
1. Build in a Buffer for Getting Ready
One word: buffer. Hair and makeup often run over—way more often than I’d like to admit. I’ve seen it turn a calm morning into a rush-to-the-ceremony frenzy, and trust me, no one wants to see a stressed-out bride.
My advice? Pad your timeline with extra time during the getting-ready portion. If hair and makeup finish early (woohoo!), you’ll have time to hang out with your crew, sip some bubbly, and soak in those precious moments. Isn’t that way better than frantically trying to pin on a veil while your planner taps their watch?
2. First Look: Yay or Nay?
The first look is totally up to you. If you want to see your partner’s jaw drop before the ceremony, go for it! If you’d rather save that moment for the aisle, that’s amazing too.
But if you do choose a first look, take advantage of the time that follows. Use it to knock out group pictures like family formals and wedding party portraits. It’ll free up time after the ceremony for mingling with your guests.
That said, I highly recommend saving your couple portraits for golden hour. Why? Two solid reasons:
Picture Fatigue: After an hour of family formals and wedding party pictures, most couples are done. Smiling starts to feel like a workout.
Golden Hour Magic: The best lighting for portraits is during golden hour (that dreamy, soft light right before sunset). I love stealing my couples for golden hour, sunset, and even night portraits—the vibe is unbeatable.
3. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
A successful timeline isn’t just about the couple; it’s a collaborative effort between your photographer, planner, and DJ (or band). We all have a role to play, and when we’re on the same page, your day flows seamlessly.
Make sure your photographer, DJ, and planner communicate their timelines and coordinate transitions, from the ceremony to the grand entrance, cake cutting, and beyond. No one’s job is more important than anyone else’s—we’re all working together to make your day perfect.
Remember, this is your day. You deserve to enjoy it without rushing or stressing. Build in buffers, make time for golden hour magic, and let your vendor team take the wheel. Your only job? Soak in every second of love, laughter, and epic dance moves.
