Wedding Planning Timeline Tips from a Photographer

(Or: How to Avoid a Stress Spiral and Still Get Gorgeous Photos)

Planning your wedding timeline is one of the most important steps to ensuring your day feels smooth, relaxed, and stress-free—and yes, that includes making sure you get all the dreamy, emotional, and beautifully lit photos you’ve been envisioning.

After photographing weddings for more than six years, I’ve developed a set of go-to questions I ask every couple to help build the perfect, personalized timeline. Whether you're Type A with a spreadsheet or flying by the seat of your just-engaged pants, here are a few things to consider as you plan your wedding day schedule:

1. Are you doing a first look?

This is always the first question I ask—because it sets the tone for how the rest of the timeline flows. A first look opens the door for portraits, bridal party photos, and even some family photos to happen before the ceremony (which means you’ll spend less time away from your guests afterward).

That said, if you're dreaming of seeing each other for the first time at the altar, we can absolutely build a timeline that works for that too!

2. How much do you want to get done before the ceremony?

Some couples want to get all the formal photos out of the way early so they can enjoy cocktail hour. Others prefer to break it up and do a few after the ceremony when the lighting is softer. Think about your personality and priorities—are you the “get it done” type or do you want to savor every step slowly?

3. What kind of bridal party photos do you want?

Here’s where I ask:

Do you want individual shots with each bridesmaid/groomsman?
Or would you prefer a more traditional group approach?

Either option is great, but your choice affects how much time we’ll need. (Also, spoiler: group shots with fun prompts = lots of laughs.)

4. Let’s talk family photos. How intense are we going here?

Some couples keep it to immediate family and grandparents. Others include extended family (aunts, uncles, cousins). Neither is right or wrong—but knowing ahead of time helps us plan enough buffer to make sure we’re not sprinting through it or running behind.

Bonus tip: Have someone help round up family members. It’s always faster with a wrangler!

5. Do you want getting ready photos—and if so, how early?

Getting ready photos can be some of the most candid, joy-filled moments of the day. You might also consider robe or pajama shots with your bridal party if that’s your vibe. Just be sure to account for how much time you’ll need to actually get ready and not feel rushed.

6. Are you a “just a few details” person… or full flat lay queen?

Some of my couples hand me a box with rings and call it good. Others want the whole flat lay moment with invitations, florals, shoes, heirlooms, and more. If you want those types of editorial detail shots, we’ll need to build that into the early timeline.

(And don’t worry—if you don’t know yet, we can absolutely decide closer to your wedding!)

7. Do you want a big send-off photo at the end of the night?

Whether it’s sparklers, bubbles, or glow wands, end-of-night send-off photos are super fun—but also add to your coverage needs. If you’re working with a limited number of hours, I’ll help you decide if we want to plan a fake send-off with just the wedding party or keep me there through the very end.

Final Thoughts

The truth is: your timeline should reflect you.
If you're someone who thrives on structure, I’ll help you map it out to the minute. If you're more go-with-the-flow, I’ll make sure we’ve got enough flexibility to keep it chill while still capturing all the moments that matter.

When we start working together, I’ll send a timeline questionnaire that walks through all of these questions so we can create a plan that works best for your vision, your people, and your day.

And hey—if you're reading this and still looking for a photographer who can actually help you with this stuff, reach out! I'd love to chat.