Your Wedding Day Timeline: Tips From a Wedding Photographer

Wedding planning can be overwhelming, and one of the most important aspects to consider is the timeline for your big day.

A well-organised and thought-out timeline can ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly and allows you to fully enjoy every moment without feeling rushed or stressed. As a documentary-style wedding photographer, I know first-hand how well a wedding goes down with an organised timeline, and it makes my (and other suppliers’) job much easier too!

So, without further ado, if you’re wondering ‘how to do your wedding planning’ here are your wedding day timeline tips from a wedding photographer…

Your Wedding Day Timeline Tips

• Be in Your Dress One Hour Before Your Ceremony
• Time to Soak Everything in After Your Ceremony
• Factor in Buffer Time for No Rushing
• Making the Most of the Golden Hour Photos
• Hire a Wedding Planner or Coordinator

Be in Your Dress One Hour Before Your Ceremony

Let’s talk about something very important – the dress.

I mean, it’s probably the most stunning and expensive piece of clothing you will ever wear, so you better make sure you have enough time to rock it, right? That’s why it’s crucial to schedule into your wedding day timeline when you will be in your dress – I suggest one hour before your ceremony.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – an hour? That seems excessive! But trust me, it’s worth it. 

First of all, it allows for some precious time to take photos with your bridesmaids and family before all the chaos begins. And if this is something you choose to do on your wedding day, let’s not forget the epic first look with your soon-to-be spouse! You want to capture that priceless expression on their face when they see you in all your glory, right?

But there’s another reason to be in your dress early – it gives you some much-needed breathing space. Let’s face it, getting into a wedding dress is not always the easiest task. It requires patience, skill, and a little bit of magic. So, by giving yourself an hour, you will avoid any last-minute panic or wardrobe malfunctions.

Plus, being in your dress early means you can relax and enjoy those pre-ceremony moments. Sip on some champagne, laugh with your bridal party, and bask in the anticipation of what’s to come. Trust me, it’s a wonderful way to start your wedding day journey.

Time to Soak Everything in After Your Ceremony

Alright, you’ve said “I do” and survived the nerve-wracking ceremony.

Now it’s time to take a moment, let out a big sigh of relief, and soak everything in. After all, you have just committed to spending the rest of your life with your partner, and that deserves a moment of pure bliss.

Picture this – you’re standing there, just married, with your friends and family surrounding you, all teary-eyed and overjoyed. This is your chance to take it all in. Embrace the moment. 

Savour the love and the overwhelming feeling of happiness. Dance around like no one is watching, or have a big group hug with your wedding party. This is the time to let loose and celebrate your newlywed status.

Don’t rush off to the next thing on the wedding day timeline just yet. Take 5-10 minutes to congratulate yourselves, to share a kiss, and to fully appreciate the fact that you are officially married. Because trust me, time flies when you’re having fun, and before you know it, the day will be over.

This is always super helpful for me as a wedding photographer as it gives me some time to set up ready for that confetti moment!

So, make sure you carve out some time to soak everything in after your ceremony. You will thank me later when you’re looking back at the photos and reminiscing about the incredible love-filled day you had.

Factor in Buffer Time for No Rushing

You know, that glorious cushion of extra minutes that saves you from running around like headless chickens on your big day.

Trust me, you’re going to want to factor this into your wedding day timeline.

Here’s the deal. Weddings are a whirlwind of excitement, emotion, and (let’s be real) a whole lot of chaos. So why not give yourself some breathing space? Buffer time allows you to slow down, catch your breath, and actually enjoy the day you’ve worked so hard to plan.

Think about it – do you really want to be rushing from one thing to another, constantly checking the clock and stressing about being late? No, that’s not the vibe we’re going for.

By building in some buffer time, you can relax, laugh, and fully soak in the magic of the moment.

And hey, let’s not forget about the unexpected. Life happens, and sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Maybe the best man forgets the rings (it happens!). With buffer time, you’ve got a safety net to handle these little mishaps without breaking a sweat.

Embrace it, enjoy it, and let your wedding day unfold with ease.

Making the Most of the Golden Hour Photos

Ah, the golden hour – one of my absolute favourites – that magical time just before the sun sets when everything seems to glow with a warm, dreamy light.

It’s the perfect time for capturing stunning photos that will make you and your partner look like ethereal beings from a fairytale. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this opportunity to shine (literally).

So, how do you make the most of the golden hour photos? Well, first things first, check the sunset time for your wedding day. This way, you can plan ahead and make sure you have enough time to sneak away with your photographer and bask in that glorious light.

Then, on your wedding day timeline, schedule time in an hour before the golden hour so we have plenty of time to find the ideal spot and get comfortable.

Once we are in the golden hour zone, it’s time to get creative. We can experiment with different poses and angles. Embrace the romance and let your love shine through in every shot. And don’t be afraid to get a little bit silly too – laughter is always a great ingredient for stunning photos.

Remember, this is your time to shine. So, embrace what the golden hour has to offer.

Hire a Wedding Planner or Coordinator

You are busy juggling flower arrangements, seating charts, and your sanity, whilst also trying to maintain a semblance of a social life and everything in between.

It’s enough to make even the most organised person feel like they’re spiralling into wedding madness. But don’t worry! A wedding planner or coordinator is like a fairy godmother (minus the pumpkin carriage) who swoops in to save the day.

These magical beings are seasoned experts in the world of weddings. They know the ins and outs, the do’s and don’ts, and all the secrets to a stress-free celebration. They can help you with everything from finding the perfect venue to creating a wedding day timeline that ensures everything runs smoothly.

But here’s the best part. A wedding planner or coordinator is there to handle all the nitty-gritty details, so you don’t have to. They can take care of the logistics, deal with any last-minute emergencies, and ensure that your vision becomes a reality.

So sit back, relax, and let the professionals work their magic. You deserve to enjoy your wedding day without the stress and headaches.

Cheers to a perfectly planned wedding!

Ready to Plan Your Wedding Timeline?

There we have it! Your wedding day timeline tips from a wedding photographer. 

Now you can go away and ensure that your timeline is organised and you will know there will be no rushing around on your wedding day. You can fully soak in the excitement knowing everything will be just fine.
I am a wedding photographer based in Somerset but cover areas further afield too – get in touch today to enquire about your photography and I can’t wait to hear about your love story and the day you are planning!