HOW TO TIMELINE YOUR WEDDING DAY
How to Create the Perfect Wedding Day Timeline
A Simple Guide to Planning a Stress-Free Wedding Schedule
Wedding day timelines aren’t exactly easy—despite what Pinterest boards or wedding magazines might suggest. The truth is, planning a smooth wedding schedule takes thought, structure, and insider knowledge from people who’ve actually lived it—photographers, celebrants, planners, and coordinators.
As a Hunter Valley wedding photographer shooting 30–40 weddings every year, I’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and the little tweaks that make the biggest difference. This guide is designed to cut through the noise and give you a simple, practical approach to planning your perfect wedding day timeline.
Start With a Rough Plan
One of the first things I do with couples is sit down early in the planning process to sketch out a draft timeline. Nothing has to be locked in—it’s just a framework that helps you start thinking about the flow of your day.
Key things to consider when creating your wedding timeline:
When to begin prep (hair, makeup, suits)
When to get into your dress or suit
Ceremony start time
How long to allow for family photos
How much time you’ll need for bridal party portraits
Start by choosing your ceremony time—this becomes the anchor for the rest of your schedule. From there, it’s easier to work backwards (prep times) and forwards (photos, reception, golden hour portraits). If it all feels overwhelming, your photographer or planner can help you map this out.
Allow for Extra Time
Wedding days rarely run to the minute. Hair and makeup can run late, traffic can surprise you, or a suit jacket can go missing. Build buffer time into your timeline so the unexpected doesn’t derail the whole day.
A great spot to add extra time is between the end of your ceremony and the start of bridal party portraits. Plan for 30–45 minutes here—enough for family photos, hugs, and breathing room if anything runs behind. That way, your photographer still has time for portraits, and you’ll arrive at the reception on schedule (which makes the caterers very happy).
Getting Ready (Prep) – 1 to 1.5 Hours Per Partner
While grooms often only need 15 minutes to throw on a suit, ties, and shoes, brides typically need more time for hair, makeup, and gowns. Aim for:
Hair & makeup finished 1 hour before you leave for the ceremony
Couples dressed 30 minutes before departure (this allows for portraits with family and the bridal party)
This ensures prep photos aren’t rushed and you can enjoy the build-up without stress.
Travelling to the Ceremony
Always allow for more travel time than you think. Wedding cars like limos or vintage vehicles move slower than standard cars. Add extra time for possible roadworks, detours, or delays. Better to arrive early than feel stressed running late.
Wedding Ceremony – 30 Minutes
Most wedding ceremonies run about half an hour, though religious or cultural traditions can extend this. Work closely with your celebrant—they’ll give you an accurate timeframe.
Pro tip: ask your celebrant to announce an “unplugged ceremony” so guests put away their phones and let the photographer capture everything without a sea of screens.
And here’s a big one—when announcing you as married, ask your celebrant to step aside so they aren’t awkwardly standing behind you during the first kiss. Trust me, no one wants a love triangle in their photos.
Post-Ceremony Hugs – 5–10 Minutes
After walking down the aisle, your guests will rush to congratulate you. These are some of the most emotional and candid wedding photos of the entire day. Allow at least 10 minutes to embrace friends and family before moving into group portraits.
Family Photos – 30 Minutes
Keep family photos simple and well-structured. The best time is immediately after the ceremony, when everyone is already gathered.
Tips for stress-free family photos:
Make a short list of must-have combinations
Nominate a bridesmaid or groomsman to help round people up
Start with a big group shot, then break it down into smaller family sets
Sample Family Photo List
Here’s an example wedding family photo list to guide your planning:
Big Group to Start
Everyone at the wedding
All friends only
All extended family from both sides
Bride’s Family
Couple with Bride’s extended family
Couple with Bride’s immediate family (parents, grandparents, siblings)
Couple with Bride’s parents & siblings
Bride with parents & siblings
Couple with Bride’s siblings
Bride with siblings only
Couple with Bride’s grandparents
Bride with grandparents only
Couple with Bride’s parents
Bride with parents
Bride with mum
Bride with dad
Combined Families
Couple with both sets of parents
Groom’s Family
Couple with Groom’s extended family
Couple with Groom’s immediate family
Couple with Groom’s parents & siblings
Groom with parents & siblings
Couple with Groom’s siblings
Groom with siblings only
Couple with Groom’s grandparents
Groom with parents
Groom with mum
Groom with dad
Bridal Party Photos – 1 Hour
This is the fun part—time to relax with your best friends and create some amazing shots. Plan for around 1 hour, adjusting for travel if your reception is off-site.
I usually start with the group shots (bridal party together) and then focus on couple portraits for the second half. Expect a mix of candid moments, documentary-style shots, and a few natural, lightly posed portraits.
Sunset Photos – 10–15 Minutes
Golden hour is every photographer’s dream. Sunset photos give you epic lighting, intimate moments, and wall-worthy portraits. It’s also a chance to step away from the crowd and enjoy a quiet moment as newlyweds.
Even if it’s raining, don’t rule this out—rain can make for some of the most dramatic, romantic photos of the day.
Wedding Reception Timeline
Your reception is where the party begins. Work closely with your venue coordinator to sync your reception schedule with catering and service.
Tips for a smooth wedding reception timeline:
Split speeches into two parts (before and after meals) so guests stay engaged
Check the lighting if you’re outdoors—good lighting is crucial for speeches, first dances, and cake cutting
Plan for some night photos—whether it’s a sparkler tunnel, starry sky portrait, or a quick creative shoot outside
Throughout the reception, your photographer will work candidly—capturing the atmosphere, dance floor energy, and those little in-between moments you’ll want to relive.
Final Thoughts
Creating your wedding day timeline doesn’t have to be stressful. By planning ahead, adding buffer time, and leaning on your photographer or celebrant for advice, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth, unforgettable day.
Want personalised advice? I’d love to chat through your wedding plans, share more examples, and help you design a timeline that works perfectly for your day. Let’s grab a coffee and plan your dream wedding together.