How I Create Your Wedding Day Timeline as a Luxury Destination Wedding Photographer

When it comes to planning your wedding day, the timeline is key. As a luxury destination wedding photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to have a well-thought-out wedding day timeline. After all, you want to enjoy every moment, from your morning preparations to the final send-off. That’s why I always help my couples craft a timeline that’s both realistic and exciting, giving you plenty of time for epic photos, intimate moments, and everything in between.

How Much Time Should I Allow for Getting Ready?

The getting ready portion of the day can set the tone for the entire celebration. Planning ahead will make the morning feel seamless, rather than rushed. Here are a few questions I always ask when creating your wedding day timeline:

How much time do you need to get ready?

When figuring out how much time to allow for getting ready, it’s important to consult with your makeup artists and hairstylists early on. Discuss your desired looks and ensure they know exactly what you want. This way, you’ll avoid any surprises later in the day. Keep in mind that getting ready often takes longer than expected, especially if you have a large bridal party. Factor in time for everyone involved, including parents, bridesmaids, and any other helpers, to get their hair and makeup done.

Always make sure to allow extra time than you think to get into your dress! Allow time for undergarments! And don’t forget to take a video of how your dress is bustled at the seamstress & practice with your MoH! -Katelyn

Do we need to factor transportation time into your wedding day timeline?

If you’re getting ready at a location that’s different from your ceremony venue, travel time can be an important part of your wedding day timeline. Whether you’re driving or using a shuttle, you’ll want to account for transportation time. Extra time is essential here—unexpected traffic, last-minute touch-ups, or even a delay in the car can set you back. This is why it’s essential to plan buffer time into the timeline, so you’re not scrambling.

Are you and your partner getting ready at the same location?

Some couples prefer to get ready in the same location, while others enjoy the excitement of separate spaces. If you choose to get ready in different locations, travel time between the two spots will need to be considered. However, if you decide to get ready together, you may have more flexibility in your timeline. Either way, it’s crucial to plan ahead so that you don’t feel rushed. Plenty of time for these preparations will help you feel calm and collected for the ceremony.

Plan Your Wedding Day Timeline Around the First Look and Ceremony

As we move into the next stage of your wedding day, it’s time to think about the first look and the ceremony itself. These key moments will shape your timeline, and it’s essential to create space for them in your schedule.

Do you want a first look?

A first look is one of the best ways to get some private time with your partner before the ceremony. Not only does it give you both a chance to share an intimate moment, but it also allows us to capture your couple portraits and wedding party photos ahead of time. This way, you won’t feel rushed after the ceremony and can enjoy more time with your guests. Remember, the first look does require a little extra planning—most couples choose to get ready earlier to accommodate this moment.

Are your ceremony and reception spaces at the same venue?

When your ceremony and reception take place at the same venue, your wedding day timeline becomes a little easier to navigate. Travel time between locations won’t be an issue, but you’ll still want to leave extra time for setting up or any unexpected delays. If your ceremony and reception are at different venues, we’ll need to plan for transportation time to ensure you’re not cutting it close.

Do you have a wedding party?

A wedding party can add a lot of fun and energy to your day, but it also means you’ll need more time for photos. Whether you’re taking wedding party photos before or after the ceremony, make sure to schedule enough time for both posed shots and candid moments. This is the time to get creative and capture memories with your closest friends and family. You’ll also want to account for your entire wedding party being ready for the photos at the same time.

Planning Family Photos

Family photos can sometimes be one of the hardest parts of timeline planning. It is coordinating multiple people, important smiles, and memories you want to have for a lifetime, and a part of the day you want to go quickly and smoothly. 

Here are some pro tips to consider when planning family photos for your wedding day: 

• Consult with your family members and get their wishes for these photos. It is better to get their input now, than last minute on the wedding day. 
• Consider doing these photos before the ceremony, after the first look. Have your family arrive early and take these posed photos beforehand so they can go straight to enjoying the party after the ceremony. 
• Consider doing big group photos instead of each individual family. Trying to get a photo with each aunt and uncle and cousin can take a long time if you have a big family. Considering taking one group photo of each side of the family. And smaller groups of just immediate or close family members. 
• Consider joining cocktail hour and doing “candid photos” with some family members who maybe don’t need to be in the posed group photos. 
• Consider adding on hours with your photographer at the rehearsal dinner and getting extended family photos there, instead of the wedding day. 

So many options and ways to make your family feel loved, valued and making sure you get those precious memories, without taking all day taking family photos! Make sure to give your photographer a detailed family list ahead of time to also help make this portion of the day go quicker! 

What I Need to Know About Your Reception to Plan a Wedding Day Timeline

The reception is another crucial part of your wedding day timeline. What do you want to prioritize during this time? Here are a few questions to consider:

Do you want to participate in cocktail hour with your guests?

During cocktail hour, some couples prefer to take romantic photos or family photos, while others choose to enjoy the time with their guests. Would you like to take couple portraits during this time, or would you rather mingle with family and friends? This is another important question that will help define the flow of your timeline. If you do choose to take photos during cocktail hour, make sure to allocate enough time so you’re not missing out on socializing with your loved ones.

Do you want traditional dances?

If you’re planning to include special dances, like your first dance, father/daughter, or mother/son dance, be sure to allow enough time for these moments. It’s always best to schedule these dances early in the reception to keep things flowing. However, I recommend building in extra time in case anyone needs a little more time to prepare for their moment.

Do you have people giving toasts?

Toasts can sometimes run longer than expected, so it’s essential to allow some extra time for this part of the reception. Make sure to communicate with those who will be speaking, so they’re aware of the time limits. You want to ensure there’s enough room for everyone’s words, while still sticking to the timeline. Plus, you won’t have to rush through other important moments.

Pro Tip: Never do an open mic! Save that for the engagement party or rehearsal dinner!

What are your priorities for your wedding reception timeline?

Your reception should reflect your unique celebration style. Whether you’re focused on a long dinner, dancing, or mingling with guests, your reception priorities will guide your timeline. Plenty of time should be allowed for each part of the reception to ensure it feels balanced. Let’s chat about what’s most important to you!

Include Golden Hour and a Final Send-Off in Your Wedding Day Timeline

A key moment in your timeline will be the golden hour for sunset bridal portraits. These photos are romantic, timeless, and one of the best ways to capture the love you and your partner share.

How long do you want to spend on sunset bridal portraits?

Sunset time is one of the most important parts of your wedding day timeline. We’ll need to plan for at least an hour to capture those stunning golden hour photos. Even if we only take 15-30 minutes of portraits, it’s essential to make sure we have plenty of time to get the best lighting possible. These are the epic photos you’ll cherish for years to come.

How do you want to end the night?

Finally, how do you want your day to end? Do you envision a grand exit, or would you rather let the party slowly fizzle out? Some couples choose a final send-off to mark the end of their evening, while others prefer a more intimate close to the night. Let’s figure out what works best for you.

Need Help Planning Your Wedding Day Timeline?

If all of this seems like a lot to keep track of, don’t worry! I’m here to help. Together, we can create a wedding day timeline that works for you, ensuring you have enough time for every special moment, from getting ready to your final send-off. If you’d like more help or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Contact Katelyn Bradley Photography or get more info about weddings with Katelyn Bradley Photography.