How to Create a Wedding Day Timeline with Photography in Mind.

Your wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions, hugs, happy tears, and unforgettable moments—and photography plays a key role in preserving it all. One of the best ways to ensure your photos are as magical as your memories? Building a thoughtful timeline that prioritizes photography.

At Diapers and I Do’s Photography, we work closely with our couples to make sure every important moment is captured—without feeling rushed or stressed. Here’s how to create a wedding day timeline that flows beautifully and lets your love story shine.

1. Start with Your Ceremony Time

Everything revolves around this. Once you know your ceremony start time, we can work backward and forward to build out the rest of the day.

2. Give Yourself Plenty of Time to Get Ready

Recommended: 2–3 hours before your First Look or portraits begin

Allow time for:

Hair & makeup
Getting into your dress
Bridal party photos
Detail shots (rings, shoes, dress, invitations)
Champagne toasts and a few deep breaths!

📸 Pro tip: Natural light in the getting-ready space makes a huge difference in your photos.

3. Consider a First Look

Not only does a First Look give you a private, emotional moment with your partner—it also opens up tons of photography opportunities before the ceremony. You’ll get:

Couple portraits
Wedding party photos
Some family portraits
More time together (yes, please!)

It can also help reduce stress later in the day and free up more time for enjoying your cocktail hour.

4. Build in Buffer Time

Even the most perfectly planned day can run behind—someone’s tie goes missing, traffic happens, or grandma takes a little longer to get seated. Add 15–20 minute cushions throughout the day to stay calm and on schedule.

5. Plan Golden Hour Portraits

The hour before sunset (aka golden hour) is pure photography magic. Soft, romantic light = breathtaking couple photos. Try to sneak away for 15–20 minutes during this time, even if you’ve already done portraits earlier.

🥂 6. Don’t Forget Reception Highlights

Make sure your timeline includes:

Grand entrance
First dance
Parent dances
Toasts
Cake cutting
Bouquet & garter (if doing them)
Open dancingThis helps your photographer know when to be ready for those key candid moments.

⏰ Sample Wedding Day Timeline (with First Look)

Here’s a rough outline for a 5:00 PM ceremony:

12:30 PM: Photographer arrives, getting ready & detail shots
2:30 PM: First Look + Couple Portraits
3:00 PM: Wedding Party Photos
3:30 PM: Family Photos
4:30 PM: Hide before ceremony
5:00 PM: Ceremony
5:30 PM: Cocktail Hour / Additional Family or Candid Photos
6:30 PM: Reception Begins
7:15 PM: Golden Hour Couple Portraits
9:00 PM: Photographer wraps up (based on coverage)

Your wedding day should feel like you—not a checklist. A well-planned timeline doesn’t just help your vendors stay on the same page—it gives you the space to be present, joyful, and fully in the moment. And that’s when the most authentic photos happen.

Need help customizing your timeline? I’m always here to help plan a flow that makes the most of your photography coverage.