Crafting Your Dream Wedding Day Timeline: Tips, Tricks, and a Little Sunset Magic!

Hey there, soul mates! 🥂✨ Ready to dive into the fun world of wedding planning? One of the most exciting parts of organizing your big day is creating a wedding day timeline. Think of it as your very own roadmap to happiness—guiding you through every moment of your celebration while ensuring you soak up every ounce of joy. Let’s talk about how to craft a timeline that not only captures those fabulous photos but also carves out space for some well-deserved relaxation and spontaneity!

Why Sunset Time is Your New Best Friend

Okay, let’s get a bit technical for a moment. Have you ever heard of golden hour? It’s that magical period just 20 to 30 minutes before sunset when the light is soft, warm, and absolutely perfect for photos. To make the most of this stunning natural light, it’s essential to plan your couple’s photo session during this golden hour. Trust me, these photos will sparkle with a romantic glow you won’t want to miss.

Your Timeline, Your Way: The Fun and Flexible Approach

While sunset timing is a key player, the rest of your wedding day timeline is your canvas—paint it however you wish! Whether you’re a morning person craving extra time to enjoy your breakfast or you want a few quiet moments to Facetime with distant family, we can build in those little extras. After all, your wedding day should be a perfect blend of joy, relaxation, and celebration. 

The Essential Photo Plan

Here’s a quick rundown of how we typically organize the photo sessions to keep everything smooth and stress-free:

1. Family Portraits: We generally break these into two segments. Immediate family photos are done before the ceremony, while the rest of the family portraits are typically snapped right after the ceremony. The time needed for family photos can vary significantly depending on the number of family members and the complexity of the groupings. To keep things running smoothly, it's a good idea to limit the number of group photos. Each setup can take several minutes to coordinate, as it often involves locating everyone and getting them into the right pose. Keeping the list of photos manageable helps ensure a more efficient and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.



Extra credit : Having a dedicated family photo helper can be a lifesaver in corralling everyone into the perfect pose!

2. Bridal Party Photos: These usually happen before the ceremony. Think of it as a pre-party glam session with your closest friends! If you’re skipping the first look, we’ll take the full bridal party photo right after the ceremony. A recommended 30 minutes should cover it, but this can be split between pre- and post-ceremony.

3. Couple Photos: Ideally, we’ll set aside about 40 minutes for couple photos. This can be divided into a pre-ceremony session if you’re doing a first look and a post-ceremony shoot during that glorious golden hour. 

4. The Extra Touches: If you’re changing outfits or have a cool spot in mind for some nighttime sparkle shots (like a chic bar lounge or patio with fairy lights), let’s carve out a little time for that too. It’s your day, and a few unique photos can make it even more memorable.

First Look: To Peek or Not to Peek?

Considering a first look? It’s a fabulous option to get some photos done earlier in the day, which means more time to mingle with your guests during cocktail hour. You can also use this time for a special first look with your parents or bridal party—talk about extra special moments! For more on the pros and cons of a first look, check out my blog post here: