Tips for Creating the Perfect Wedding Day Timeline

Courtney & Matthew at De Harte

Hey there, lovebirds and spreadsheet enthusiasts! If you’re dreaming of a wedding day that flows smoother than a jar of honey, you’re in the right place.

As your friendly neighborhood wedding photographer, I’ve seen timelines that run like clockwork—and others that, well, could use a little WD-40. So, let’s sprinkle some fun (and a few pro secrets) into your wedding day planning!

1. Start Early—Like, Before-the-Sun-Early

The early bird catches the worm, begin planning your timeline as soon as you’ve booked your venue and major vendors. The earlier you start, the more time you have to tweak, adjust, and avoid last-minute chaos.

2. Ceremony Comes First—Reverse-Engineer the Magic

Here’s a quirky trick: set your ceremony time first, then work backward and forward to fill in the rest. This helps you anchor the day and makes sure you don’t miss those golden hour photos or the all-important cake cutting.

3. Consult Your Dream Team (a.k.a. Vendors)

Your vendors are timeline wizards. Chat with your photographer (hi!), makeup artist, caterer, and DJ to find out how much time they need for their magic. Trust me, you don’t want to rush the makeup artist or have your photographer sprinting between locations.

4. Build in Buffers—Because Life Happens

Weddings are like improv comedy: sometimes things go off-script. Add buffer time between major events (think: hair and makeup, travel, family photos). A little wiggle room means you can breathe, laugh, and maybe even sneak in a snack.

5. Don’t Forget Travel Time (and Traffic!)

If your ceremony and reception are at different venues, factor in travel time—and a little extra for that one uncle who always gets lost. Your future self will thank you.

6. Prioritize the Moments That Matter Most

Want more time for couple portraits? Dreaming of a long, leisurely cocktail hour? Make a list of your must-have moments and give them the spotlight on your timeline. If something’s less important, trim it down to keep the day stress-free.

7. Assign a Timekeeper (a.k.a. The Schedule Ninja)

Pick a trusted friend or hire a coordinator to keep everyone on track. This way, you can focus on soaking up the love while someone else wrangles the schedule (and Aunt Susan).

8. Be Realistic—Overestimate, Don’t Underestimate

It’s better to have extra time than to feel rushed. Overestimate how long things take (especially hair, makeup, and wrangling the wedding party for photos). You’ll appreciate the breathing room when you’re sipping champagne with your besties.

9. Share the Love—Distribute Your Timeline

Print out a few extra copies of your timeline for VIPs and wedding party members. Bonus points for color-coding or adding cute icons (because who doesn’t love a good emoji?).

10. Keep the Vibe Light (and Fun!)

Remember: this is your day! Play your favourite playlist while getting ready, sneak in a dance break, and don’t sweat the small stuff. The best photos (and memories) come from genuine joy and a relaxed timeline.

Sample Timeline for a 4 PM Ceremony

• 8:00 AM: Wake up, hydrate, and stretch (bonus points for a dance party)

• 9:00 AM: Hair and makeup begins

• 11:30 AM: Photographer arrives for getting-ready shots

• 1:00 PM: Venue detail photos before guests arrive

• 2:45 PM: Bridal Portraits

• 3:45 PM: Final touch-ups and travel to venue

• 4:00 PM: Ceremony begins—cue the happy tears!

• 5:00 PM: Cocktail hour and more photos

• 7:00 PM: Reception kicks off: dinner, dancing, and dessert

So there you have it—your recipe for a wedding day timeline that’s as sweet and seamless as a Heuningsoet photo session. Need help crafting your own? Drop me a message—I’d love to help you create a timeline (and photos) you’ll cherish forever.

Now go forth and plan, timeline wizards!