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The Ultimate Wedding Day Timeline Guide (with Free Coordination Cheat Sheet!)
- Kayla Yarbro
- Oct 20
- 3 min read
Your wedding day will fly by faster than you can say “I do.” Between hair and makeup, portraits, travel time, and those little in-between moments you’ll never want to forget, it can feel like everything happens all at once. That’s why having a realistic, well-organized timeline is key to making sure your day flows effortlessly and that you actually get to enjoy it.
As a North Carolina wedding photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how much smoother wedding days go when there’s a clear plan in place. A timeline doesn’t just help me capture your photos beautifully. It also helps you stay relaxed, keeps your bridal party on track, and ensures you don’t miss out on golden hour portraits (because we all know that dreamy glow is worth planning around).
Why a Wedding Timeline Matters
A detailed timeline:
Keeps stress low and allows you to truly enjoy the day
Ensures your photographer captures everything on your must-have list
Helps your vendors (planner, makeup artist, DJ, etc.) stay coordinated
Maximizes natural light for your portraits
Gives your family and bridal party a clear idea of where to be and when
Without one, things can easily start to overlap. Hair and makeup run late, photos get rushed, and before you know it, the sun has set before your first couple’s portraits. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
Sample Wedding Day Timeline
Every wedding is different, but here’s a tried-and-true example based on a 5:00 PM ceremony (the most popular start time I see!):
8:30 AM – Hair and makeup begins
12:00 PM – Bridesmaids get dressed
12:30 PM – Bride gets dressed and detail photos (dress, rings, invitation suite)
1:30 PM – First look with groom
2:00 PM – Couple portraits
3:00 PM – Wedding party photos
4:00 PM – Family photos (if you’re not doing a first look)
5:00 PM – Ceremony
5:30 PM – Family photos (if not already done)
6:00 PM – Golden hour couple portraits
6:30 PM – Reception begins
10:00 PM – Grand exit
This timeline keeps things running smoothly and gives you plenty of breathing room. If you’re skipping a first look, you’ll want to adjust a few things since family and couple portraits will happen right after the ceremony. Just plan extra time for that light!
Tips for Creating Your Perfect Timeline
1. Build in buffer time.
Something always takes longer than expected. Add at least 15 extra minutes between major events. You’ll thank yourself later.
2. Prioritize what matters most.
Whether it’s getting-ready candids, detail shots, or couple portraits, make sure your photographer knows your top priorities so we can build the timeline around them.
3. Consider your lighting.
Natural light is magic. The best time for couple portraits is usually 1 to 2 hours before sunset, so check when golden hour hits on your wedding date.
4. Communicate with your vendors.
Your photographer, planner, and makeup artist should all have a copy of your final timeline. Everyone being on the same page keeps things flowing easily.
Grab Your Free Wedding Day Coordination Cheat Sheet!
To make things even easier, I created a free printable “Your Wedding Day Coordination Cheat Sheet.” It’s a fill-in-the-blank timeline template you can customize for your own day, complete with space for:
Bride and groom prep times
Photo lists
Vendor contact info
Ceremony and reception details
Notes for your photographer and planner
Use it as a planning guide, share it with your bridal party, and bring it with you on your wedding morning. It’ll help you feel calm, confident, and ready to soak in every second.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding day should be joyful, not rushed. With the right timeline and the right team, you can be fully present for every laugh, tear, and happy dance moment.
If you’re still searching for your wedding photographer, I’d love to help you bring your dream day to life with timeless photos and a seamless experience from start to finish.
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