BlogPlanning · October 28, 2026

How to plan a wedding timeline that gives you the best photos

A relaxed day makes for beautiful photos: how we plan a timeline with room to breathe, from getting ready to golden hour.

By Dan & Lydia2 min read

A bride and groom walking hand in hand across a lawn at golden hour

Your timeline is the quiet hero of your wedding day. Build in a little breathing room and everything gets easier, including your photos.

Here's how we help our couples plan a day that feels relaxed and looks beautiful, from getting ready to the last dance.

Start with sunset

Look up what time the sun sets on your date, then work backwards. The hour before sunset, golden hour, gives the softest and warmest light of the day. We love stealing 15 minutes with the two of you then: it's often the calmest moment of the whole day.

Give getting ready more time than you think

Wedding invitation, shoes and jewelry laid out for detail photos
  • Plan for hair and makeup to run 30 minutes late (it usually does)
  • Keep your dress, rings, invitation and shoes in one spot for detail photos
  • Choose a bright room with a big window, and keep it tidy

Consider a first look

A first look lets you see each other privately before the ceremony. It can calm the nerves, and it means most of your portraits are done before cocktail hour, so you get to enjoy your guests.

The best wedding days have a little room to breathe.

Leave room for the unplanned

Add a 10-minute buffer between each part of the day. Travel, receiving lines and family photos always take a little longer than planned, and those in-between moments often become our favorite photos.

Planning your day? Tell us about it and we'll help you build a timeline that works.

← All postsWritten by Dan & Lydia