Planning a wedding day timeline doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right prep and guidance, your wedding can flow smoothly and giving you the space to actually enjoy your day, instead of worrying about what’s next. Whether you’re saying your vows on a mountaintop or dancing the night away at your venue, here’s how to create a timeline that supports your vision, not stresses you out.
1. Start with Building Out Your Ceremony Time
Your ceremony time is the anchor point of the entire day. Once that is decided, you can begin shaping the rest of the schedule around it. To start, think about the major events of the day. For example, getting ready, portraits, transportation, and of course, the ceremony itself. If you are unsure what time is best, begin by looking at the lighting. Golden hour is often ideal for portraits. However, a great photographer can adapt to different lighting scenarios.
That said, it is still worth prioritizing ideal lighting when possible. Additionally, think about the time of year, as seasonal light and weather can affect your schedule. Moreover, factor in any travel time between locations. Whether or not you are planning a first look is also important, since that can shift everything earlier. Altogether, these elements help create a timeline that is not only realistic but also tailored to your day. As a result, you will feel more prepared and less stressed from start to finish.
2. Add Time Buffers Into Every Segment of your Timeline
Your day isn’t a checklist, nor should it be. The entire day should feel like an experience. Leave extra space between key moments so you’re not rushed:
- Hair and Makeup: Pad an extra 30 minutes beyond the estimate.
- Getting Dressed: Add 15–20 minutes (zippers are tricky!).
- First Look or Private Vows: Add breathing room to slow down and soak it in.
- Travel Time: Always round up for unexpected traffic, elevator delays, or stray wedding party members.
3. Know What Moments Matter to You
Every couple values different moments. For instance, do you want full getting ready coverage, or just ceremony through reception? Additionally, are family photos a must? Perhaps you dream of golden hour portraits, or instead, a big dance floor moment is more your style. Ultimately, your priorities shape the timeline.
Ask yourself:
- Are you doing a first look or keeping it traditional?
- How long is your ceremony?
- Do you prefer portraits to be done before or after the ceremony?
- Do you want time for private vows or a champagne toast alone?
4. Let the Flow of Your Wedding Day Reflect You
Tradition is optional. Feeling like you want to start with a sunrise hike and afterwards grab coffee before your ceremony? You can. Prefer to skip cocktail hour portraits and party with your guests? Let’s structure your day around your vibe.
Example Wedding Timeline (6 Hours of Photo/Video Coverage)
1:00 PM Hair and makeup finishes
1:30 PM Getting dressed + flatlays/details
2:00 PM First look + couple portraits
3:00 PM Family + wedding party photos
4:00 PM Ceremony begins
4:30 PM Cocktail hour + more portraits
5:30 PM Reception starts
6:00 PM Dinner, toasts, dancing
5. Share the Final Timeline with Your Vendor Team
Once the timeline is set, send it to:
- Your photographer/videographer
- Hair and makeup team
- Officiant
- Planner/coordinator
- Transportation and catering
Pro tip: Having a timeline doc with all addresses and phone numbers will make life easier for everyone.
6. Keep the Timeline Flexible! Things can happen!
Your timeline is your guide, not a rigid rulebook. After all, delays happen, emotions take over, and people run late. That is why it is so important to build grace and flexibility into your timeline. This way, if something shifts or takes longer than expected, you are not scrambling to make up time. Instead, you can roll with whatever unfolds and stay present for the moments that matter most.
Quick Wedding Timeline Tips:
- Share your timeline with your wedding party and VIPs
- Print copies or save a PDF on your phone
- Eat a real meal and drink water
- Assign a go-to person to help keep things moving
What to Pack for Your Wedding Day (Photographer-Approved List)
Packing to fit your wedding timeline doesn’t need to be a last-minute scramble. Here’s a go-to list of essentials you’ll want nearby and broken down to make life a little easier.
What to Pack For Yourself
- Wedding outfit (dress, jumpsuit, suit, etc.). Make sure everything is steamed and ready to go.
- Backup shoes. These can be flats, sandals, or something more comfortable to wear later.
- Jewelry and accessories. Do not forget any small pieces like hairpins or cufflinks.
- Vow books and printed vows. If you handwrite them, pack an extra pen just in case.
- Rings. Triple check you have them, and consider designating someone to carry them.
- Lipstick, setting spray, and blotting powder. Keep these handy for mid-day touchups.
- Perfume or cologne. A light spritz before the ceremony can feel refreshing.
- Deodorant. Freshen up before putting on your attire.
- Water bottle and snacks. Staying hydrated and fueled is essential throughout the day.
- Pain relievers and allergy medication. It is better to have them and not need them.
- Breath mints or gum. You will be talking a lot, so stay fresh.
- Something sentimental. This might be a letter, gift, heirloom, or keepsake for a personal touch.
Getting Ready Must-Haves:
- Start with a button-up or zippered top to protect your hair and makeup
- Bring along a steamer or wrinkle release spray to keep outfits photo-ready
- Pack an emergency sewing kit, fashion tape, and a handful of safety pins
- Toss in a lint roller. Especially for dark suits or pet parents like me. (Husky hairs love making guest appearances)
- Do not forget a cute hanger for those dress or suit photos
- And lastly, pack some tissues. You will absolutely need them
Ceremony Items to think about:
- Be sure to pack your marriage license and a pen.
- Additionally, include any unity ceremony items.
- Do not forget programs or signage.
- Also, bring along comfortable shoes or layers, especially if the ceremony is outdoors.
Reception Checklist:
- First, pack your reception outfit or shoes, especially if you plan to change between events.
- Then, include cards or gifts for your partner or family.
- Next, do not forget your guestbook and pens.
- Also, bring notes for toasts or speeches.
- Lastly, add any decor items or flatlay pieces you want photographed.
Packing Tips:
- Keep rings, vows, and license in a clutch or bag you’ll carry
- Pack everything the day (or two) before (not the morning of!)
- Use labeled pouches, bins, or packing cubes
- Designate someone to be the bag keeper
Having what you need (and knowing where it is) helps your day run smoother. And if something gets missed? No biggie. This is where your experience with me will be to adapt and together we will create a wedding day timeline that fits exactly what is most important to you.
Need help finalizing your timeline for your Colorado wedding? I help couples build intentional, stress-free timelines that leave space for real moments and unforgettable memories. If you’re feeling stuck or want someone in your corner who’s done this a hundred times over, I’ve got you. Connect with me and plan your Colorado wedding adventure. Reach out today!