Your Wedding Day Timeline: Example + Tips from a Photographer’s Perspective

One of the most common questions I get from couples (usually right after “What if it rains?”) is “How do we plan our wedding day timeline?”

It’s such a good question. Because as much as weddings are full of love, laughter, and champagne toasts… they’re also full of moving parts.

Hair and makeup, family photos, travel between venues, ceremonies that run a little long and don’t even get me started on golden hour light!

Having a solid wedding day run sheet isn’t about being strict or structured, it’s about creating a flow that lets you actually enjoy your day. You want time to breathe, laugh, soak it all in, and not feel like you’re sprinting from one thing to the next.

After photographing hundreds of weddings across Albury, Wodonga with my wedding photography services, and the beautiful North East Victoria region, I’ve learned a thing or two about what makes a timeline truly work. So today, I’m breaking down a realistic wedding timeline example, along with my best Albury wedding photographer tips for planning a stress-free (and photo-friendly!) day.

Photo credit: Yours truly Blissful Love Photography

Why Your Timeline Matters

A wedding day without a timeline is kind of like baking a cake without a recipe, sure, it might turn out okay, but it’s going to be a lot more stressful getting there.

Here’s why having a clear timeline is pure gold:

It Keeps the Day Relaxed

When everyone knows what’s happening and when, the whole vibe stays calm. You can sip your champagne, chat with your bridal party, and really be in the moment.

It Makes Room for the Best Photos

Lighting is everything in photography. A thoughtful wedding timeline means we can plan around the best light - hello, dreamy golden hour portraits! And still leave time for those candid, real moments you’ll love forever.

It Helps Vendors Work Seamlessly

Your photographer, videographer, celebrant, venue, and band are all working together behind the scenes. When your wedding day run sheet is shared and realistic, it keeps everyone in sync and your day running like clockwork.

It Gives You Freedom

Ironically, structure creates freedom. When the big things are planned out, you’re free to enjoy the little things like the happy tears, the hugs, the sneaky looks across the room.

A Real Wedding Timeline Example

Every wedding is unique, and your timeline should absolutely reflect that. But to give you a jumping-off point, here’s a flexible wedding day timeline example that works beautifully for a traditional afternoon ceremony and evening reception.

7:00–9:00am | Getting Ready (Hair, Makeup + Details)

The morning is always buzzing with excitement. You’re surrounded by your favourite people, music playing, coffee in hand. It’s such a special part of the day.

If you’re having hair and makeup done, allow about 45–60 minutes per person, plus a little buffer at the end (trust me, you’ll thank yourself later).

When I arrive, I’ll capture all those gorgeous details like your dress, shoes, stationery, rings, florals, and the sweet in-between moments.

12:00pm | Photographer Arrives + Detail Photos

I like to start with the groom's prep photos including details and flat lays, photos of you helping each other with your ties and button holes and then onto a drink together and a couple of formal portraits of you and your groomsmen. 

I’ll then head over and do the same sort of thing with the girls but maybe there’s a few extra shots like photos in robes or pjs and reveals to everyone in your stunning dress.

These are the photos that tell the quiet part of your story — the deep breaths, the laughter, the “oh my gosh, it’s happening!” energy.

Photo credit: Yours truly Blissful Love Photography

2:00pm | First Look (Optional)

If you’re doing a first look, this is your moment. It’s intimate, emotional, and gives you time together before the ceremony. It also means we can do some portraits early, freeing up more time later for cocktails and mingling.

If you’d rather keep things traditional, we’ll use this time for photos with your bridal party or family before the ceremony.

2:30pm | Ceremony Setup + Guest Arrival

Guests start arriving, the music starts playing softly, and your ceremony space is looking absolutely perfect. I’ll be capturing the atmosphere, your details, and all those natural interactions as everyone gets excited for your big moment.

If you’re having an outdoor ceremony around Albury or Wodonga, I’ll help you plan the direction of your setup so you’re not squinting into the sun. (Your future selves and your photos will thank us!)

Photo credit: Yours truly Blissful Love Photography

3:00pm | Ceremony Begins

This is it! Most ceremonies run for around 20–30 minutes. Whether you’re in a stunning garden, a rustic barn, or a local chapel, I’ll capture it all,  your reactions, your vows, your guests wiping away tears.

3:30pm | Congratulations + Group Photos

You’re officially married! This is one of my favourite parts of the day. Lots of hugs, confetti, laughter, happy chaos. After some hugs we can take a big group photo of all of your guests.

We’ll then move straight into family photos. A good rule of thumb? Allow about 20 minutes, depending on your list. The longer the list, the more time we need. Having a helper call out names makes this part smooth and easy.

4:00pm - 5:00pm | Bridal Party Portraits + Golden Hour Photos

Time for some fun with your crew like champagne pops, walking shots, and lots of laughs. Then, we’ll sneak away for your couple portraits if your wedding is in the winter daylight savings months. I always plan these around the best light, that soft, warm glow before sunset. It’s romantic, flattering, and gives your photos that signature golden feel that looks straight out of a movie.

If your wedding is in the summer months and the sunset isn't until later in the night you could use this time to join in at cocktail hour or just to go and have a break! You might need it!

Photo credit: Yours truly Blissful Love Photography

6:00pm | Reception Begins

You’ve made your grand entrance! It’s time to celebrate, eat, drink, and soak it all in.

This is when the real candid moments happen,  your guests laughing during speeches, little kids twirling on the dance floor, grandparents holding hands. I’ll be there capturing it all quietly in the background.

7:00pm | Sunset Portraits (Highly Recommended!)

Even if we’ve already done portraits earlier, I always suggest ducking out for 10 minutes at sunset. The light is pure magic. Golden, glowy, and cinematic.

Plus, it gives you both a breather. A quiet moment to take it all in before heading back to party mode.

Obviously we would need to pre check the sun set time on your date and make sure it works in with your meals, speeches ect. 

9:00pm | Party!

It’s time to hit the dance floor! You might start with a dance with your parents and then onto your first dance. This is always such a sweet moment which generally turns into everyone jumping on the dancefloor too! Let the party begin!

PS. I help all my couples create their perfect wedding day timeline as part of my wedding photography services.

Photo credit: Yours truly Blissful Love Photography

Photographer’s Tips for Planning Your Timeline

Here are a few of my tried-and-true Albury wedding photographer tips for making your run sheet work like a dream:

Add Buffer Time Everywhere

Things always take longer than expected. Hair, makeup, travel, or that uncle who disappears right before family photos. Add 10–15 minutes between each section and you’ll stay relaxed all day.

Light Is Everything

Good light makes good photos. Plan your couple portraits for golden hour, and if you’re not sure when that is, ask me, I’ll help you time everything perfectly.

Don’t Rush the Fun Parts

The best photos often happen in those unplanned in-between moments like walking hand-in-hand after your ceremony, laughing with your friends, dancing barefoot under the lights. Make space for those memories.

Chat with Your Photographer Early

I help all my couples create a custom wedding day run sheet based on their venue, season, and light. We generally go through this at your mini engagement session or in a phone call before the day.

Every couple who hired me as their wedding photographer with one of my wedding photography packages, I ensure your wedding day runsheet takes all of these considerations (and more) into account when creating your timeline.

Consider a First Look

If you’re feeling nervous or want more time with guests later, a first look is such a great option. It’s private, heartfelt, and gives you more time in your day.

Photo credit: Yours truly Blissful Love Photography

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the most organised couples sometimes trip up on these little details. So here’s how to dodge them:

Underestimating Travel Time

Even short drives around Albury or Wodonga can take longer with bridal parties and photographers in tow. Always allow a little extra time for travel and parking.

Forgetting to Allow Time for Family Photos

Family photos are important and emotional but they also take time. Have a list ready (and a helper with a loud voice!) so we can move through them efficiently. This would go on your information form.

Scheduling the Ceremony Too Late

If your ceremony starts too close to sunset, we lose that dreamy golden light for portraits. When in doubt, start earlier. You’ll thank yourself later.

Not Sharing the Run Sheet with Vendors

Everyone works better when they know what’s happening! Share your wedding timeline with your venue, celebrant, and photographer so everything runs smoothly.

Photo credit: Yours truly Blissful Love Photography

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, your wedding isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about celebrating your love story surrounded by the people who mean the world to you.

A thoughtful wedding timeline simply makes that experience smoother, calmer, and a whole lot more enjoyable.

When you work with me and use one of my wedding photography services on your wedding day, we’ll plan your wedding day run sheet together, from the first mimosa in the morning to the dance floor. It’s all about creating a day that flows naturally, looks amazing in photos, and feels like you.

Need help planning your wedding day timeline?

I work with all my couples to create a run sheet that fits their plans, light, and vision perfectly  so you can focus on what really matters: having the best day ever.

Let’s plan your dream day. Get in touch with me here!