LET’S BE REAL

Wedding timelines can feel like a beast. Pinterest makes them look effortless, but in reality? You’re juggling makeup times, missing suits, and waiting for Aunt Karen to wander into the family photo. It’s a lot.

So here’s the deal—everything I’m about to share is just a guide. Take it with a grain of salt, and remember it also depends on how many hours you’ve booked me for. Think of this as a starting point, not a strict rulebook. We’ll tweak it to suit your day, your vibe, and your package.

START WITH A DRAFT

I always sketch out a rough timeline with my couples early on. Nothing locked in, just something to get the wheels turning.

Things people often forget:

Getting dressed (always takes longer than you think).
Travel to the ceremony (traffic, roadworks, vintage cars being dramatic).
Hugs & congrats after the ceremony (the best part, don’t rush it).
Family photos (shortlist = sanity saver).
Buffer time so you’re not sprinting into the reception.

The easiest way? Work backwards from your ceremony time and sunset. Everything else slots into place.

GIVE YOURSELF EXTRA TIME

Here’s the secret: stuff will run late. Hair and makeup, a stuck zipper, missing flowers—it happens. If you build in buffer time, you won’t feel stressed when something runs over.

My favourite place to pad the timeline is right after the ceremony. That extra 30–45 minutes gives you space for hugs, family photos, and a breather without disrupting the rest of the schedule. Another good place to find time is before reception. Always plan to be back to reception early (10-15 minutes) to give yourself a minute to chill and take in what you have just done.

GETTING READY

(Approx. 1 hr for bridesmaids, 45 mins for groomsmen)

Prep is one of my favourite parts—it’s where the nerves and excitement kick in.

Ask hair & makeup to finish an hour before you actually need to leave.
Aim to be fully dressed 30 minutes before departure = time for portraits & champagne.
Gather details (rings, flowers, jewellery, invites, etc.) in one spot for me—it saves heaps of time.
If we’ve got extra minutes, we can even tick off some family photos here.

TRAVEL TIME

Always allow more than you think. Roadworks, vintage cars, surprise detours—it’s a thing. Better early than stressed.

THE CEREMONY (Approx. 30 mins)

Most run about half an hour, but your celebrant will know best.

POST-CEREMONY HUGS (5–10 mins)

These are the real, unposed, emotional moments. Let them happen.

FAMILY PHOTOS (Max. 30 mins)

Shortlist your must-haves and appoint a “people wrangler” (someone who knows everyone and can hunt down Uncle Steve).

WEDDING PARTY PHOTOS (1 hr)

This is where the fun begins. I usually do:

30 mins with the whole crew, then i’ll send off your wedding party to party while I keep just you two for another 30 mins of candid, cinematic portraits.

I like to wrap things up 10–15 mins before the reception so you can touch up, breathe, and take it all in.

SUNSET PHOTOS (10–15 mins)

Golden hour = magic. A quick sneak away for dreamy portraits and a quiet moment together. This can be affected by the weather and time of year.

THE RECEPTION

This is party time! The venue usually runs the show here, but a few tips:

Split speeches around meals to keep energy high.
Think about lighting for speeches, cake cutting, and first dances (especially outdoors).
I may steal you for 5 mins of night shots—stars, sparklers, neon signs… always worth it.

PS: chat directly with your venue about food service and formalities—they know their flow better than I do.

FINAL THOUGHT

Your wedding day shouldn’t feel like a military operation. A thoughtful timeline = less stress, more fun, and way more time to soak it all in.

And if it still feels overwhelming? Don’t stress. Let’s grab a coffee, chat through your day, and I’ll help you build a timeline that makes sense (and keeps you sane).

BONUS FOR A UNIQUE TIMELINE:

First Look:
Perfect if you’re nervous about the aisle moment. It’s a private chance to see each other, calm the nerves, and get some beautiful, emotional photos before the ceremony.

Pre-ceremony Portraits:
Get the portraits done earlier, so after the “I do’s”, you can spend more time celebrating with your guests instead of ducking off for photos.

Here’s a TikTok I love that explains it well: watch here.

Hope this helps (if it doesn't, give me a call!)

Ell xx