Time flies when you’re having fun, and it’s precious on your wedding day! The idea of creating your wedding timeline might seem like a chore, but having a solid timeline is key to you being able to soak in every moment without feeling rushed or stressed.

As your wedding photographer, I’ll help you create your stress-free wedding timeline! But whether you’re working with a pro or DIY-ing it, here’s how to make sure your wedding day is as chill as can be.

5 Tips to Create your Stress-Free Wedding Timeline

1. Don’t Over Schedule: Nobody wants to be micro-managed at their wedding! Your timeline should be an outline of the main events (ceremony, portraits, etc.) so everybody’s on the same page. After that, it’s best just to leave blocks of time for the rest happen organically!
2. Add a Buffer: Trust me, in my experience this has saved many weddings from going off the rails! Building wiggle room into your timeline means you’re covered if things run late, or you want to steal a few quiet moments together to catch your breath.
3. Double Travel Time: If you’re traveling between locations, always double whatever GPS says to allow for traffic. Also, you’ll be moving slower than normal with a wedding party in tow.
4. Use Your Timeline as a Guide: Your timeline’s there to keep you on track, but don’t stress if you veer off course. If you’ve built in buffers, you’ll be able to remain present and enjoy your day, even if something doesn’t go exactly as planned.
5. Delegate Timekeeping: It’s your wedding day so relax and let someone else keep an eye on the clock! Pick a trusted friend or family member to be your official timekeeper, so you can focus on being in the moment.

Down to the Details | Create your Stress-Free Wedding Timeline

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If you’re DIY-ing your timeline, or you’re creating a draft before working with your photographer or wedding planner, download my Free Wedding Timeline Template!

Make a Copy, then add your details to customize it.

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Here’s how to create your timeline using the Free Wedding Timeline Template:

Start with the Main Events: Enter when and where each of you are getting ready, along with when and where your portraits, ceremony, cocktail hour and reception will be. Then, decide if you’re having a first look.

Break Down Your Day: Here’s a breakdown of how long things usually take (automatically calculated for you in the Free Wedding Timeline Template):

• Getting Ready: 1-2 hours of photo time. Also check with your hair and makeup crew for their timeline, based on how many people they need to get prepped.
• Portraits: Block 1.5 – 2.5 hours for wedding party, family & couples’ portraits. This can be spaced throughout the day.
• Pre-Ceremony Break: Take a breather for 30 minutes before your ceremony, so you can freshen up and stay out of sight while your guests arrive.
• Ceremony: This is up to you and your officiant. Wedding ceremonies usually run anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour.
• Cocktails: Give your guests an hour to mix & mingle before the main event, or 1.5 hours if you’re planning post-ceremony portraits.
• Reception: Plan for 4-5 hours of dancing, dining, and celebrating. Your venue manager and MC usually take over the timeline for special dances, toasts and other events during your reception.
• Travel Time: Enter actual travel time from your GPS and the template will double it for you.

Once you’ve entered all your wedding day details into the Timeline Template, it will create your timeline for you! Feel free to download & print it, or make further tweaks to customize it further.

By breaking down your day into manageable chunks and giving yourself a little leeway, you can create a stress-free wedding day timeline. And let’s be real – that’s what allows you to focus on what really matters, which is having an amazing time and celebrating with each other and your guests!

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Gen Palmer is a South New Jersey wedding photographer who documents authentic photography for real couples. Gen documents weddings around South New Jersey and Philadelphia.

Gen loves working with couples who cherish relationships over things, and who value printed photographs to display and enjoy their memories every day. Sound like you? Reach out about your wedding!