Tips for planning your wedding day timeline

One of the most common questions I get from brides is:
“What time should we start the ceremony?”

It’s such a great question because your ceremony start time is the anchor for your entire wedding day. Everything—from when you start hair and makeup, to when vendors arrive, to how the light hits your portraits—is planned around it.

Yes, it’s just one time on the schedule, but it’s a big one. Don’t worry, though—here are a few tips to help you confidently choose the perfect start time for your day.

1. Plan Around the Sunset

One of the biggest factors to consider? Sunset.

Natural light plays a huge role in photography, so you want to make sure there’s enough daylight after your ceremony for portraits, family photos, and (of course) dreamy sunset shots.

Here’s a quick guide based on the season:

• Spring & Fall – The sun usually sets around 6:00 PM
  → Ideal ceremony time: 2:00–3:00 PM

• Summer – Long, golden days with sunset around 8:00 PM
  → Ceremony can start as late as 4:00–5:00 PM

• Winter – Shorter days, with sunset around 4:00 PM
  → Ceremony should start earlier, around 1:00 PM

💡 Pro tip: Just Google “sunset on your wedding date in your city” to get an exact time!

2. Consider a First Look

Doing a first look with your partner before the ceremony can give you so much flexibility! It allows you to knock out bride and groom portraits, wedding party photos, and even some family formals early—so after the ceremony, you can jump straight into celebrating (and eating 🍽️) instead of rushing through photos.

Plus, it’s a sweet, quiet moment between the two of you before the big "I Do."

3. Don’t Keep Guests Hungry

Here’s the truth: hangry guests are not happy guests.

Be mindful of when dinner (or at least appetizers) will be served. If your ceremony starts later in the day, make sure cocktail hour is prompt and well-stocked. Guests will come ready to eat, and you want them to be able to relax, not wonder when the next snack is coming.

4. Account for Everything

Not all ceremonies are created equal. A few things to consider when building your timeline:

• Will you have a full religious service, or a shorter symbolic ceremony?

• Are you planning a receiving line afterward?

• Do you want alone time as newlyweds before joining the party?

• Will you be incorporating special traditions or readings?

All of these can affect the flow of your day. Knowing what to expect helps keep things smooth and stress-free.

5. Start With the Ceremony, Build From There

When you're creating your timeline, start with the ceremony and work backward and forward from there. Knowing what time your ceremony begins helps you plan:

• Hair & makeup start time

• When you should be in your dress

• Portraits and first look

• Vendor arrival times

• Reception transitions

I love helping my couples craft a timeline that reflects their vision and gives them space to soak in each moment. Whether you're an early bird or planning a sunset "I do," we’ll make sure your day flows beautifully.