Real talk: wedding days are a lot. Even the chillest, backyard, pizza-and-pets vibe wedding still has moving parts, people to wrangle, and a timeline that can either be your best friend or your most chaotic frenemy.
After photographing weddings for over a decade, I’ve seen the same timeline mistakes pop up over and over again. But the good news? They’re all totally avoidable. Let’s walk through the top three, and how I help my couples sidestep the stress.
1. Underestimating Hair & Makeup Time
This one gets folks every time. You’re told hair and makeup takes “about an hour,” and then suddenly it’s been two and we’re scrambling to catch up. Here’s the thing: your artist isn’t slow. They’re just doing their job well. Good makeup takes time. Touch-ups take time. Having a dozen people in one room sipping mimosas and asking “when are you up?” takes time.
The fix: I always recommend padding in extra time—especially if multiple people are getting styled or there’s only one artist. If your hair and makeup team gives you an estimate, I’ll usually add 30–45 minutes as a buffer. Worst case? You’re done early and get to breathe. Best case? You’re not panicking with half a lash on when it’s time for first look photos.
2. Forgetting to Factor in Travel
Got two locations? A ceremony spot and a reception venue? Or maybe you’re getting ready at home and the ceremony’s in the park? Cool! Let’s not forget to plan for actually getting there. It’s easy to assume a 10-minute drive is no big deal—but by the time you load the car, wrangle a wedding party, and navigate Atlanta traffic (or wherever your day is happening), it’s more like 30.
The fix: I help you build in realistic travel windows plus transition time. That means time to gather your things, load into vehicles, and re-center when you arrive. We don’t just plop 10 minutes into a spreadsheet and call it good. We plan like real people, for real life.
3. Skipping Buffer Time (aka Expecting Everything to Go Perfectly)
Here’s the secret: the timeline isn’t a rigid schedule. It’s a safety net. A timeline is there to catch the little things that inevitably run late: a dress zipper that’s stuck, a flower delivery that’s 15 minutes behind, or someone realizing they left their vows in the car. It’s not about “freaking out when things fall apart”—it’s about giving yourself the space for things to breathe before they even go sideways.
The fix: I always recommend building buffer time into your timeline. Like, on purpose. And any planner worth their salt will do the same. It’s not about being pessimistic—it’s about being prepared. And you know what happens when you don’t need it? You get to sit down, sip something cold, and just exist for a minute. Dreamy, right?
TL;DR: Your Timeline Should Work For You
You don’t need a timeline that’s packed to the minute and held together by crossed fingers. You need one that flows with you, flexes when needed, and makes space for joy, weird moments, and the kind of connection you actually want to remember.
That’s where I come in. As your photographer (and unofficial calm coordinator), I’ll help you build a timeline that’s honest, realistic, and actually doable. One that leaves room for laughing fits, bathroom breaks, and last-minute dance-offs in the living room.
Need help figuring out how the heck your wedding day can flow best for your plans? Reach out here and let’s map out a plan that actually makes sense—for you.
Planning a wedding that’s about connection, not perfection? Download this free guide now.
