Why a Timeline Matters

Your photo timeline is what keeps the day running smoothly—and ensures we have enough time to capture everything you care about. It creates space for portraits, preserves time for genuine moments, and helps you feel calm instead of rushed.


Whether you’re working with a planner or doing it all yourselves, a solid photo timeline is one of the best gifts you can give yourselves for a stress-free day.

You’re Not On Your Own

At Caitee Smith Photography, I always build your wedding photo timeline with you. You’ll never be left to figure it out alone or wonder how much time to set aside for portraits or flat lays.


We’ll walk through your questionnaire responses together, talk about what’s important to you, and shape a timeline that reflects your priorities (with plenty of breathing room). From golden hour portraits to cocktail hour candids, I’ve got you covered—and I’ll gently keep things on track throughout the day so you can focus on being present.

A Quick Note About Hair & Makeup Timing

This one’s important: unless your photo coverage specifically includes hair and makeup “getting ready” time, hair, makeup, and final touch-ups should be completely finished before we begin portraits or any getting-ready photos.


Why? Because unfinished hair or makeup almost always causes delays—and can compress the rest of your photo timeline. If you’d like “getting ready” photos that include your glam team in action, let me know and we’ll be sure to include that in your coverage!


Here’s what I recommend:

  • Ask your beauty team to schedule completion at least 30–45 minutes before the first look or portraits begin.
  • If you want those “glam in progress” shots, we’ll build that into the timeline intentionally!

Travel Time & Buffer Time Matter

If you're getting ready, getting married, and celebrating in different locations, build in extra time for travel between each stop—and buffer time for the inevitable surprises (like traffic, lost shoes, or rounding up your wedding party).


Here’s how to plan:

  • Add 10–15 minutes beyond what your map app says, especially if you’re moving with a group.
  • Pad every major transition with buffer time—photos always run smoother when no one’s rushed.
  • Let key people (like family and the wedding party) know in advance where they need to be and when.


Running a little ahead of schedule? Amazing. That gives you time to breathe, freshen up, or just soak in the moment.

Key Things to Consider

Flat Lay & Detail Photos: 30 minutes

All your thoughtfully chosen details deserve space to shine.


Getting Ready Photos: 1.5–2 hours

Includes candids, robe shots, final prep, and getting dressed.


First Look (if doing one): 15 minutes

Time for genuine reactions and portraits right after.

Couple’s Portraits: 30-45 minutes

Split before or after the ceremony—or both!


Family Photos: 30-60 minutes

We’ll work from a pre-planned shot list to stay efficient.


Wedding Party Photos: 30 minutes

The more organized the crew, the smoother this goes!

Cocktail Hour: 60 minutes

Used for mingling or portraits depending on your timeline.


Sunset Portraits: 15-20 minutes

That dreamy, glowy light? Worth the sneak-out.


Reception Coverage: 2-4 hours

Tailored to cover key moments like toasts, dances, and cake-cutting.

Sample Timeline: 8-Hours

  • 1:00 PM — Photographers Arrive
  • 1:00-1:30 PM — Flat Lays & Detail Photos
  • 1:30-2:00 PM — Getting Dressed Photos
  • 2:00-2:30 PM – Bridal Portraits | Groom Portraits
  • 2:30-3:15 PM — First Look & Couple’s Portraits
  • 3:15-3:45 PM — Wedding Party Photos
  • 3:45-4:30 PM — Family Photos
  • 4:30-5:00 PM — Tuck Away for Ceremony
  • 5:00-5:30 PM — Ceremony
  • 5:30-6:30 PM — Cocktail Hour
  • 6:30 PM — Reception Begins
  • 6:30-6:35 PM – Introductions
  • 6:35-6:40 PM – First Dance
  • 6:40-6:45 PM – Parent Dances
  • 6:45-7:00 PM – Toasts
  • 7:00 PM – Dinner Served
  • 7:30 PM – Dance Floor Opens
  • 8:00 PM – Cake Cutting
  • 7:45-8:00 PM — Golden Hour Portraits
  • 9:00 PM — Coverage Ends

Sample Timeline: 10-Hours

  • 11:30 AM — Photographers Arrive
  • 11:30-12:00 PM — Flat Lays & Detail Photos
  • 12:00-12:30 PM — Getting Ready Photos
  • 12:30-1:00 PM – Getting Dressed Photos
  • 1:00-1:30 PM – Bridal Portraits | Groom Portraits
  • 1:30-2:30 PM — First Look & Couple’s Portraits
  • 2:30-3:00 PM — Wedding Party Photos
  • 3:00-4:00 PM — Family Photos
  • 4:00-4:30 PM — Tuck Away for Ceremony
  • 4:30-5:00 PM — Ceremony
  • 5:00-6:00 PM — Cocktail Hour
  • 6:00 PM — Reception Begins
  • 6:00-6:05 PM – Introductions
  • 6:05-6:10 PM – First Dance
  • 6:10-6:15 PM – Parent Dances
  • 6:15-6:30 PM – Toasts
  • 6:30 PM – Dinner Served
  • 7:00 PM – Dance Floor Opens
  • 7:45-8:00 PM — Golden Hour Portraits
  • 8:00 PM – Cake Cutting
  • 9:30 PM — Coverage Ends

A Few Final Tips for Couples

  • Adding buffer time between big events—10–15 minutes can go a long way
  • Let your family + wedding party know when/where they’re needed
  • Build in space to breathe—you’ll be so glad you did
  • Trust your timeline—we built it with intention

Let’s Build It Together

Creating your photo timeline shouldn’t be stressful—that’s why I’m here. I’ll help you build a plan that’s intentional, flexible, and totally true to your day. If you’re ever unsure how something fits in, just ask. You don’t have to figure it out alone.