Creating a Seamless Wedding Day Timeline for Perfect Portraits and Films

Your wedding day is filled with so many beautiful moments, and one of the most important ways to ensure they’re all captured is by having a well-thought-out wedding day timeline. Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, creating a timeline that includes time for both photography and videography will help everything flow smoothly, ensuring that you don’t miss any key moments. At Twelve One & Co., we specialize in capturing every important moment through wedding portraits and wedding films, and we know that the right timeline can make all the difference in creating perfect memories.

How to Plan Your Wedding Day for Perfect Photography and Videography

Planning a wedding day timeline that allows for smooth transitions between key events is crucial. A well-structured timeline helps your photographer and videographer capture everything from the quiet moments before the ceremony to the joyful celebrations during the reception. Here’s how to create a timeline that works for your wedding day:

Start with a Pre-Ceremony Photoshoot

If you’re planning to take wedding portraits before the ceremony, allocate enough time in your timeline for this. Starting early means you can have more relaxed photos without feeling rushed. We recommend at least an hour for bridal portraits and a first look if you’re doing one. This allows time for emotional, intimate moments and family photos without cutting into ceremony time.
Time for Details

Don’t forget to schedule time for shots of the details — your dress, shoes, rings, flowers, and any other meaningful items you want captured. These moments add depth to your wedding album and video, providing context and beauty to the story of your day.
First Look vs. Pre-Ceremony Portraits

A first look is a private moment between you and your partner before the ceremony. If you opt for this, it’s important to build it into your timeline, along with time for couples’ portraits afterward. Discuss with your photographer and videographer about the best time to do this, whether it’s at the venue or a nearby scenic location.
Allow Time for Family and Bridal Party Photos

Family and bridal party portraits should be scheduled after the first look and before the ceremony begins. Typically, this takes 30-45 minutes, depending on the size of your group. We recommend having a list of key family members and groups to ensure that all important photos are taken, and nothing is missed.

The Importance of Timing for Wedding Photography and Videography

As much as you want to capture beautiful photos and videos, it’s just as important to ensure there’s enough time for everything. Here’s why timing matters:

Optimal Lighting for Photos and Video
Lighting plays a huge role in both photography and videography. Sunset photos are a popular choice for wedding portraits because of the soft, golden light. This is something you’ll want to discuss with your photographer to ensure there’s a window of time for these types of shots. Similarly, indoor venues with lower lighting require extra attention from your videographer to get clear, bright footage.
Minimizing Stress and Maximizing Fun
A well-planned timeline will reduce stress and allow you to enjoy your day. When there’s time for breaks and rest, you’ll feel less rushed and more in the moment. This translates into more relaxed, authentic photos and video footage.
Maximizing Your Coverage
Both your photographer and videographer need enough time to cover every aspect of your day. When your timeline includes adequate time for the ceremony, reception, and candid moments, they can capture everything, from the smallest details to the biggest emotions.

How to Work with Your Photographer and Videographer to Get the Best Shots

A collaborative effort between you and your wedding photography and videography team is key. Here are a few ways to work seamlessly with your team for the best results:

Share Your Vision
Talk with your photographer and videographer about the kind of shots you want. Share photos or videos that inspire you and discuss any must-have moments. For example, if you want a cinematic feel to your wedding video or specific poses for your photos, be sure to communicate that ahead of time.
Trust Your Team’s Expertise
Your wedding photography and videography team is there to guide you through the process. They’ll know how to direct you for the most flattering shots and the best angles. Trust their expertise when it comes to what works for lighting, timing, and positioning.
Be Flexible with the Timeline
While it’s important to have a structured timeline, flexibility is key. Sometimes, things might run behind schedule, or you might want to add a spontaneous moment. Your photographer and videographer will be prepared to adjust and still capture everything beautifully.
Make Time for Candid Shots
One of the best things about wedding photography and videography is capturing candid, unexpected moments. Allowing some flexibility in your timeline for relaxed moments will let your photographer and videographer capture authentic emotions throughout the day.

Sample Wedding Day Timeline

This timeline assumes a 5:00 PM ceremony with a first look and takes place at one location (add extra buffer if your venues are separate). Also, if the wedding is in the winter, there might be an earlier sunset time.

11:30 AM — Getting Ready Begins

Hair and makeup artists arrive
Videographer and photographer arrive shortly after (usually around 12:00 PM)
Detail shots: dress, shoes, jewelry, invitation suite, rings, etc.
Candid getting-ready moments with bridesmaids/groomsmen

📸 Pro Tip: Keep your getting-ready space tidy near windows for dreamy natural light photos. Put all your detail items in one spot so we can shoot them first thing!

1:30 PM — Bride Gets in Dress

We’ll capture emotional moments with your bridal party helping you into your gown
Parent reveal if planned
Final hair/makeup touchups

2:00 PM — First Look & Private Vows (Optional)

You and your partner get a quiet moment together before the day takes off
Ideal lighting + emotional gold for your film

🎥 Pro Tip: First looks not only calm the nerves — they also give us more time for portraits, so you’re not rushed post-ceremony.

2:30 PM — Couple Portraits

Romantic shots of just the two of you
If the venue has a field, vineyard, rooftop, or grand staircase, now’s the time!

3:00 PM — Wedding Party Photos

All bridesmaids and groomsmen together
Fun, candid, and classic shots
A few individuals with the couple

3:45 PM — Immediate Family Photos

Keep it simple: parents, siblings, grandparents
We recommend making a list ahead of time so no one gets forgotten

4:15 PM — Everyone Freshens Up

Guests start arriving
Couple relaxes, drinks water, touches up, and resets
No cameras for a bit — enjoy the calm!

5:00 PM — Ceremony

Walk down the aisle
Exchange vows
First kiss as a married couple!

🎥 Pro Tip: Unplugged ceremonies = cleaner shots. Ask your officiant to announce it so guests stay present and don’t block the view with phones.

5:30 PM — Cocktail Hour & Sunset Portraits

Guests enjoy drinks and apps
You sneak off for 15–20 minutes of golden hour portraits

📸 Pro Tip: Sunset light is chef’s kiss for glowing, romantic photos. Don’t skip this part!

6:30 PM — Grand Entrance & Dinner

Enter as newlyweds
First dances right away or after the meal — up to you
Dinner is served

7:30 PM — Toasts & Speeches

We recommend limiting speeches to 2–3 max
Short and heartfelt wins every time

8:00 PM — Cake Cutting & Dance Floor Opens

Time to let loose
We’ll capture wild dance moves and sweet moments alike

9:00 PM — Golden Hour Exit or Faux Sparkler Send-Off

If you’re not staying until the very end, we can stage a sparkler or confetti exit for the perfect ending shot
Otherwise, let’s plan something fun for your film’s finale

Final Thoughts from Your Photo + Film Team

A well-planned wedding timeline means:

More relaxed moments
Better photos + videos (with that perfect light!)
Less stress for you and your crew

We’re here to help you build a timeline that reflects your priorities — whether that’s more portraits, private vows, or time with your people.

Ready to craft the perfect timeline for your day? Let’s talk.

📍Based in Des Moines, Iowa — and always up for travel.
At Twelve One & Co., we specialize in wedding photography and cinematic wedding films that tell your story beautifully.

At Twelve One & Co., we understand the importance of a well-organized wedding day timeline. From the first look to the last dance, we work with you to ensure that every key moment is captured in stunning detail, creating wedding portraits and films that you’ll cherish forever. Whether you’re planning a local wedding in Des Moines, Iowa, or a destination wedding, we’re here to make your wedding day photography and videography seamless and stress-free.

Contact us today here to start planning your wedding day timeline and discuss how we can help capture every moment of your celebration.

Creating a Seamless Wedding Day Timeline for Perfect Portraits and Films