Hi beautiful! I want to talk today about your wedding day—the one you’ve been dreaming of, planning for, and counting down to. It’s going to be magical, emotional, and over before you know it. I’ve seen it so many times—brides get caught up in the whirlwind, and before they know it, the day is over. That’s why having a well-thought-out timeline isn’t just about keeping things on track, it’s about making sure you get to be fully present for every breathtaking, heartwarming, joy-filled second.
The Morning Glow – Getting Ready (3-4 Hours Before the Ceremony)
Your ceremony morning sets the tone for the whole day. Whether you're sipping champagne with your best friends or taking a quiet moment to breathe, this is when the excitement really sinks in. Give yourself enough time for hair, makeup, and getting into your dress without feeling rushed.
My Tip: Leave space for detail shots i.e your rings, dress, bouquet, and those sentimental touches that make your day uniquely yours.
First Look or First Glance Down the Aisle? (1.5 Hours Before the Ceremony)
This is one of the biggest decisions for your timeline. Do you want a quiet, intimate moment with your partner before walking down the aisle, or do you want to save that first look for the ceremony? Either way, it’s a moment you’ll never forget.
My Tip: If you’re skipping the first look, consider a ‘first touch’—a sweet moment holding hands around a doorway without seeing each other.
The Ceremony – Where Forever Begins (30-60 Minutes)
Here is the moment you’ve been waiting for. Whether it’s a grand cathedral or a quiet garden, this is where you say I do and time seems to stand still. Give yourself permission to take it all in—the music, your partner’s face, the love in the room.
My Tip: If your venue allows, a golden-hour ceremony will give you the dreamiest light for your photos.
Family & Bridal Party Photos (30-45 Minutes)
Right after the ceremony is the best time to capture those must-have family shots while everyone is still gathered. A little planning here goes a long way. My suggestion is to have a list ready so this part flows smoothly, and you can get to the fun part.
My Tip: Assign someone (a bridesmaid, a sibling) to help gather people so you’re not the one hunting down Uncle Bob for the next photo.
Couple’s Portraits – Just the Two of You (30-45 Minutes)
This is your time to step away from the crowd, breathe, and just be together. Whether it’s sneaking away at golden hour or a quiet moment before the reception, these images will be some of your favourites.
My Tip: Choosing the right wedding photography package gives you the time to enjoy this session without missing out on celebrating with your guests.
Reception – The Party Begins (3-5 Hours)
This is where the magic of the night unfolds—your grand entrance, heartfelt toasts, your first dance, and that moment when the dance floor turns into the best party of your life.
My Tip: Sneak out for 10 minutes at sunset—the lighting will be pure magic, and the photos will be some of your most treasured.
The Grand Exit – Ending the Night in Style
Whether it’s sparklers, confetti, or a romantic getaway car, how you end the night is just as special as how it began. Plan something fun, something you.
My Tip: Make sure your photographer stays until the end—you’ll want those last few moments captured forever.
Your marriage day is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and a well-planned timeline makes sure you get to live it, breathe it, and love every second.
So here’s my advice—take your time, be present, and let yourself feel every emotion. This is your day, and I’m here to make sure it’s captured in the most effortless, authentic way possible.
(Keep scrolling below my gallery for more blog info on what to do if your ceremony runs behind schedule!)
CREATIVE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN WERRIBEE, YARRAVILLE & SURROUNDING AREAS - Check More of My Work on Socials Below:
What to Do If Your Wedding Runs Behind Schedule
No matter how much thought you’ve put into every detail, things can take longer than expected. Maybe hair and makeup run late, a family member goes missing before group photos, or that dreamy sunset you were counting on disappears behind unexpected clouds.
Breathe. Your D-Day isn’t about sticking to a strict schedule, it’s about moments. And when things don’t go exactly as planned, I promise it’s still going to be magical. Here’s what to do when time starts slipping away:
1. Stay Present – The Day Is Still Yours
First things first—please don’t stress! The last thing you want is to spend your day worried about minutes ticking by. A slight delay won’t take away from the love, joy, and emotion of your day. The best thing you can do is embrace the moment.
My Tip: If something is running behind, let it be. Your guests are there to celebrate you, not watch the clock. The energy of the day will follow your lead. If you’re calm, everyone else will be too.
2. Be Flexible with Photos
If the schedule shifts, your photography timeline might need to adjust, too. And that’s okay. There’s always a way to make time for those must-have shots, even if it means getting creative.
My Tip: If you’re short on time, we can capture couple portraits in shorter, more intimate bursts throughout the day like before the ceremony, in golden-hour light, or even after dinner when things slow down. Choosing the right wedding photography package ensures you have enough coverage to handle little delays without missing out on the moments that matter most.
3. Communicate with Your Vendors
Your vendors have done this a lot, and trust me it is okay to roll with the unexpected. If things start to run late, just let us know so we can adjust as needed.
My Tip: Assign a trusted bridesmaid or coordinator to handle communication. That way, you can stay present while they keep everything flowing smoothly.
4. Prioritize What Matters Most
If time is slipping away and you need to make adjustments, think about what’s most important to you. Do you want to prioritize family portraits? Sneak away for some quiet couple moments? Skip straight to dancing? There’s no right or wrong answer, just what feels right for you.
My Tip: A well-planned wedding photography package gives you room to move things around without missing key moments.
5. Trust That It’s All Meant to Be
At the end of the day, no one will remember if dinner started 15 minutes late or if the speeches ran long. What they’ll remember is how they felt. And trust me, that feeling—the love, the joy, the laughter will all be captured beautifully, no matter what.
Final Thought: Your union is about love, not the clock. So if things un behind? Let it be part of the story. Because your day will be perfect, exactly as it unfolds.
(Keep scrolling below my gallery to read on how to have a perfect reception timeline for fun stress free photos.)
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The Perfect Reception Timeline for Fun, Stress-Free Photos
Let’s talk about your reception—the part of the day where the nerves melt away, the champagne flows, and the real celebration begins. It’s the moment you finally get to soak in the love surrounding you, laugh with your favourite people, and dance like nobody’s watching.
But between the grand entrance, speeches, and cake cutting, it can feel like there’s so much to fit in. The key to a reception that feels effortless and fun? A timeline that lets things unfold naturally, without feeling rushed or overwhelming. Here’s how to create a flow that keeps the party going while making sure every beautiful moment is captured.
1. The Grand Entrance (5-10 Minutes)
You’ve just said I do, and now it’s time to make an entrance as newlyweds! Whether you want to keep it classic or go all out with a choreographed dance, this is the first moment your guests see you as a married couple—so make it count!
My Tip: Plan this when there’s still daylight if you want a warm, golden glow in your photos.
2. First Dance (5 Minutes)
There’s something magical about those first few minutes on the dance floor together. It’s a chance to just be in the moment, with the world fading away around you. Whether you choose a romantic slow dance or something playful, this sets the tone for the rest of the night.
My Tip: If you’re feeling a little nervous about dancing in front of a crowd, ask your DJ to invite guests onto the floor halfway through. That way, you still get your special moment before the energy builds into a full-blown party.
3. Speeches & Toasts (20-30 Minutes)
Your loved ones will want to share heartfelt words (and maybe a few hilarious stories), so giving them enough time to speak without dragging things out is key.
My Tip: Keep the speeches between courses to break them up and keep guests engaged. Plus, this gives your photographer the chance to capture real, candid reactions—the belly laughs, the happy tears, and everything in between.
4. Cake Cutting & Dessert (15 Minutes)
Whether you’re doing a traditional cake cutting or switching things up with donuts or a dessert bar, this is another sweet moment you’ll want to remember.
My Tip: If you love the idea of golden-hour photos but couldn’t step away earlier, sneak out for a few quick portraits while dessert is being served. These quiet, intimate shots will be some of your favourites.
5. Open Dance Floor (The Rest of the Night!)
Now, it’s time for the real fun to begin! Once the formalities are out of the way, let loose and enjoy every second of the night.
Final Thought: A well-planned timeline means less stress, more magic, and photos that truly reflect the joy of your matrimony. So go ahead, dance like no one’s watching—because I’ll be there, capturing every beautiful second.
If you’re ready to make your "I Do" moments unforgettable, let’s chat about creating the perfect premium package for you.
WHO ARE WE? Inanna Photography is a Melbourne-based studio specializing in boudoir photography, including bridal, couples, and individual sessions. The studio is dedicated to empowering clients by capturing their beauty, confidence, and unique essence in an intimate and supportive environment. With a focus on personalized experiences, we creates stunning, elegant portraits that celebrate individuality and self-love. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or simply embracing yourself, we offers a refined and empowering photographic experience.
Love Jade
xoxox
