Maine & NH Wedding Photographer // Your Wedding Timeline Might Be a Hot Mess—Here’s How to Fix It

Look, I love a good spreadsheet as much as the next Type A bridesmaid, but let’s keep it real—most wedding timelines are held together with wishful thinking and delusion. Like, you’re telling me you’re gonna get into your wedding dress in five minutes? Are you teleporting into it? Do your shoes levitate onto your feet? Is your jewelry pre-attached via sorcery?

No? Cool, then let’s build a real timeline that keeps you calm, on track, and looking like the unbothered queen you are.

Buffer Time = Sanity Insurance

You need buffer time built into your schedule. Not want. NEED.
Why? Because real life doesn’t move in Pinterest time. You’ll have to:

• Pee (maybe twice, especially in Spanx)

• Wrestle yourself into a bra, shapewear, and that dress with 47 buttons

• Find your left earring that your aunt moved “for safekeeping”

• Get those heels on without falling over (and have a bridesmaid buckle them)

• Take a breath before you walk out the door (novel concept, I know)

Build in a 30-minute buffer before you even think you’re “done getting ready.” You’ll thank yourself. Your photographer will thank you. Your sanity will send you a muffin basket.

Hair + Makeup Will Run Over. Accept It.

I love my glam squad folks—they’re artists, therapists, and miracle workers. But even they can’t always predict that one rogue lash that won’t stick, or the bridesmaid who shows up late with wet hair and a Red Bull.

Pad in extra time for hair and makeup. Not “they said an hour so I gave them an hour,” but add an extra 30–45 minutesso when (not if) things run behind, you’re still on track.

Travel Time is Not Just Drive Time

If you’re changing locations—like getting ready at a hotel and then heading to the venue—travel time is more than just a 15-minute drive. Add:

• Time to gather your stuff (and the humans who are constantly losing their shoes)

• Parking (because that’s a thing)

• Photographer setup time at the new spot

• Bathroom breaks, shoe changes, pep talks, etc.

So yeah, that 15-minute drive? It’s really 30–40. Plan accordingly.

Family Formals Take Longer Than You Think

I know you think we’re gonna knock out 20 family photos in 10 minutes, but I’m here to crush your dreams gently. Each grouping takes 2–3 minutes IF everyone is there and paying attention. That’s a big IF.

Uncle Bob is in the bathroom. Grandma’s in the shade. Cousin Taylor wandered off with a mimosa.

Plan 2-3 minutes per grouping for family formals. If your family is big or chaotic (or just... extra), maybe more. Tell people exactly where and when to show up for these pics—or expect chaos and a stressed-out bride face in every photo.

Pro Tip: Overestimate Everything

Here’s the ultimate truth: No one’s ever mad they’re ahead of schedule. You’re not gonna be like, “Ugh, I’m early and relaxed, what a nightmare.” But if you’re late? Cue the sweaty pits, skipped photos, and a timeline that’s now on fire.

So let’s ditch the fantasy timeline and go with one that respects:

• Your time

• Your nerves

• Your need to pee

• And your photographer’s ability to actually do their damn job without rushing

Be real with your timeline. Add buffers. Pad your prep time. Respect the logistics. And please—please—don’t try to squeeze a whole-ass wedding day into a TikTok-length schedule.

I’ll help you build a timeline that works. One that leaves room for real moments, happy tears, and time to breathe before the chaos kicks off.

Let’s build something that lets you actually enjoy your wedding—not just survive it.