ENTER A SUBTITLE


Why a Thoughtfully Crafted Wedding Day Timeline is the Secret to a Seamless Celebration


by Raya Ko

Hi, I'm Raya Ko, founder of LightStrikes Photography. It has been years of love stories, beautiful weddings, and days filled with emotions I witnessed by standing behind the lens. As the philosopher Blaise Pascal once said, “The heart has its reasons which reason knows nothing of.” These profound emotions—love, passion, joy, and at times, the almost overwhelming fear of losing control—are the raw, human responses that pulse through every wedding day. They form the emotional tapestry we are, as photographers are privileged to witness and preserve with great care and artistry.

With extensive experience serving international and distinguished clientele, I’ve had the honor of capturing love stories around the world, and across a range of cultures and settings. My passion as a photographer is to seal those fleeting moments in time, so you can relive the joy, the emotion, and the magic of your day. I’ve seen the quiet beauty and priceless power of those rare moments when a couple steps away from the buzz—just for a breath—and allows themselves to feel the joy, the gravity, and the magic of the their relationship. It’s in those hushed, intimate pauses, nestled within the celebration’s vibrant swirl, that time seems to stand still. These are my favorite moments to capture the intimacy and the true love. Together with our talented team of professionals, we’re here to help you outline your perfect timeline and bring your dream wedding vision to life.

1 / 5

Allow me to offer you a few refined insights—petits conseils, if you will—that can help you gracefully sidestep common missteps and orchestrate a wedding day that feels effortlessly perfect. One of our exclusive services is the Wedding Day Timeline assistance we provide to our couples with complimentary consultation. Between the hugs, happy tears, dancing aunties, and perfectly timed champagne pops, there’s a lot happening. That’s why your wedding day timeline isn’t just a boring spreadsheet—it’s the secret ingredient to a stress-free, unforgettable celebration.

The Power of a Well-Planned Wedding Timeline


A seamless wedding day involves more than just coordinating your own schedule—it’s a beautiful dance of multiple vendors working in harmony. Based on your prime photography coverage, hair and makeup should wrap up before your photographer arrives to ensure a relaxed start. Your florist should have bouquets and boutonnieres ready for pre-ceremony portraits. The planner (or designated point person) should confirm vendor arrivals and set-up completion well before guests arrive. DJ or musicians typically begin sound checks an hour prior to the ceremony, while the caterer and venue staff should be finalizing details for cocktail hour and reception by mid-afternoon. A well-synced timeline ensures everyone is in the right place at the right time—and allows you to glide through your day feeling calm, collected, and radiant.

From the moment you open your eyes on the big day to the final getaway into your honeymoon suite, every part of your wedding deserves thoughtful planning. A solid timeline isn’t about being strict—it’s about freedom. Freedom to enjoy the laughs, the kisses, the dance moves, and yes, even a quiet breath or two.


Your Photographer: Not Just a Vendor

Let’s put it simply: your photographer is the one person (besides your soon-to-be spouse) who is with you all day long. From the "good morning" robe selfies to the last romantic glance before your sparkler exit, we’re there. We know how to thoughtfully design and adapt your timeline from a photographer’s perspective—ensuring stunning coverage whether you’ve chosen a romantic 90-minute elopement or a multi-day wedding filled with cultural nuance and multiple locations. Our approach is tailored to your unique flow, allowing us to capture every meaningful moment, big or small, with artistry and intention.

That means:

  • We notice if your veil needs adjusting.
  • We stepped up when your guests were late or the weather surprised us all.
  • We hand you water when you haven’t sipped anything in hours.
  • We shift the schedule when your grandma needs a moment to hug you.

At LightStrikes Photography, we pride ourselves on our flexibility. Your timeline is a plan, adjustable frame, not a prison. We know when to speed up, when to pause, and how to keep things moving without overwhelming you. Because feeling the emotions of the day is just as important as capturing them.

Timeline Tips

How to build your wedding day timeline, or some quick Wedding Day Timeline Tips:

  • Start your planning with the time of your ceremony—this is the anchor point around which everything else revolves and what you'll need well in advance to prepare invitations.
  • Schedule hair and makeup to finish at least an hour before photos begin.
  • Allow time for getting-ready photos in a clean, well-lit space with minimal clutter.
  • Ensure the florist delivers all floral elements early for portraits.
  • Let your photographer know about any surprise performances or special moments ahead of time.
  • Assign someone who knows the family to help wrangle relatives during group photos—it saves time and keeps everyone smiling.
  • Avoid cramming all family photos after the ceremony—consider doing some earlier in the day.
  • Build in at least 15 minutes of alone time with your partner for intimate portraits post-ceremony.
  • From a photographer’s perspective, natural light is your best friend—schedule portraits during golden hour when possible.
  • Musicians or DJs should do sound checks about an hour before the ceremony.
  • Have a point person (planner or trusted friend) to coordinate vendor arrivals.
  • Caterers and venue staff should wrap up setup before guest arrival.
  • Plan buffer time between events—things almost always take longer than expected.
  • Build in peaceful moments to soak it all in—you deserve to feel every bit of it.

WHEN to book your vendors


To ensure your wedding runs seamlessly, it’s important to book key vendors in a timely fashion. Here’s a general timeline for when to reach out and secure each one:

  • 12–18 months before: Venue (sets your date and style!)
  • 10–14 months before: Wedding Planner or Day-of Coordinator
  • 9–12 months before: Photographer and Videographer (prime dates go fast—book early!)
  • 8–10 months before: Caterer, DJ/Band, and Florist
  • 6–9 months before: Hair & Makeup Artists, Officiant, and Rental Services
  • 4–6 months before: Cake Baker, Transportation, and Hotel Blocks
  • 3–4 months before: Stationery (especially if you’re sending invites early)
  • 1–2 months before: Final walk-throughs, timeline coordination, and confirming arrival times with all vendors


ENTER A SUBTITLE


Sample Full Day Timeline


8:30 AM – Hair & makeup team arrives. Tip: Have the bride go second to last for fresh makeup in portraits.

9:30 AM – Florist delivers bouquets and boutonnieres. Delegate: Ask a bridesmaid to check and pin flowers.

10:00 AM – Photographer arrives for details and getting ready. Tip: Prep all items (rings, shoes, invites) in a clean, well-lit space.

10:30 AM – Groom finishes getting ready.

11:00 AM - Bride gets dressed

11:30 AM – First look B & G and couple portraits. First looks with parents/family members.

11:15 AM – Wedding party photos. Delegate: Assign a friend to help gather everyone.

12:00 PM – Pre-ceremony family photos (if planned).

1:00 PM – Light lunch/snack and buffer time.

1:30 PM – Final venue décor and vendor setup checks. Planner confirms all vendor setups.

2:00 PM – DJ/band sound check. Delegate: Assign someone to coordinate musicians.

2:30 PM – Guests begin arriving; ushers in place.

3:00 PM – Ceremony begins.

3:30 PM – Ceremony ends; immediate family photos.

4:00 PM – Cocktail hour; B&G photos

5:00 PM – Guests move to reception; couple freshens up.

5:30 PM – Grand entrance and first dance.

5:45 PM – Dinner service begins.

6:30 PM – Speeches and toasts.

7:00 PM – Cake cutting and formal dances.

7:30 PM – Open dance floor.

8:00 PM – Bouquet/Garter toss

9:45 PM – Last call for drinks.

10:00 PM – Grand exit (sparklers, bubbles, or vintage car).

10:15 PM – Couple departs; final photo moments.

10:30 PM – Vendor breakdown begins. Tip: Confirm with each vendor how long they’ll stay and who’s responsible for takedowns. Having a solid plan ensures you and your guests can simply enjoy the magic.