Greenville, South Carolina Wedding Photographer Dani Lacey Photographs
Why a Thoughtful Timeline Changes Everything
You’ve spent months (maybe years) planning this day — and when it finally arrives, you deserve to actually enjoy it. But so many couples feel rushed, pulled in a million directions, and frustrated that they didn’t get the photos they imagined. Building wedding timelines that work means the difference between stress and presence. It’s the quiet foundation that lets the magic unfold.
I’ve photographed many weddings across the Southeast and the West coasts — from luxurious estate affairs to barefoot backyard vows — and the one thing they all had in common? The timeline made or broke the experience.
What Actually Takes Up Time on a Wedding Day
Let’s break down what really eats up the clock (and why you need more buffer than you think):
- Getting Ready Always Runs Over: Hair, makeup, and steaming dresses often take longer than expected — especially with a large bridal party.
- Family Photos Aren’t Fast: Even when you have a list, gathering everyone can be like herding cats.
- Travel Time Adds Up: Even if it’s just across a venue or down the block — logistics eat minutes.
- Moments You Want to Savor: First looks, private vows, a quick walk post-ceremony — these deserve space to breathe.
Getting Ready: Start Earlier Than You Think
Hair and makeup always take longer than expected — especially when multiple people are getting ready. I recommend finishing hair and makeup at least one hour before you need to leave, so there’s time for getting dressed, detail shots, and candid moments. Plus, this gives us breathing room in case of delays. *EXPERT TIP, the bride should go in the middle or toward the beginning of any bridesmaids! Leave the bride touchs for the last thing the hair and makeup does so that we can move forward on time!
First Look: A Calm Before the Ceremony
If you’re doing a first look, aim to schedule it at least 90 minutes before the ceremony. This gives time for portraits together, wedding party photos, and a few family groupings if family arrives early. *Bonus: it helps minimize the post-ceremony photo crunch and gives you more time to be present during cocktail hour.
Ceremony Timing: Think About Light
If your ceremony is outside, the time of day impacts your photos in a big way. The best lighting is 1–2 hours before sunset, especially in the South where midday sun can be harsh. If your venue is indoors or shaded, you have more flexibility — but light is still a major consideration for natural, flattering photos. Trust me, too many couples have the sun in their eyes during the ceremony and it crushes me! It’s too hot, and can be so unflattering in photos if you can’t help but squint or there are harsh shadows on your faces!
So when should your ceremony start? Here’s a general breakdown of ideal ceremony start times by season for the best lighting:
✦ Spring (March–May)
Ideal ceremony time: 4:30–5:30 PM
Why: The sun sets gradually later throughout spring. These times allow for a first look and portraits before the ceremony, while still catching golden hour afterward.
✦ Summer (June–August)
Ideal ceremony time: 5:30–6:30 PM
Why: Sunset is later (often 8:00–8:30 PM in the South), so a later ceremony prevents harsh midday lighting and keeps everyone comfortable (hello, shade and cooler temps).
✦ Fall (September–November)
Ideal ceremony time: 3:30–4:30 PM
Why: Sunsets start to creep earlier. These times give us gorgeous golden hour portraits and keep things from feeling rushed post-ceremony.
✦ Winter (December–February)
Ideal ceremony time: 2:00–3:00 PM
Why: Winter light fades fast. Earlier ceremonies are crucial to capture everything — ceremony, portraits, and detail shots — before it gets dark.
Family Photos: Keep It Short and Sweet
Family formals can eat up time fast. I help you create a customized family shot list ahead of time so we can move efficiently, keep everyone happy, and avoid dragging this part out. We typically plan 20–30 minutes depending on the size of your list. *PRO TIP: Keep it to immediate family, and save extended family photos for the reception. TRUST ME! Having to coordinate dozens of people will eat your timeline up no matter how prepared we are! Check out this sample timeline with a family shot list!
Sunset Portraits: Don’t Miss the Golden Light
Even if we’ve already done portraits, I always recommend setting aside 10–15 minutes during golden hour for a quick second round. The light is soft, romantic, and adds variety to your gallery. I’ll help find the right window in your timeline to sneak these in without disrupting the flow. It also just gives you a minute to breath in a quiet space away from the crowd before you spend the night with everyone!
Reception Events: Group Them for Better Flow
Spacing out dances, toasts, and cake cutting throughout the night can feel disjointed. Instead, I suggest grouping these events within a 30–45 minute window early in the reception, so once the dance floor opens, the energy stays up and guests can enjoy the rest of the night uninterrupted is key to building wedding timelines that work.
How I Help Couples Build Smart Timelines
When you book with me, you’re also getting a timeline strategist when it comes to photos. I send a planning questionnaire, offer pre-wedding calls, and customize a photo timeline that supports your day instead of hijacking it. We account for the must-haves, the light, and most importantly — the moments that matter to you.
I also collaborate directly with your planner to make sure the timeline flows with the overall vision. (Don’t have a planner? Keep reading.)
Need Help? Hire a Planner Who Gets It
If timeline planning stresses you out and you want to know about building wedding timelines that work let me introduce you to my go-to planning experts: They’re not only amazing at logistics — they know how to protect your peace and build in breathing room while still getting every photo, floral shot, and moment you dreamed of. If you’re on the South East coast, follow Crystal Williams Events or Joy Coordinating Co. they are both incredibly talented at making sure your day runs smoothly! If you’re on the West Coast in California I always recommend House of Fete who does a lot of incredible parties but it well versed in coordinating and timing! (Marissa is also the QUEEN of art direction and curates such fun imagery while being your biggest hype girl)
Ready to Build a Timeline That Works for You?
Whether you’re planning a golden-hour ceremony in the South Carolina sun or trying to avoid that stressful, crammed photo rush, I’m here to help you craft a timeline that prioritizes your experience and your photos. I don’t just show up with a camera — I help you build a wedding day that feels good and photographs beautifully.
Want guidance that’s rooted in real experience (not a Pinterest checklist)?
Let’s talk timelines and photography →