Do’s and Don’ts of Planning Your Wedding Day Timeline for Perfect Photos and Videos

DO: Start with Your Ceremony Time

The ceremony is the heart of your day, so lock in this time first. Once that’s set, you can plan everything else—prep, portraits, cocktail hour, and reception—around it. Need help deciding when to fit in first looks or sunset photos? That’s where we come in! We’ll help guide you so the light, vibe, and timing are perfect.

DON’T: Forget About Travel Time

Got multiple locations? Don’t forget to budget time for travel between venues! Toronto traffic (you know how it is) or delays can throw off the entire day. Pad your schedule to avoid any stress and give yourself time to breathe, relax, and enjoy the ride—literally.

DO: Schedule Enough Time for Getting Ready

Trust us, those “getting ready” moments are pure gold for photos and videos. From slipping into your dress to those sweet moments with your wedding party, give yourself plenty of time. Pro tip: Add a little buffer here—it’s better to be ahead of schedule than rushing.

DON’T: Skip the First Look Without Considering It

A first look isn’t just a cute trend—it’s also a great way to ease wedding jitters and get some intimate photos and videos before the ceremony. If you’re debating whether to include one, chat with us! We’ll help you decide what works best for your vision and timeline.

DO: Prioritize Golden Hour Photos

Golden hour—those magical moments just before sunset—is every photographer’s and videographer’s dream. The light is soft, warm, and oh-so-flattering. If you want those romantic, cinematic shots, we’ll work the timeline to make sure you can sneak away during golden hour.

DON’T: Forget About Family Photos

Family photos are a must, but they can also be time-consuming. To keep things smooth, make a list of the groups you want photographed and assign someone (usually a member of your wedding party) to help wrangle everyone. We’ll make sure it’s quick, fun, and stress-free!

DO: Plan for Downtime

Your wedding day can be a whirlwind, so build in a few moments to just be present with your partner. Whether it’s a quick breather after the ceremony or a private dance at the reception, these candid moments make for some of the most authentic and heartfelt captures.

DON’T: Overpack the Timeline

We get it—you want to fit in all the things! But an overpacked schedule can lead to stress, delays, and missed moments. Be realistic about what’s doable, and trust us to capture everything beautifully, even if it’s not jam-packed.

DO: Communicate with Your Vendors

Your photographer, videographer, planner, and other vendors are here to make your day magical. Share your timeline with them in advance so we can work together to keep everything running smoothly. At Storytellers Films, we love collaborating with your vendor team to make your wedding day seamless and stress-free.

DON’T: Forget About Lighting

Lighting is EVERYTHING in photography and videography. If you’re having an indoor ceremony or reception, let us know the setup. We can adjust our equipment to make sure you look stunning no matter the environment. Want to take it up a notch? Consider some soft lighting or candles for that extra romance.

Final Thoughts

Your wedding day is all about YOU. While a solid timeline helps everything run smoothly, it’s the love, laughter, and moments in between that make it truly special. At Storytellers Films, we’re here to capture it all—from the quiet whispers to the epic dance moves.

So, let’s work together to craft a timeline that’s as unique and beautiful as your love story. Whether you’re celebrating in Toronto, Ontario, or anywhere nearby, we’ve got your back. Reach out if you need help with planning or want to chat about your big day—we can’t wait to be part of your journey!