August 13, 2025
Knowing how when to do what and how long you need isn’t easy if you’ve never been married. As a wedding photographer, here is what I’ve found works as a great starting point for a day-of timeline if you are doing a first look!
Why Should I do a First Look?
Doing a first look is an intentional way to have a private moment away from everyone before your ceremony. You can read your vows to each other, breathe for a few minutes, and just chat about how you’re feeling. When I got married, this moment is what calmed me down and let my excitement overtake my nervousness of walking down the isle!
Having a first look also gives you the flexibility to get more photos done before your ceremony, which means you have more time for fun later in the day. This is great if you want to join your cocktail hour and mingle with your loved ones! Not to mention, you also get cute photos from first looks like this couple did at The Switch House Hotel in Philadelphia, PA. However, I always tell my couples they shouldn’t just have one just because it will make everything easier. It is totally possible to have your perfect day while saving your first look for your ceremony.
Here’s an example wedding timeline leading up to your ceremony you can use as a starting point:
11:30 AM – Photographer arrives and collects details
12:00 PM – Getting ready photos
12:40 PM – Slip into dress
1:10 PM – First look, private vows, and couple portraits
2:00 PM – Bridal party photos
2:45 PM – Family photos
3:15 PM – Tucked away
3:45 PM – Ceremony
By doing a first look, you can get two big things done that would otherwise have to wait until after the ceremony – Full bridal party photos and family photos. Since these are normally taken during cocktail hour, you now have that time to just be present with your guests and eat some Hors d’oeuvres!
Take this guide, sub in your ceremony time, and work backwards to plan out your pre-ceremony day-of timeline! Note that this timeline works well if you have a second shooter for bridal party photos. Hope this helps, happy wedding planning!
xoxo Yajaira
