Changes in the timeline don’t have to be stressful. We don’t have to tell you this – you KNOW the importance of timing on wedding day and how crucial it is to have a well-constructed timeline to ensure that everything runs smoothly!

Here’s a secret though – very few weddings are ever executed exactly according to the timeline! Whether it’s a vendor running late or a family member missing their ride, it’s important to know how to adjust to “day of” changes in the timeline. Here are some tried-and-true tricks to help you navigate unexpected changes on the wedding day.

Do your best to ensure you help with timeline flow!

What is the best way to ensure the timeline stays on schedule?! Don’t get behind! 😉

Sometimes things happen out of our control, but be proactive and stay ahead when you can! Make sure to have a clear understanding of the timeline before arriving on location, and if you notice any potential issues, bring them up ahead of time. On wedding day, make sure to arrive early, have your equipment ready, and stay organized throughout the day. 

Pro Tip: We also love to have a copy of the timeline( need one? grab it here) saved as the screensaver on our phone for easy access!

Stay Positive

If the timeline does get behind, it’s crucial to maintain a positive attitude. Your demeanor can make a big difference in keeping your couple focused on the joy of their wedding day, rather than stressing about the schedule. It’s important to remember that your couple has put a lot of time and effort into planning their special day, and they want it to be perfect. So, do your best to keep things running smoothly, but if things do fall behind, maintain a positive attitude and keep the focus on the celebration (not the time)!

Tag Team with Your Second Shooter

One of the biggest benefits of having a Second Shooter is that they can be utilized to help you capture moments and details throughout the day (surprise – you can’t be in two places at once!).

What are some ways that you can utilize your Second Shooter? You can have your Second Shooter working on groomsmen photos while you’re waiting for the bridesmaids who are running behind or plan to divide and conquer to be most efficient with the time that you do have when the ceremony runs longer than expected and you have less time for bridal party portraits than you expected. Your Second Shooter is able to ensure that nothing is missed, even if changes in the timeline happen!

Remember This Is Their Only Wedding Day

Finally, it’s MOST important to remember that this is your couple’s only wedding day. As their photographer, you capture countless weddings each year (maybe even multiple each month). It’s extra critical that you do what you can to be fully present throughout the day and love and serve them to your best ability! 

You have the privilege of documenting a day that they will remember for the rest of their lives, and you want them to look back and think about how glad they were to have you along with them! Make sure to create a space where your couple feels comfortable and are able to enjoy their special day to the fullest.

Last minute changes to the timeline are going to happen, but we hope with these tips you’ll feel confident in knowing exactly how to adjust to those curveballs. Being a wedding photographer not only involves capturing moments but also ensuring that those moments are exactly how your bride envisioned (and stress free). We love sharing tips that can help you and hope we continue to be a REFUGE for you! 

Cheering you on,

Anna and Ryan 

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