Tips from a Dothan Wedding Photographer
If there’s one thing I’ve learned after photographing weddings all around Dothan, it’s that even the sweetest, most well-planned day can hit a few timeline bumps. And listen, weddings don’t need to be stressful. Truly! A solid timeline is one of the biggest gifts you can give yourself on your wedding day, right behind comfortable shoes and a really good hairspray.
So today, I’m sharing the most common wedding timeline pitfalls I see as a Dothan wedding photographer and how you can avoid them so your day stays smooth, joyful, and full of those beautiful candid moments you’ll treasure forever.
1. Not Giving Yourself Enough Time to Get Ready
Hair. Makeup. Touch-ups. Lashes that just don’t want to cooperate. It always takes longer than you think!
Most brides underestimate this part of the day, and trust me, feeling rushed while you’re trying to enjoy your morning is no fun. Yes, you get dressed every day, but something about a wedding dress takes at least three times as long.
Photographer Tip:
Plan to finish hair and makeup at least one hour before you actually need to be dressed. This gives you time for bridal portraits, detail shots, and a deep breath before things begin.
2. Forgetting About Travel Time
Even if your ceremony and reception are only a few minutes apart, that travel time adds up, especially with a wedding party, family members, and cars that miraculously decide to disappear when you need them most.
Photographer Tip:
Add 10–15 extra minutes anytime you’re moving locations. It helps everything stay relaxed instead of rushed.
3. Underestimating Family Photo Time
Family photos are important, but they take a little coordination! I’ve seen the most organized families still wander off in different directions as soon as the ceremony ends.
Photographer Tip:
Make a short, specific shot list ahead of time and choose a family member who’s good at “herding cats” to help gather people quickly. It keeps everything running smoothly- and it gets you to the reception faster! Have lots of extended family coming? Consider going table to table at the reception after you eat to snag those extra photos then!
4. Skipping the First Look (Without Planning Extra Time)
You absolutely don’t have to do a first look. But if you skip it, you need extra time after the ceremony for portraits. Many couples forget to adjust the timeline here, and suddenly daylight starts disappearing.
Photographer Tip:
If you plan to skip the first look, schedule an hour after the ceremony for couple portraits, wedding party photos, and family groupings.
5. Forgetting About Sunset
Light moves fast, and the sunset in Dothan changes throughout the year. If portraits are planned too late, we lose that pretty glow every bride loves.
Photographer Tip:
Check the sunset time for your date and schedule portraits 20-30 minutes before. That’s where the magic happens! Personally, I recommend scheduling your couples portraits during this window, meaning you’ll need all other family and wedding party portraits finished first!
6. Not Building in “Breathing Room”
Every wedding needs little pockets of wiggle room. Someone will need a snack. Someone will need Advil. Someone will forget the rings and sprint across the venue. These things happen!
Photographer Tip:
Add 10 minutes of buffer around your biggest parts of the day. It keeps the timeline flexible and the mood happy.
Your Wedding Day Should Feel Easy
At the end of the day, your wedding timeline isn’t about rigid schedules; it’s about protecting the joy of your day. A smooth timeline means more laughing, more hugging, and more of those in-between moments that make your gallery feel like you.
If you’re planning a wedding in Dothan or anywhere nearby, I’m always happy to help build a custom timeline that keeps everything relaxed and photography-friendly. You deserve a day that flows beautifully, and photos that tell your story in the most genuine, joyful way. Curious about my pricing? Head on over to here!
Share this post: