Begin with the moments that cannot move.
Before deciding when I should arrive, write down the ceremony time, when you need to leave your preparation location and when the venue expects everyone for the meal. Include the time it takes to get dressed, gather your belongings and reach the car. Travelling between a Brighton ceremony and a reception elsewhere needs its own space in the day, rather than being squeezed between two photographs.
Work backwards with your hair and makeup team. Ask when each person will be ready, then leave a little breathing space before you need to go. Being ready early gives you time for a portrait, a quiet moment with a parent or simply a cup of tea.
Protect the photographs you care about.
My usual starting point is around 20 minutes for a realistic list of key family groups, followed by at least 20–30 minutes for couple portraits where possible. These are planning guides, not a promise that every wedding fits the same timings. A larger family, additional locations or more editorial portraits may need longer.
Do not leave all your photographs together until the evening. The day can run late, people will want your attention and the light will change. A short portrait session earlier means those photographs already have their place in your story.
Give the reception time to feel like a reception.
You should have time to speak to your guests, enjoy the food and take in what you have created. Keep the formal portrait list focused and tell me which moments matter most. That helps us organise what needs direction and leave room for the laughter, hugs and conversations that happen by themselves.
If the light and weather allow, we can plan another 10–15 minutes for golden-hour portraits. Treat this as something extra, rather than the only opportunity for photographs of you together.
Share the plan, then let people help.
Send the final timings to your venue coordinator, photographer, videographer, hair and makeup team, and the people helping you. Include speeches, surprises and traditions, not just the ceremony and first dance. Choose an on-the-day contact who can answer practical questions.
Your wedding day is not the time to become the organiser of everyone else. The preparation is there so you can be present for it.
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