Why You Need Extra Time in Your Wedding Timeline for Photos, and How to Build It In
- Erica Lewis
- Jun 6
- 2 min read
As wedding photographers and videographers, one of the most common challenges we see on wedding days is the feeling of being rushed. That’s why one of our top tips when helping couples create their timeline is simple but impactful: build in buffer time.
Even an extra 5–10 minutes between events can make a huge difference in how relaxed and present you feel—and how beautiful and intentional your photos and film turn out.
What’s “Buffer Time” and Why Does It Matter?
Buffer time is simply padding built into your wedding timeline—those extra minutes that give you breathing room between the major parts of your day. No rushing from your ceremony to family formals. No panicking because you’re five minutes behind schedule. Instead, you have space to breathe, soak in the moment, and stay grounded in what matters most.
At Emerald Stone, we custom-build timelines with our couples to ensure the entire experience flows smoothly, with your dream photos and film in mind.
Where We Add Time and Why It Helps
Here are a few areas where adding just 5–10 minutes helps us stay on track and give you a more relaxed and rewarding experience:
Getting Ready: Adding time after makeup is finished gives us space for detail shots, robe moments, and joyful candids without interfering with your glam.
First Look: Building in 10 minutes before and after the first look allows you two to connect emotionally—and us to capture the reactions authentically.
Family Formals: Family photos always take longer than expected! A few extra minutes helps prevent delays if someone needs tracking down or extra groupings are added.
Golden Hour Portraits: Timing these perfectly takes coordination with your planner, DJ, and catering. Having wiggle room ensures we don’t miss that perfect sunset glow.
Final Tip: Let Your Media Team Help
At Emerald Stone, we don’t just show up and shoot. We help you design a timeline that prioritizes the moments and people you love while protecting the creative space we need to do our best work. We guide you through it all—so your day is seamless, your gallery is stunning, and your film feels like your story.
✨ Want help creating the perfect photo + video timeline?Click below to share your date and details. We’ll help you map out your dream day—with built-in breathing room.
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