The First Thing I Check When Creating Your Wedding Timeline.

One of the very first things I look at when creating a wedding timeline—whether I’m working with a full-service planning couple or a DIY wedding client—is the sunset time for your specific date and location.

As a North Carolina wedding planner, I know how important natural lighting is for your photos. If you’re dreaming of those soft, glowing golden hour portraits, knowing when the sun sets is essential! Sunset timing impacts not only your photos but also the flow of your entire day, including your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception—especially if you’re having an outdoor wedding or a venue with a scenic view.

Once I know the sunset time, I work closely with your wedding photographer and other key vendors to make sure we’re all on the same page. Your photographer can help fine-tune the schedule for portraits, and I’ll coordinate with your caterer, DJ, and others to adjust the timeline as needed. This kind of collaboration is one of the biggest perks of hiring a wedding coordinator—we make sure every detail works together seamlessly behind the scenes.

Planning your own wedding? Be sure to look up the sunset time first and communicate with your photographer early. It’s one of the easiest ways to create a timeline that feels smooth, relaxed, and picture-perfect!

Need help creating a timeline that keeps everything (and everyone) running smoothly? I’d love to help!