Plan Your Day Around Perfect Light, Comfort, and Flow
When you’re planning your wedding, one of the most important things to get right is your timeline — and the best timelines are created with your season in mind. Every season brings its own lighting, weather, and energy. Planning with the season in mind ensures your day feels natural, stress-free, and beautifully photographed.
As a professional wedding photographer who’s worked through every season in Florida and beyond, I created this cheat sheet to help you plan smarter, not harder — so you can have the best light, the right vibe, and more time to soak in the moment.
Spring Wedding Timeline Tips
Best Light: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Golden Hour: 6:30 PM
Spring is full of fresh blooms and soft, romantic lighting. Temperatures are comfortable and sunset is getting later.
Timeline Highlights
- Ceremony Start: 4:30 PM
- Portraits & Golden Hour: 5:30 to 7:00 PM
- Reception Begins: 7:15 PM
- Best Month for Weather: March and April
Pro Tip: This is a great time for outdoor ceremonies. Pad your morning timeline to enjoy getting ready without rushing — spring mornings are beautiful and perfect for detail shots.
Summer Wedding Timeline Tips
Best Light: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Golden Hour: 7:45 PM
Summer weddings bring vibrant colors and long daylight hours, but Florida heat and afternoon storms are no joke.
Timeline Highlights
- Ceremony Start: 6:00 PM (shade or indoor ceremony recommended)
- Portraits & Golden Hour: 7:30 to 8:00 PM
- Reception Begins: 7:15 PM
- Best Month for Sunset Views: June
Pro Tip: Schedule portraits for after the ceremony to avoid the midday heat. Have cold drinks, fans, or an indoor option for comfort. Always plan a rain backup if you’re outdoors.
Fall Wedding Timeline Tips
Best Light: 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Golden Hour: 5:30 PM
Fall is perfect for deep, warm tones and cozy celebrations. The light turns golden earlier and the weather is more forgiving.
Timeline Highlights
- Ceremony Start: 4:00 PM
- Portraits & Golden Hour: 5:00 to 6:00 PM
- Reception Begins: 6:15 PM
- Best Month for Consistent Weather: October
Pro Tip: Fall light is magical and soft. Plan for a first look so you can get most portraits done early, then slip away for golden hour magic right before dinner.
Winter Wedding Timeline Tips
Best Light: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Golden Hour: 4:30 PM
Winter sunsets are earlier, but the skies can be dramatic and beautiful. The days are shorter, so timelines need to start earlier.
Timeline Highlights
- Ceremony Start: 2:30 PM
- Portraits & Golden Hour: 3:30 to 4:45 PM
- Reception Begins: 5:00 PM
- Best Month for Outdoor Comfort: December
Pro Tip: Morning prep needs to start earlier in winter. Talk to your photographer about doing a first look and family photos before the ceremony to make the most of the limited daylight.
Why This Timeline Matters
The right timeline helps you avoid stress, feel fully present, and get the most stunning photos of your day. I always build photo-friendly timelines for my couples based on their season, venue, and light — so nothing is rushed, and everything flows naturally.
You deserve a wedding day that feels effortless and intentional from beginning to end.