The 30/5 Wedding Rule: A Wedding Day Timing Secret Every Couple Should Know
So, what is the 30/5 rule?
When it comes to your wedding day, time flies—and trust us, the last thing you want is to feel rushed or stressed. That’s where the 30/5 Rule comes in: a simple but powerful planning tip that helps keep your wedding timeline calm, smooth, and photo-friendly.
The 30/5 Wedding Rule is a guideline for couples and photographers that goes like this:
Add 30 extra minutes for every major part of the day
Add 5 extra minutes for every person in group photos
It’s all about buffering your timeline so your day runs effortlessly. Let’s break it down…
Why Add 30 Extra Minutes?
Things almost always take longer than expected—getting dressed, traveling between venues, or touching up makeup. That’s why we recommend adding 30 minutes of breathing room for key events like:
Hair & makeup finishing
Getting dressed
First look
Family photos
Ceremony start time
Travel between locations
Golden hour portraits
That cushion means you’re never rushed, and we get more time to capture the real moments—tears, laughter, hugs, and those perfect in-between smiles.
Why Add 5 Minutes Per Person for Group Photos?
Want family formals to go smoothly and stress-free? Here’s the trick: for every person in a group photo, add about 5 minutes to the timeline.
Example:
10-person group = 50 minutes
6-person group = 30 minutes
Now, this doesn’t mean every group needs a full 30 minutes. But if you have a big extended family, this buffer keeps us from feeling like we’re herding cats. It also gives Grandma a chance to adjust her pearls, and kids a moment to settle in and smile.
Real-Life Benefits of the 30/5 Rule
You’ll feel more relaxed.
We’ll capture more meaningful photos.
We avoid running late for key events
Your guests won’t feel like they’re waiting around
You’ll enjoy every part of the day!
Let’s Build a Timeline Together
At Andrew Samplawski Photography, we believe your photography experience should be effortless, emotional, and full of genuine connection, not chaos. We help you craft a timeline using the 30/5 Rule so you can focus on love, not logistics.
Reach out today and let’s make wedding magic—one beautifully timed moment at a time.