The Best Do’s and Don’ts on My Wedding Day

You’ve planned, packed, and landed in paradise—now it’s time to actually enjoy your wedding day. As a destination wedding photographer in Cancun, I’ve seen what makes timelines smooth, photos effortless, and memories unforgettable. Use these do’s and don’ts to glide through the day with calm, confidence, and beautiful light.

Quick takeaways

• Pad your timeline (15–20 minutes between events) so you never feel rushed.
• Golden hour = portraits that glow. Aim your couple photos for the last hour before sunset—more on why in my ultimate guide.
• Have a weather plan (shade, fans, clear umbrellas, wind plan). Local tips here: SOS Cancun Brides.
• Hydrate + snack. Your energy shows in your photos.
• Keep your hands free. Assign a friend to carry phones, keys, gloss, and touch-ups.

Do’s

1) Do build a timeline with buffer

Add 15–20 extra minutes around getting ready, first look, travel, and family photos. It’s the cheapest stress-reducer on the planet.
Want a printable outline? See the sample in my ultimate photography guide.

2) Do schedule portraits around golden hour

That last hour before sunset is magic in Cancun and the Riviera Maya—soft light, warm sky, flattering skin. If sunset is 6:30 pm, plan couple portraits ~5:30–6:20 pm.
See how this looks in real galleries: Full Weddings.

3) Do plan for heat, wind, and humidity

Pack mini fans, blotting sheets, and consider an up-do. For outdoor ceremonies, provide water, shade, and parasols.
Local weather tricks: SOS Cancun Brides.

4) Do a first look (or a first touch)

Private time = calmer nerves and more portraits before guests arrive. A “first touch” around a doorway keeps the surprise for the aisle.

5) Do keep important details together

Rings, vow books, invitation suite, shoes, perfume, jewelry—place them in one box in the getting-ready room so we can style and photograph them quickly.

6) Do communicate your VIP list

Share the must-have family groupings with both your planner and photographer. Designate a “family wrangler” who knows faces and can gather everyone fast.

7) Do protect your ceremony sound

Ocean breeze is beautiful—but noisy. Ask for a lapel mic on the officiant and a handheld for vows if winds pick up.

Don’ts

1) Don’t pack the morning too tight

Hair/makeup almost always runs 10–20 minutes long. Book the artists to finish you at least one hour before you need to get dressed.

2) Don’t skip meals or water

Low energy shows in posture, smiles, and stamina. Keep a snack + electrolyte bottle nearby.

3) Don’t overlook a rain or wind plan

Clear tents, indoor back-ups, and weighted décor save the day (and the photos).
Weather game-plan ideas: SOS Cancun Brides.

4) Don’t start portraits at harsh noon

If the schedule forces midday photos, find open shade or a bright indoor space. Save the romantic set for golden hour (details in the ultimate guide).

5) Don’t over-script your reception

Leave room for spontaneity—candid hugs, dance-floor moments, and speeches that breathe.

6) Don’t keep your phone in your hand

It sneaks into photos and dates your images. Ask a friend to hold it; keep your hands free to celebrate.

7) Don’t forget an unplugged moment

Phones block the aisle and compete with your expressions. Consider an unplugged ceremony only so the first kiss belongs to you (and your pro gallery).
See how clean it looks in real weddings: Full Weddings.

A simple, stress-free wedding-day timeline (example)

Assumes 6:30 pm sunset in Cancun. Adjust 15–30 minutes as needed.

• 3:00 PM — Photographer arrives: detail photos + candid getting ready
• 3:40 PM — Bride gets dressed; quick reveals (MOH/dad)
• 4:00 PM — First look + couple portraits (shaded location)
• 4:45 PM — Hide the couple / transition to ceremony site
• 5:00 PM — Ceremony
• 5:30 PM — Immediate family formals
• 6:00–6:30 PM — Cocktail hour + golden-hour newlywed portraits
• 6:30 PM — Couple joins cocktail hour / greet guests
• 6:55 PM — Guests seated / reception line-up
• 7:00 PM — Reception entrance; first dance & welcome toast
• 7:15–8:00 PM — Dinner service
• 8:00–8:30 PM — Toasts
• 8:30–8:50 PM — Cake cutting & parent dances (order as preferred)
• 8:50 PM — Open dance floor
• 9:45–9:55 PM — Night portrait or sparkler moment (optional)
• 10:00–11:00 PM — Party coverage
• 11:00 PM — Coverage ends

Need help tailoring this around your venue and sunset? Let’s plan it together.

FAQ

Should we do a first look?
If you want more time together and to join cocktail hour, yes. If a traditional aisle reveal is key, do a “first touch” instead.

What if it rains?
Clear umbrellas + a covered option = dreamy images either way. Local back-up ideas: SOS Cancun Brides.

Can we still get great photos at midday?
Absolutely—find open shade or airy interiors and save the romance set for golden hour. Tips in the ultimate guide.

Unplugged ceremony—worth it?
Even a partial unplug (processional through first kiss) keeps your aisle clean.
See the difference in Full Weddings.

How much time for family photos?
Plan 20–30 minutes for 8–12 groupings. Share your VIP list ahead of time and assign a helper who knows everyone.

Ready to make it effortless?

• Browse real destination love stories: Full Weddings
• Planning a wedding in Cancun or the Riviera Maya? Check availability & get a custom timeline