As a wedding photographer in St. Louis, MO, one of the most common concerns I hear from couples is about timing—how do we fit everything in without feeling rushed? While your planner will guide the overall schedule, I work closely with my couples to ensure we have the right amount of time to capture every important moment. Here’s how we’ll structure your wedding day timeline to keep things running smoothly.

1. Start with Your Ceremony Time and Work Backward

Your ceremony time is the anchor for your schedule. From there, we’ll work backward to make sure every part of your day flows smoothly, including getting ready, first look, and portraits.

2. Allow Plenty of Time for Getting Ready Photos

Bridal prep photos are some of the most memorable moments of the day. I recommend having me arrive when you’re in the final stages of hair and makeup so I can capture candid moments, details like your dress and accessories, and the energy of the morning.

Ideal Timeframe: 1.5 - 2 hours
Best Location: A space with plenty of natural light and minimal clutter.

3. Plan for a First Look (Optional, but Highly Recommended!)

A first look allows you and your partner to have a private moment together before the ceremony, and it helps ease nerves. It also gives us more time for portraits, which means a smoother timeline for the rest of the day.

Ideal Timeframe: 30 minutes
Best Location: A private, scenic setting with soft, natural light.

4. Wedding Party & Family Portraits Before the Ceremony

If you opt for a first look, we can complete most of the wedding party and family portraits ahead of time. This means fewer posed photos after the ceremony and more time enjoying your cocktail hour and reception.

Ideal Timeframe: 45 minutes - 1 hour
Best Location: A shaded or indoor spot with even lighting.

5. Build in Buffer Time for Unexpected Delays

Wedding days don’t always run exactly on schedule, so adding extra time between key moments prevents stress and gives us the flexibility to capture additional moments.

Ideal Buffer Time: 10-15 minutes between major events.

6. Plan for Golden Hour Portraits

Golden hour—just before sunset—is the best time for outdoor portraits. If your timeline allows, I recommend setting aside a few minutes for these beautiful, naturally lit shots.

Ideal Timeframe: 15-20 minutes
Best Location: An open field, garden, or scenic area at your venue.

7. Capture the Reception Details Before Guests Arrive

Before guests enter the reception space, I’ll take a few moments to capture the décor, floral arrangements, and table settings. These photos help tell the full story of your wedding day.

Ideal Timeframe: 15-20 minutes
Best Location: The fully set reception space before doors open to guests.

8. Enjoy the Reception Without Constant Interruptions

Once the reception begins, my goal is to capture real, candid moments without pulling you away. We’ll plan for the must-have moments—first dance, toasts, and cake cutting—while allowing plenty of time for you to celebrate.

Key Moments: First dance, speeches, cake cutting, dance floor photos
Best Approach: A flexible but structured flow that lets you enjoy the night.

Final Thoughts

The key to a stress-free wedding day is a well-planned timeline with built-in flexibility. My job as your photographer is to help guide you through the day seamlessly, capturing all the moments you’ve dreamed of without making you feel rushed. Let’s make it happen!

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