Helpful tips for creating a wedding day timeline at Emerald Acres near St. Joseph, MO
How to Create a Wedding Day Timeline (Without Losing Your Mind)
If you’re reading this, you’re probably knee-deep in wedding planning and wondering:
“How in the world do I fit an entire wedding day into one schedule… without it turning into a chaotic episode of a reality show?”
Friend, we got you.
At Emerald Acres, we’ve hosted enough weddings near St. Joseph, MO to know what works, what doesn’t, and how to build a timeline that keeps things flowing (and your sanity intact). This guide will help you map out your big day with ease.
Start with Your Ceremony Time
Everything else revolves around this. Planning a 4:00 PM ceremony? Great! Work backward from there. Consider time of year and sunset times when deciding on ceremony time, if you are getting married outside.
Here’s a popular breakdown for a 4:00 PM ceremony at Emerald Acres:
12:30 PM – Getting ready photos start
2:30 PM – First look and wedding party portraits
3:30 PM – Guests begin arriving
4:00 PM – Ceremony time, baby!
📸 Pro tip: If you’re doing a first look, you’ll get way more photos out of your day (and possibly more time at cocktail hour—yes, please).
Build in Buffer Time
Stuff runs late. Hair takes longer, groomsmen get lost, Grandma wants one more photo—plan for it.
At Emerald Acres, we always recommend 10–15 minute buffers between key events. It keeps things flexible and relaxed instead of frantic and rushed.
Don’t Forget Travel Time (or Don’t Worry About It at All)
If you’re getting married and celebrating all in one place (like at our charming Cameron, MO area venue), you just saved yourself a whole bunch of timeline stress. No shuttles, no lost bridal party members. You’re already where you need to be. 🙌
Map Out Your Reception Flow
Here’s a general guide for a smooth reception timeline:
5:00 PM – Cocktail hour (can take more photos during this time)
6:00 PM – Dinner served
6:45 PM – Toasts
7:15 PM – First dances
7:30 PM – Open dance floor
8:00 PM – Check sunset time for couples photos, in the summer its close to this time
8:30 PM – Cake cutting
10:30 PM – Last dance or grand exit
Want to party longer? Awesome! Just let us know when you book Emerald Acres and we’ll help you coordinate those extra hours under the stars.
Work With Your Vendors
Your photographer, DJ, and caterer can help fine-tune the timeline. At Emerald Acres, we’ve got vendor recommendations near St. Joseph and beyond who are pros at helping you run the show smoothly (and stress-free).
Bonus: A Sample Wedding Timeline for Emerald Acres Brides
Let’s say your ceremony is at 4 PM, and you’re doing a first look. Here’s a rough example of a stress-free wedding timeline at our venue:
8:30 AM – Arrive at Emerald Acres, start getting ready (mainly the ladies)
12:00 PM – Guys arrive and get ready
12:30 PM – Detail photos (dress, rings, invitation, etc.)
1:00 PM – First look
1:30 PM – Wedding party photos
2:30 PM – Immediate family photos
3:30 PM – Freshen up while guests arrive
4:00 PM – Ceremony
4:30 PM – Cocktail hour (if you opt out of first look this is when bridal photos take place)
5:30 PM – Grand entrance & dinner
6:30 PM – Toasts
7:00 PM – First dances
7:30 PM – Dance floor opens
8:30 PM – Cake cutting
9:30 PM – More dancing and party games
10:30 PM – Last Call & Grand exit
Final Thoughts
Wedding day timelines aren’t about being strict—they’re about making space for magic. And at Emerald Acres, we’re all about that magic. From golden hour photos in the fields to late-night laughs under the stars, your timeline helps shape the memories you’ll keep forever.
📍Planning a wedding near St. Joseph or Cameron, MO?
Come tour Emerald Acres and let’s dream up your perfect wedding day timeline—together.
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