How to Plan a Perfect Wedding Day in the Midwest
What does the perfect wedding day timeline look like? Well, that depends on several key details. Keep reading!
Your wedding day is one of the most exciting and memorable milestones of your life! After months of careful planning, the day will likely fly by faster than you can imagine. To ensure you savor every moment, having a well-thought-out wedding day timeline is key. Below, we’ll guide you through planning your wedding day at Emerson Fields wedding venue in Central Missouri, complete with tips, tricks, and a sample itinerary.
“If you are looking for a stress-free day where you can just sit back and relax then this is the place to go. Your guests are going to have an amazing time too! We have received so many compliments on the venue. You and your friends and family will have a truly memorable experience!”
Carley, Emerson Fields Bride from Quincy, IL
Planning Your Wedding Day
Before diving into the wedding day timeline, here are some critical steps to streamline your planning process.
1. Define Your Wedding Day Priorities
Decide what matters most to you and your fiancé. Is it a stunning ceremony setting, lots of photo opportunities, or a lively reception? Pinpoint your non-negotiables early and let your budget reflect what’s most meaningful to you. By focusing on your top priorities it will allow you to relax and not stress over the lower-priority items. Consider making a list of your preferences and keep it in your wedding planning notebook.
“We were truly able to have the wedding of our dreams here. Everything here (at EF) is so well thought out and having venue owners you can rely on for everything from vendor recommendations to officiant questions is truly priceless.”
Jeanette, Emerson Fields Bride from Macon, MO
2. Establish Your Budget
Your budget will determine the number of guests, the type of venue, catering, and other essential details. Focus on quality over quantity and invite only those you truly want to share this day with. It’s best to meet with any family that might be contributing to the wedding budget before you begin venue shopping or planning.
We recommend calling a family wedding meeting, even if that only includes you and your fiance, to talk it through. By getting everything on the table, you’ll feel more assured moving forward to make decisions. When you establish your budget, set aside that money in a separate account or use a single credit card for all wedding purchases. Bonus tip: use your credit card cash back or airline miles to pay for your honeymoon travel!
3. Choose a Venue That Checks All the Boxes
Select a venue with ample space, flexibility, and scenic beauty that matches the aesthetic of your wedding style. Emerson Fields is a perfect example, offering indoor and outdoor ceremony options, on-site lodging, dressing suites, and a design tailored for weddings. Nestled right in the center of Columbia, Kansas City, and St. Louis, Missouri, our elegantly modern, white wedding venue offers a gorgeous and conveniently located destination to host your wedding day.
Emerson Fields is an experienced wedding venue having hosted hundreds of weddings. The owner, a former wedding photographer, has over 17 years in the industry. We walk alongside our couples to make the most memorable day of their lives easy to plan and effortless to enjoy!
Emerson Fields wedding venue and estate is centrally located in Missouri and offers indoor and outdoor wedding ceremonies and receptions from March through early December. It’s a magical combination of coziness and elegance. You can find out more by clicking the link at the end of this blog.
“The moment we walked into Emerson Fields, a sense of calm washed over us. Wedding planning was already a stressful experience for me — but that immediate calm told me everything I needed to know. The space is absolutely awash with natural light, with gorgeous places both indoors and outdoors (including a meadow, the one thing I yearned for). We felt confident that with a canvas like this, the event would be beautiful no matter what.”
Jaime, Emerson Fields Bride from Kirksville, MO
4. Lodging for Guests
Provide out-of-town guests with convenient lodging options and share the information on your wedding website and in your invitations. At Emerson Fields, we offer Emerson Suites, a cozy on-site option for up to 14 guests. Staying close to the festivities fosters a sense of camaraderie and makes the celebration seamless. We can share more lodging options nearby and direct you to local hotels that will help you reserve a block of rooms. Consider looking into short-term rentals for extra lodging options or large families.
5. Hire a Wedding Planner or Coordinator
A professional wedding planner will help you craft a timeline, manage details, and liaise with vendors. Emerson Fields offers a Wedding Vendor Package to simplify planning and ensure your day runs smoothly. From bar services to DJ to event coordination, this package removes stress and lets you focus on the joy of your celebration. Trust in your venue and wedding planning team to provide you with reputable vendor recommendations. These will typically be the tried and true professionals that you can be sure will have your best interest at heart.
“From start to finish, the owners and their team were absolutely incredible. They went above and beyond throughout the entire planning process and made sure everything ran smoothly on the big day.”
Morgan, Emerson Fields Bride from Chicago, IL {pictured in this blog}
What Does a Wedding Day Timeline Look Like? - and- How Can I Plan A Stress-Free Wedding?
Having your wedding at Emerson Fields means everything—from getting ready to the reception—can happen in one convenient location. This eliminates travel time and keeps the day stress-free for both you and your guests. When booking our Day Rental Package, you’ll have exclusive use of the wedding venue during your rental period, typically 10-12 hours. With plenty of parking and all of the major pieces here, rest assured it will go smoothly. Since we’ve hosted hundreds of weddings, we have the experience of knowing the key details that will plug into your wedding day timeline.
Here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your day:
10:00 AM | Getting Ready
Start your morning early in Emerson Suites, our on-site lodging, or a nearby Airbnb. Gather your bridal party for hair and makeup in a relaxed environment. Cater a light brunch from a local spot like Koch’s General Store or Cakes by Kristina, and toast the day with mimosas.
The rest of the wedding party can enjoy a laid-back morning golfing, hiking, or having breakfast together. Ensure they arrive at the venue by noon.
11:00 AM | Transition to Dressing Suites
Step into Emerson Fields’ luxurious dressing suites as soon as your rental time begins to capture those unforgettable getting-ready moments. The spacious, naturally lit suites provide the perfect backdrop for group photos in matching pajamas and those iconic gown reveals. Once your rental period begins, bring in your garments, décor, and favorite people to make the space your own. With a head start on preparations, you’ll only need light touch-ups, a quick change into your dress, and plenty of smiles!
12:30 | Lite Bites
Keep your wedding party energized and stress-free by arranging snacks and light bites at the venue—no one wants a hangry bridal party! Stock up on bottled water, easy-to-grab snacks, and a fun playlist to set the tone for the day. Ensure the bride eats and takes a quick restroom break before slipping into her gown. Have the bridesmaids and mother of the bride get dressed first so they’re photo-ready while assisting the bride.
Pro Tip: Practice getting into your gown at home a couple of times before the big day. This helps you learn the best technique for avoiding hair or makeup mishaps and streamlines the process. Getting into the gown often takes longer than expected, especially with your photographer capturing those special moments. A little practice ensures everything runs smoothly and keeps your timeline on track.
1:00 PM | Photographer Arrival & Pre-Ceremony Photos
Your wedding photographer should arrive before you begin getting dressed. They will start by taking detail shots (invitation suite, rings, dress, bouquet) and candid getting-ready moments with your bridal party. A “first look” with your fiancé is your choice but can provide an intimate start to the day and we find it usually gives you more time later to spend with your guests. Another plus of the “first look” in the timeline, means you get to spend more of the day with your favorite person, after all, shouldn’t your wedding day be spent together?!
2:00 PM | First Looks, Photos, Reception Space Ready
After the bride is photographed in her gown, it’s the perfect time for any first looks—whether with her partner, wedding party, father of the bride, groomsmen, or even the family dog! If the couple plans to read private vows or exchange gifts during a first look, be sure to allow extra time for those meaningful moments. Between 1:45 and 4:15, the wedding party and family can take care of formal and group portraits, leaving everyone free to relax by 4:30. This is the ideal time to freshen up, enjoy a quick snack, and get tucked away before guests arrive.
5:00 PM | Ceremony
Most ceremonies at Emerson Fields are scheduled two hours before sunset. This allows for dreamy golden-hour photos afterward. With multiple picturesque ceremony sites—including the lakeside terrace, meadow, or covered pavilion—you’ll have no shortage of options. While the ceremony is one of the most meaningful moments of the day, it’s also the shortest, typically lasting 30 minutes or less.
It is versatile and organically beautiful; it requires minimal decoration! As a penny-pincher I was a little intimidated by the cost but it is worth EVERY penny. Emerson Fields provides a substantial amount of accommodations compared to other venues. Believe me, I looked at almost every venue in the state. I am so grateful for Emerson Fields and the Holder Family for making May 18th the best day of my life.”
Emily, Emerson Fields Bride from Columbia, MO
5:30 PM | Cocktail Hour
After the ceremony, your guests can mingle during cocktail hour while you sneak away for a few romantic newlywed photos. Keep the energy lively with appetizers, signature drinks, fun yard games, or live music. An interactive and relaxed cocktail hour on our veranda near the lake is always a crowd-pleaser. More couples are choosing to join cocktail hour, giving them the chance to visit with guests and savor some of the delicious hors d’oeuvres. It’s the perfect way to soak in the celebration before the reception begins!
6:30 PM | Dinner Reception
Gather your loved ones for a delicious catered dinner in Emerson Fields’ indoor climate-controlled reception area. Candlelit tables, soft music, and meaningful toasts create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Visit with your planner or coordinating team about how you’d like the dinner hour to start and discuss your entrance options ahead of time. Consider cutting the cake during your grand entrance as your photographer, guests, and wedding party will already have all eyes on you!
7:15 PM | sunset portraits
While your guests are finishing dinner, it’s the perfect time to sneak outside for golden-hour portraits by the lake. The entire Emerson Fields estate was thoughtfully designed with the sun’s rise and set in mind, ensuring breathtaking photos you’ll treasure forever. Guests are often busy visiting and enjoying dessert during this time, so they likely won’t even notice your brief absence. To make the most of these photos, coordinate with your photographer in advance so they’re ready to capture the moment. PRO TIP: It’s also a good idea to have your photographer eat dinner when you do, ensuring they’re available for every important moment.
8:30 PM | Toasts & First Dances
Kick off the night with heartfelt toasts and traditional dances. Couples should take this time to shine; your first dance only happens once so make it memorable. Take dance lessons in person or online during your engagement. Incorporate unique touches like an anniversary dance for all married couples. These moments are guaranteed to get the party started and guests will flood the dance floor after dark!
9:00 PM | Dance Party
With a talented DJ or live band, the dance floor will come alive. Whether it’s dueling pianos or your favorite jazz instruments, choose entertainment that fits your style. DJs can add experiences like cold sparks, fog machines, photo booths and props, and even hybrid entertainment (DJ + Live music) to add as much pizazz as you’d like.
10:45 PM | Last Song & Special Exit
End the night on a high note with a memorable exit. Guests can line up for a sparkler send-off or gather outside for a breathtaking fireworks display over the lake (available through Emerson Fields). Share one last dance as a couple in the quiet venue before making your grand departure.
“If I had to pick one of my top favorite moments, it would be our first dance. The fast pace of the day felt to slow down in that moment when it was just us two, dancing to our first song as a married couple.”
Emily, an Emerson Fields Bride from Columbia, MO
11:00 PM | Wrap-Up & Departure
Assign someone to collect gifts, tidy up, and ensure everyone gets home safely. With everything packed, you and your new spouse can begin your honeymoon adventure!
Scroll for more example itineraries and details on Emerson Fields, the Midwest wedding destination that blends coziness and elegance in a magical way!
Why Choose Emerson Fields for Your Missouri Wedding?
At Emerson Fields, we pride ourselves on offering a seamless, stress-free experience. Located halfway between St. Louis and Kansas City, our venue is easily accessible and designed with weddings in mind. From our versatile indoor and outdoor spaces to our curated Wedding Vendor Package, we’re here to make your wedding day unforgettable.
I truly can’t say enough good things about this venue! After I had my wedding the first thing I said to individuals who aren’t married yet was “spend the money on a beautiful wedding venue” because at the end of the day my guests were in awe about how beautiful the place was! And this venue is it! Again, BOOK THIS VENUE! I promise you won’t regret it for a single second!”
Lauren, Emerson Fields Bride from Clark, MO
With our thoughtful planning tools and experienced staff, you can relax and savor the first day of your forever. Our Day Rental option keeps the budget in check and offers you the warm Emerson Fields experience! Ready to start planning? Contact us today to learn more about how Emerson Fields can make your dream wedding a reality.
By following this itinerary and utilizing Emerson Fields’ amenities, you can create a wedding day filled with joy, connection, and cherished memories. We look forward to being part of your love story!
“Their professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine care for our vision made the entire experience stress-free and enjoyable. We couldn’t be more grateful for how they made our wedding day perfect. We wholeheartedly recommend Emerson Fields to anyone looking for a venue that truly cares about creating a memorable and seamless celebration!”
Morgan, Emerson Fields Bride from Chicago, IL {pictured in this blog}
Learn more about having your magical wedding day at Emerson Fields wedding venue in central Missouri by clicking the button below.
For the wedding featured in this blog, you can follow these vendors who made the magic happen:
Photographer - Morgan Lee Weddings
Planning and Design - Wright Pro Wedding Planning
Venue - @emersonfieldsvenue
Florist - Bare Roots LLC
Hair Stylist - @studiobride
Makeup Artist - @makeupbymaggie727
Bridal Gown - @jennyyoonyc
Bridal Shoes - @dolcevita
Menswear - @suitsupply
Brunch & Desserts - @kochsgeneralstore
Vintage Lounges - @vintagewhimsyrentals
Linens - @a.b.heltonfinelinenrentals
Catering - @room_38 & @marcelinepizzaco
Bar Service - @wrightproweddings
Transportation - @moxdocandnorm & Good Guys Shuttle Service
Photos of the venue and staff provided by Bella Faith Photography out of Columbia, MO. She is a Missouri based wedding and portrait photographer for sophisticated couples inspired by authentic, timeless and joyful imagery. With over 10 years of experience photographing weddings, she has crafted an approach that is focused on giving couples the best experience.