One of the very first questions I get during a consultation is almost always the same. "Alyssa, we don't know if we need 8 hours or 10 hours. What do you think?"
It is a great question. Unless you make a habit of planning massive events for 150 people, you probably have no idea how long things take. And honestly? Most wedding timelines you find on Pinterest are unrealistic. They don't account for St. Louis traffic, hair and makeup running late, or the time it takes to bustle a dress.
So, let’s break it down. Here is the real difference between the packages and how to know which one is right for you.
The 8-Hour Day (The "Sweet Spot") This is by far my most popular package. It covers all the major events of the day without a ton of downtime.
What it looks like: I usually arrive right as hair and makeup is finishing up. We capture the dress, the details, and the "getting into the dress" moments. Then we head to the First Look (if you are doing one), the ceremony, family photos, and the main reception events.
When to book it: If your ceremony and reception are at the same venue (or very close by), 8 hours is usually perfect. It keeps the day moving and covers everything from "zipping the dress" to "open dancing."
The 10-Hour Day (The "Storyteller") Sometimes, 8 hours just isn't enough breathing room.
What it looks like: This is the "stress-free" buffer. It allows us to arrive earlier for those cute matching pajama photos with your bridesmaids, or to have extra time for creative portraits at a second location. It also means I stay later to capture the sparkler exit or late-night snacks.
When to book it: You definitely need 10 hours if you have a "Gap" in your day (like a 2 PM church ceremony and a 6 PM reception), or if we have a lot of travel involved. For example, if you are getting ready in Fenton but the wedding is downtown at Union Station, that travel time eats into your photography coverage.
The "Wild Card": Sunset The other big factor? The sun. If you are getting married in November, the sun sets around 4:45 PM. If you are getting married in June, it is up until 8:30 PM. If you want those golden hour photos, we have to build the timeline around the light. Don't worry, I help you map this out before you even book!
Still not sure? The best way to figure it out is to work backward. Think about what is most important to you. Is it the morning anticipation with your mom? Or is it the crazy dance floor photos at the end of the night?
If you are currently trying to puzzle-piece your day together, send me a message! I love building custom timelines to see what fits best.
