Wedding Planning | How Many Hours To Plan For Coverage When Booking Photography For The Day?
Updated: Aug 19
From experience, I understand that when an inquiry comes in, my couples might have little to no idea about what goes into planning their day.
Regarding your photography, a common question is: 'how many hours will I need for the day?' Don't worry, I was once in your shoes [a bride-to-be with no experience] about 14 years ago, and while planning, we read countless wedding magazines and blogs.
We also consult with friends who have married and gone through the experience themselves.
The truth is, everyone has a different vision, and everyone wants to plan your day!
Honestly, nothing truly prepares you for the time you might need; the planning should suit your own dynamics and benefit you without becoming stressful. Hey! I know this firsthand...
I have been thinking, how I can facilitate and create the experience, other than capturing and curating collections for my couples to choose from - This Blog has been written carefully with a simple formula and of course because of my 13+ experience... I can confidently provide a post for my planning/inquiring couples.
Considering 'The Variables'
Size of your guest list [ guesstimates? ]
Your wedding party size [ groomsmen/bridesmaids/parents/siblings participating etc.]
Type of Wedding: - Church Ceremony ➡️ followed by reception - travel times? - Non Denominational Ceremony [10-20 mins] ➡️ Reception
Are you having First Look or a Reveal? 💍 This is a very personal choice - - I am personally a fan of the First Look - Because it allows for my couple to have that one-on-one time just themselves... and then all the formal pictures with bridal parties, immediate family can be captured before the ceremony - It is so time effective for your timeline - Choosing is a very personal (YOU BOTH) option. - If a Reveal is chosen, then I will aim to get brides and bridesmaids priors and my second shooter will do the same with Groom/2nd partner and his wedding party/groomsmen without interrupting or spoiling the surprise!
Most brides/grooms have a first look with parents or mom/dad - depending on the dynamics.
It is very common that H+MU starts early depending on sizes of bridal parties - In most cases brides are usually the last to get H+MU and to get dressed - Honestly, most photographers may only need about 1.5-2hrs prior the Ceremony Starting Time to capture details in the party room while girls get ready/details such as dress, bouquet, jewelry, invites, heirlooms etc. Also, I love visually scanning the venue for the other details, such as cake, the unique room décor [your tables] and other components creating that personal vision y'all had in mind - You want these for your digital proofing album - trust me.
Let's think Groomsmen/Partner's wedding party - Are they doing anything special - in my experience working weddings, they tend to be dressed within minutes - But there are still some very amazing moments captured in that room!
Do you need a second shooter? ⬅️ It all depends on the size of your party and the dynamics of the day - *I highly recommend - However, my Collections I & II already have a 2nd LEAD photographer as part of the experience.
During Reception time, think of what customary or activity implementations will you have i.e. *First Dances/Toasts/Prayers/Special Mentions/Traditions/Cake Cutting/Last dances/Exit etc.
Now, how do you know, and how do you make a decision?
Based on my experience, the most sought-after services I provide are included in my collections, which feature 8 to 10 hours of continuous coverage, two LEAD professional photographers, an engagement session, a heirloom wedding album, prints, high-resolution images with a print license, and same-day sneak peeks. Following your consultation, and based on dynamics assessment the recommendations are given based on our conversation and information, thoughts, observation exchanged,
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Below is an example of a timeline for a 8-hour wedding photography coverage with a 5:00 pm ceremony, ideal for wedding parties with 6 or more members on each side, including a Reveal.
Photographers will always arrive half an hour before noon and stay until the Exit is complete. During meal times, photographers may take a short break if needed to switch batteries, prepare for creative shots, and capture reception dancing, and I also begin uploading images for your sneak peeks.
Below is a sample of timeline for a 10hr wedding for photography coverage with a 5:00 pm ceremony time and it is ideal for wedding parties up to 6 per side with First Look.
Photographers always will arrive .5hr before 12 midday and stay a bit after the Exit is done
During the meal time photographers do take a tiny-break if needed - to switch batteries, prepare for creative shots and reception dancing etc. and, also I begin the upload of images for your sneak peeks
I believe the above examples will allow you to visualize the plan for the day, and can help in order to make a good decision in the investment for the wedding day and it also reveals how your wedding day timeline may look like - not to say this is the holy grail of timelines, but indeed a good look-over, providing you with a glimpse of how photographers make use of the timeline given to document your day properly.
As always, I am here answer all and any of the questions including many of these topics which are also is discussed in our phone and ZOOM consultations. I am so grateful for the trust my clients place in my services when being commissioned for a 8 or 10 hour day and I ONLY want to provide nothing but the bestest experience for the day!
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