How much photography time do you need?

Most brides only experience with wedding photography prior to their own wedding, is as a guest at someone else’s.

  So as a bride, how can you know what you need for what most people consider the most important day of their lives? 

I’d like to help you answer one of the biggest questions you’ll have to make about your wedding photography:  how much coverage do I need to get what I want?  

If what you want is thorough, complete wedding day coverage beginning with the emotional “Getting Ready” images that you see in magazines and finishing with your exit through a swirl of bubbles, then here’s how much time we feel would be ideal for each segment of your wedding day.  Only you know which parts are the most important for you and your fiance, and you can adjust the allotted time accordingly. 

Getting Ready/Preparation Photos : An hour and a half: 45 minutes each for the girls and 45 minutes for the guys. 

 

First Look/Couples portrait session:

An hour and a half: Adequate time for your private first look and time to take relaxed portraits around the premises of your venue.  Whether you choose to have a first look, or decide to keep it traditional, be sure to build in time for your portraits as a couple. I feel like this is the most important session of the wedding day – it was for me. 

 

 

Bridal Party: 

45 minutes for the bridal party to take a fun or formal group pictures at sites around the grounds of your venue.

 

Family Formals: 45 minutes. 

This should be adjusted depending on whether you have a large, or small extended family.

Ceremony:

1 hour for ceremonies that are planned to last about 30 minutes.   As guests arrive, this give the bride time to get out of sight and relax just before the ceremony. 

 

Reception:

As long as you want!  But count on at least 2.5 hours for Cake Cutting, First Dance, Father/Daughter and Mother/Son dances, Bouquet toss, Garter toss.  Add another hour in for dinner or heavy hors d’ouevres. 

 

You can adjust these times up or down depending on your priorities, but we feel like this is a solid base timeline for any wedding day!