I know first hand when an inquiry comes, my couples may have a faint or no idea of what is involved while they are planning the day.
However, when it comes to your photography, one may ask: 'how many hours would I need for for the day?' OK!! Do not fret, I was there [ a bride to be with zero experience ] about 14 yrs ago and while we plan our days, we read the zillion wedding magazines and blogs.
We also speak to the friends who have gotten married and who have planned and gone through that experience themselves.
The reality is, everyone's vision is different and everyone wants to plan your day!
Honestly, nothing really prepares you for the time you may need, the planning must fit your own dynamics to your own benefit and not become stressful. Hey! I know this personally...
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? 💍 - I will not lie, but 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 - But, no pressure here: It is a very personal 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/Bouquet-Garter tosses/Cake Cutting/Last dances/Exit etc.
Now, how do you know, and how do you make a decision?
In my experience my most requested services are offered in my collections -- continuous coverage of 8 +10 hrs, 2 LEADs professional photographers, engagement session, heirloom wedding album, prints, and high-resolution images with print license and sneak peeks on the same day.
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Below is a sample of the timeline for a 10-hour wedding for photography coverage with a 5:00 pm ceremony time and it is ideal for wedding parties of 6+ per side with a Reveal.
Photographers always will arrive .5hr before 12 midday and stay a bit after the Exit is done
During meal time photographers do take a tiny break if needed - to switch batteries, prepare for creative shots and reception dancing etc., also I begin the upload of images for your sneak peeks
Below is a sample of timeline for a 8hr 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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