Planning your big day is an exciting adventure. But it is filled with a lot of decisions. You will (amongst other things) have to decide how many hours to book a wedding photographer to capture the beautiful moments of your wedding day.
The hours of photography you will need, depend on various factors. Below are a few (with some questions) that will help you to make an informed decision:
1. The key moments you want your wedding photographer to be a part of.
A typical wedding day can last around 8 to 12 hours. Many couples find that having their photographer there from the start of the day until the dancing at the reception captures the entire story beautifully. But it can cost a lot of money. So, carefully consider the following:
- Are you planning pre-wedding events, such as a rehearsal dinner or a pre-wedding photoshoot? If you have a pre-wedding event the night before, you might need additional hours for photography.
- Do you want your wedding photographer to be there when you’re getting ready, capturing those candid and emotional moments with your family and friends? Or do you prefer him to just capture the ceremony?
- Are you planning to have a “first look” session before the ceremony? A “first look” session may require additional photography time before the ceremony begins.
- What time does the ceremony start, and at what time would you like the wedding photographer to begin with coverage? If the ceremony starts at 2:00 PM and you want coverage during the getting-ready moments, you might need photography to begin around 11:00 AM.
- How long do you anticipate the ceremony will last? (Example: If you’re having a traditional ceremony, it may last 30 minutes to an hour).
- Do you want photography coverage during the reception, including the first dance, cake cutting, and speeches? If you have several reception events, you’ll need more hours to capture them all).
- Are there any specific locations for photo sessions, such as a park or a scenic spot? Traveling to different locations for photos may add to the overall photography hours.
- Do you want your photographer to be present during the entire reception, including the dance floor moments? If you love dancing shots, you’ll need extended hours during the reception).
- Are you having a destination wedding that spans multiple days? A destination wedding may require photography coverage for several days.
2. The size of your guest list
If you’re having a smaller, intimate wedding, a few hours of photography may be enough to cover the main parts of your day. However, if your guest list is longer, you might want to consider more hours of coverage to make sure nothing gets missed. Larger weddings with more guests may require more hours to ensure every moment is captured.
Consider the following:
- Do you want photos of your guests and group shots of family and friends during the reception? Group shots can take time, so allocate extra hours if this is essential to you.
- How important are candid moments to you? If capturing spontaneous emotions is a priority, consider extending photography hours to cover more candid moments.
3. The budget for your wedding
What is your budget for photography? Consider your budget and prioritize the most important moments for photography coverage. Then you will be better able to decide realistically on the hours you have to book with your wedding photographer.
By considering and discussing these questions, you and your partner can determine the ideal amount of hours needed for photography to ensure every precious moment of your special day is beautifully captured.
Your wedding photographer is there to document your story. So it’s crucial to communicate your expectations and desires. Sit down with him and discuss your wedding timeline, including the events you want to be photographed. He can offer valuable insights based on his experience, helping you make the best decision for your needs. And h will help you create the perfect photography plan for your once-in-a-lifetime celebration
And then… remember to enjoy your wedding day to the fullest. Don’t get too caught up in the logistics of photography. Trust your photographer’s expertise, and he will work his magic, capturing beautiful memories that will last forever.