How long do you actually need your wedding photographer?
When we say every wedding is different, we mean it!
Though many weddings follow a similar framework of events; getting ready, ceremony, portraits, reception; the order and timing of these events vary quite drastically from wedding to wedding.
With all of this in mind, we hate suggesting packages without speaking with our couples first. However, we love sharing our insights on why we suggest the hours that we do!
GETTING READY
Having your photos taken as you are preparing for your day may not feel like a comfortable position. These may not be the photos that you choose to put on your shelves, but the getting ready portion of your wedding day is quite important to your photography experience and the story telling of your day.
Having your photographer present as your beauty team adds their final touches to you and your squad's look gives us the opportunity to get to know your VIP's better and let everyone get comfortable in front of our cameras in a pressure-free environment. This also gives us the chance to grab photos of your gorgeous details, private sentimental moments, and the excitement as it builds to your ceremony.
PLAN YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER ARRIVAL FOR 1 - 1.5 HOURS PRIOR TO GETTING DRESSED.
Determining when your photographer arrives can be tricky. We recommend allowing 1-1.5 hours of time with your photographer PRIOR to when you estimate you will be putting on your dress or suit.
DON'T FORGET TRAVEL TIME!
Unfortunately teleportation technology does not exist yet. If you are getting ready in a different location than your ceremony and/or reception venue, be sure to consider the travel + parking time; not only for your photographer's arrival, but also in your preparation time!
Things to consider padding time for:
The missing wedding party member who misplaced their cell phone
Delays with the beauty team
Statistically relevant worst-case-scenario traffic for the area at the time planned for travel.
Scheduled transportation running late.
RECEPTION
In our experience, "No one wants to see sloppy dance floor photos" can not be farther from the truth! In the majority of our photography consultations, our couples share that the dance floor is the part of the day that they are most looking forward to. So, why would you choose not to capture it!?
PLAN FOR YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER TO BE DISMISSED 1-1.5 HOURS AFTER THE DANCE FLOOR OPENS
Whether it is the parent dances or the cake-cutting that opens up the dance floor. We want to be sure that we have some time with your guests as they celebrate the start of new chapter with you. There is nothing worse than seeing a dance floor fill up as we pack up our equipment for the day. You may not need us there for the whole reception. We've find that 1 - 1.5 hours after the dance floor opens is generally enough time for your guests to bust a move.
