Here are some tips I would like to share with you as you create your wedding schedule. Following these tips would allow me ample time to create beautiful photos from your wedding day!
Getting Ready : I would recommend planning for about one hour of photography coverage (this is where I take photos of details such as dress, bouquet, shoes, invitation, etc., hair & make up being completed if done on-site, bride getting into the dress, and some bridal portraits)
First Look, Wedding Party, and Bride/Groom Portraits : I would HIGHLY recommend a first look and plan for at least one hour for these portraits. Doing so would allow me to create the best collection of portraits from a wedding day, in addition to the rest of the photos throughout the day. This is a very effective and smart use of time for photography and it significantly reduces stress for everyone involved, which is reflected in the photos!
30 Minutes Before Ceremony : We should finish all of the portraits by this time so that the bride and her bridesmaids can hide from the guests as they arrive for the ceremony.
Immediately After the Ceremony (Cocktail Hour) : Usually, it takes about 30 minutes for family portraits. If time allows, then additional bride/groom portraits can be taken. Photographers would use the last 15-30 minutes of the cocktail hour for reception room detail shots and preparing for the introduction of the bride/groom and the wedding party into the reception room.
Reception : Unless there is a special exit planned for the end of the reception that you would like documented, it is not imperative for the photographers to stay until the very end. As long as all of the key events of the reception are covered (first dance, cake cutting, some of open dance, etc.), most of the open dance photos end up looking very similar. I am only bringing this to attention in the event that you wish to strictly follow the coverage hours stated in your contract without purchasing additional hours. It may be a good idea to have me arrive early to cover the getting ready/portraits and leave before the very end of the reception so that the photography can be provided at its best.
If you have any questions or would like suggestions on the schedule to ensure the best photography possible, please don’t hesitate to let me know!