When it comes time to booking your wedding vendors - more specifically your wedding photographer it’s important to understand their pricing, packages, & how they photograph a wedding day.
So, I want to give y’all insight & speak a bit for myself as I have found that offering hourly coverage works better for my clients better than offering the typical 8 hour package or all day coverage that other photographers might offer.
It’s important to me that I’m intentional with my time when I’m photographing any wedding day & I only want to photograph what’s important to you & your partner on y’all’s special day. Every couple is different & so are all wedding days! This is important to remember, because this day should be all about how you want to spend it with the one you love & the people around y’all. Whether you have a traditional wedding, an intimate wedding, or an elopement, it’s important to envision the day & start curating a rough timeline, so you have an idea on how the day will flow. As this will help you going into reaching out to your photographer & other vendors.
Here’s 3 things you should take into consideration;
Take time for yourself! It will be KEY to have wiggle room within the day to breathe/decompress, eat, use the restroom, & take in all the moments!
The sunset time! This will be important to figure out as your photographer will be taking the natural light into consideration, plus you can plan the events of your day around the sunset, which is KEY, because you’ll want to have time for photos after your ceremony ends, before the sun sets (reminder!! daylight savings happens in March 2024 & November 2024) You’ll want to factor in at least an hour for family portraits, bridal party portraits (if you don’t have a bridal party this could add anywhere from 10-20 minutes), & your newlywed portraits!
Your exit time! Depending on how long you plan on celebrating on your wedding night, it’ll be important to finalize whether you want you photographer there with you to capture all the reception dance floor moments OR you can opt for an early faux exit with immediate family, friends & or bridal party!
TIP: If you’re planning a traditional wedding have your wedding photographer arrive to your getting ready location anywhere from 90 minutes-3 hours before your ceremony begins! Some things to take into consideration; details photos/flat lay photos, getting ready photos, the bridal party with the bride & groom with his groomsmen photos, individual portraits with the bride & groom separately, any first looks, & detail photos of the ceremony space. If you’re traveling to a church for your ceremony, take travel time in mind.
Most EMP couples book anywhere 5 to 8.5 hours of coverage on their wedding days.
Here’s an example 7 hour timeline!
Let’s say you’re having more of a Traditional Wedding in October & the sunsets at around 6:55 p.m. then.
3:00 p.m. - Photography Coverage begins, Details of Venue & the day!
3:30 p.m. - Getting into wedding attire & Individual Portraits.
4:00 p.m. - You can do; Bride & Bridesmaid Photos, Groom & Groomsmen Photos. First Look with partner, bridal party, or anyone special to you. Possibly even Immediate Family Photos. Truly whatever you want in this time.
4:30 p.m. - Tuck away until ceremony begins, Details of Ceremony Space & Reception Space (if set)
5:00 p.m. - Ceremony Begins.
5:30 p.m. - Ceremony Ends & Cocktail Hour Begins.
5:35 p.m. - Family Photos Begin.
5:50 p.m.- Full Bridal Party Photos.
6:05 p.m. - Newlywed Portraits.
6:35 p.m. - Bride gets bustled, newlyweds join cocktail hour, or have a moment to breathe!
7:00 p.m. - Grand Entrance, go into First Dance as Newlyweds, & any other special dances, into dinner being served.
8:00 p.m. - Toasts & Cake Cutting.
8:20 p.m. - The dance floor opens & party begins!
9:00 p.m - Bouquet Toss & Garter Toss (Some couples tend to opt out on this)
~ you can add fun things in the mix here ~
9:50 p.m. - Private Last Dance.
10:00 p.m. - Grand Exit & Photography Coverage is over.
Hopefully everything in this helped any brides to be out there & hope this gives more insight to how I help plan & curate my wedding timelines for my clients!
