Usually, your wedding photographer time is for a minimum of 5 hours or more.

The Bride, Groom and ancillaries’ preparation process +- 2.5 hours

Your Wedding Photographer Time requires: –

• The Details (+- 20 mins)
  • This would include the amazing dress, shoes, bouquet, jewelry, etc. – even your perfume.  Have an assistant get all these together so your photographer doesn’t have to scrounge around looking for everything.
• The ‘Moments’ (+- 20 to 40 mins)
  • If the Groom is getting prepared at the same venue don’t forget to add 15 minutes for him.   These ‘moments’ would include make-up photos, bridesmaids / groomsmen getting ready, your mom helping you into your dress and your parents seeing you all ready for the first time.

Make sure to give your make-up artist enough time to create perfection.  

Your Wedding Photographer Time requires: –

• Bridal Portraits (20 mins)
• Groom Portraits (20 mins)
• Pre-Wedding Formals (20 mins)
  • These would include pictures of the bride with her parents, bridesmaids and any family present.
  • These would also include pictures of the groom with his parents, groomsmen etc.

If you are using a garden setting as your background, make sure it is free from any distractions. The same goes for various room scenes; remove any unnecessary clutter.   Don’t forget to take travel time into consideration if your ceremony is taking place at a different venue and remember your photographer needs to arrive before you do.

The ceremony +- 1 hour

Your Wedding Photographer Time requires: –

• Ceremony venue Arrival (+- 10 mins)
• The Actual Ceremony (duration is all up to you)
• Signing of the registry (+- 5 to 10 mins)
• Confetti / Rice / Rose Petals photos  (10 mins)
  • Rose petals are a wonderful visual for photographs.

Directly after the ceremony +- 2 hours

Your Wedding Photographer Time requires: –

• Congratulating pictures (+- 10 mins)
• Formals (15 to 30 mins)
  • They may not be the most exciting pictures, but you will cherish them in the long run.   Making a list of group photos always helps the photographer to get through them quicker – assign an assistant to arrange the next groups while a group is having their photos taken.
• Couple Shoot (+- 1.5 hours)
  • These photographs are the most critical on your special day.   Consider travel time if you are going to a new location.  

If your reception is at another venue, it is recommended to do the Formals at the church before everyone starts leaving, as well as allowing the couple shoot to be more intimate and special.  However, if it looks like it is going to rain or get dark, do the couples shoot first as you can always do the formals at a later stage (i.e., at the reception).  Bring along a pair of comfortable shoes to your couples shoot including a picnic basket with some snacks.  Ensure your esteemed guests have somewhere to sit while they eagerly await you.

The reception

Your Wedding Photographer Time final hours are spent at the reception.  Set aside 10 to 15 minutes for taking a few reception detail photos before your guests arrive (Try to get the caterers and layout artists to get this done early so that the photographer does not have to work around them).  If you have booked a shorter package, it may be a good idea to do the cutting of the cake at an early stage.   Placing the cake where everyone can view it makes for a good photo and includes everyone.   Most weddings follow the format of; the MC introduction, starters, speeches, mains, cutting of the cake and then the first dance.   If you are doing a garter and bouquet toss its best to do it 30 minutes into the dancing as people are still relatively energized.  

So, 8 plus hours may sound like a large amount of time, but at the end those additional hours will really help in ensuring you get the most out of your photographers’ skills.