How many hours should I book my Wedding Photographer for? Brooklyn & Binghamton Wedding and Elopement Photographer

Sometimes I moonlight as wedding planner :) just kidding. But really, I’ve found that as a Brooklyn Wedding Photographer and a Binghamton Wedding Photographer, I also have become a bit of a “preliminary wedding itinerary planner.” Which is actually great for both my clients and me, because letting me help you figure out when and where to shoot, ensures that I can take the best photos possible.

When brides come to me one of the first things I hear most often is “I’ve never done this before so I have no idea what to do.”

I also get asked “how many hours will I need?” And the answer to that is . . . it depends.

A few common questions First

Do you have a budget?

If you do, let’s start with what you can afford and then work backwards to fit what’s most important in. Sometimes people get discouraged because they think they can’t afford the larger packages, but you’d be surprised what we can do with a little planning.

Will there be a first look? Or any other special event to be captured?

This will add extra time to the day.

If my entire wedding is 5 hours do I need the 5 hour package?

No, not necessarily. You may just need a few hours of what’s most important, or you may want more than five hours to just document the entire day.

I want everything from my dress details, getting ready, to the reception and dancing, do I need the 8 hour package?

Maybe, but not necessarily, I’ve shot all of that with a 3 hour package before. If you can plan well, we can always get everything in. But some prefer not to be rushed and 8 hours is usually very comfortable for most time lines.

Are there multiple locations for getting ready, the ceremony, the portraits, the reception?

A way to conserve time, is to limit the number of different locations. Those 15 to 20 minute drives to each location adds up.

Some people like to just let the day flow as it will and have me there to capture every moment. Others are on a tighter schedule and want specific things documented. This is your day, do what makes you happiest.

Tips if you're on a Budget

If you can do you entire wedding at 1 location (or as few as possible), this helps with your timeline so much. Not having to travel between each location really saves you. Think a hotel, someones home, a space that can accommodate getting ready, the ceremony and reception (& also nice locations to take pretty photos)

When I arrive for your “getting ready photos”, already be ready. Have your hair and make up done. Have your dress, shoes and what every else you want photographed hung, pressed and ready to be shot. This way we can make sure to get shots of you looking great & get it done super quickly.

Plan things closer together. Maybe have a short cocktail hour, and not 2 to 3 hours in between the ceremony and reception.

General Tips for achieving the best photography for you Wedding Day

Plan the first look somewhere private.
Plan for your “Couple Portraits” around the Golden Hour, this is 2 hours or so before the sun has set.
When it’s time for formal portraits, have a list of every combination of family photos you need. Ex: Bride & Groom with both Parents, Bride and Groom with Elizabeth & Dan, Bride and Groom with Maggie and Joe, Bride and Groom with Mother, Bride and Groom with Sisters, Etc. This way we can go right down the line and get each photo done super quick.
Bonus tip, we start the group shoots with everyone in the family. And we deduct people from there.
Have a go to person, who knows everyone and can help us keep everyone organized, this is often a maid of honor, mother in law, etc.
Look for the best light. If you are getting ready in a home, try to find the room with the biggest windows. If you’re getting ready in the back yard, either plan for a time when the sun isn’t directly overhead or find a shady area.
Do an engagement session before your wedding. This really helps everyone get comfortable with each other and give me a chance to get to know your personalities before the big day.
The more comfortable you are in your clothes, hair, and make up, the better you will feel and the camera will see that. You look best when you are feeling your best.

Example Time Lines

4 Hour Package - Couple is getting married in the backyard at the Brides mother’s home. Everyone in one location.

3:30 PM	Girls Getting Ready downstairs Boys Getting Ready Upstairs
4:00 PM	First Look Behind the Gazebo
4:30 PM	Ceremony In the Back Lawn
5:00 PM	Cocktail Hour Family & Couple Portraits
5:30 PM
6:00 PM	Reception Begins Under Tent Announce Couples & Wedding Party First Dances Speeches Buffet Dinner
6:30 PM
7:00 PM	Cake Cutting
8:00 PM	Dancing

7 Hour Package - Church wedding, no first look. Comfortable spacing with timeline.

1:00 PM	Bride Getting Ready at Mother’s Home \| Groom getting ready at Hotel
1:30 PM
2:00 PM	Ceremony at Church \| Receiving Line
2:30 PM
3:00 PM	Family Portraits at the Church
3:30 PM	Bridal Party & Couple Portraits at the Park \| Cocktails at Hotel
4:00 PM
4:30 PM
5:00 PM	Reception Begins at Hotel Announce Couples & Wedding Party First Dances Speeches Buffet Dinner
5:30 PM
6:00 PM
6:30 PM	Cake cutting
7:00 PM	Dancing

Remember, every couple is different and has different needs. These are just some simple examples of what has worked for my couples in the past. I'd love to sit down and figure out what is most important to you and your family and then create a day based around that.

I know planning a wedding can be so overwhelming, so I hope this will give you a great start on figuring out a timeline that works for you and can also inform how many hours of photograph you might need. Please feel free to contact me if you want to chat about your timeline.