Photography has become an essential part of the wedding planning process, but it can be hard to know exactly how many hours of coverage you need. Knowing what details you want to remember or what pictures you even want can be overwhelming to say the least. This guide will walk you through the three base wedding packages I provide, with some pros and cons for each.
Three HOurs
The shortest package I provide service for is a three hour package which gives you enough time to capture the core parts of the wedding day.
Pros
Whether you are planning a wedding on a budget, or just want to keep it simple, three hours is still enough time to get coverage of the ceremony, reception, and portraits.
It works best when everything is at one location.
Short coverage is ideal for elopements or intimate weddings that have a shorter timeline.
Cons
With less coverage, that does mean that some parts of the day won't be captured. There is little to no time for getting ready photos, so if that is something you value, this might not be the best for you.
The day needs to be well organized and planned to avoid mishaps that could cause a delay and stress later.
Six Hours
The six hour package is my most popular option, with couples appreciating the coverage of the day. While some parts of the day might be missed, six hours is plenty of time to get pictures of the big day.
Pros
Six hours provides a good balance of enough time for some getting ready shots and shots later in the day with a send off or dancing.
There is more wiggle room for flexibility during the day and gives more time to organize people for those big group shots.
Cons
Depending on how much time you spend in reception, six hours of coverage might not give enough time for a send off if a lot of dancing is scheduled.
Additionally, if the timeline shifts significantly, flexibility could be limited.
Eight Hours
With plenty of room for flexibility throughout the day, eight hours gives the most time for pictures. With planning, every part of the day can be captured, from getting ready to the send off.
Pros
Eight hours is perfect for the couple who wants the whole day covered. From getting ready to the send off, there is plenty of flexibility for the whole day.
This also allows more time for portraits and time together if that is a priority of the day.
Cons
With the added coverage, there is also a higher investment.
If added time for in between moments isn't a necessity, a package with less hourly coverage might be a better choice.
So... How many hours do you need?
There is no one size fits all answer for this. The right amount of coverage depends on your timeline, budget, and how you want the day to feel. Even though time could be limited, it doesn't mean that important parts of your day have to be missed. With careful planning, even a three hour package gives plenty of time for important details. Likewise, eight hours gives time to breathe throughout the day, without feeling pressure to have to hurry to fit something in,
If you're unsure about what is best for you, I am always happy to talk through your plans and help you choose what makes the most sense.