How Much Wedding Photography Coverage Do I (Really) Need?

Are you grappling with the decision of selecting the perfect wedding photography package? Uncertain about the ideal amount of coverage for your significant day? Fear not, as I’m here to guide you through the process. When I engage with potential clients, one common revelation is the unexpected consideration of coverage duration: ‘Oh… we didn’t think of that.’ Deciding the right amount of wedding photography coverage can be a challenge, and it’s a question that might not have crossed your mind. Allow me to provide the assistance you need in navigating this essential aspect of your wedding planning.

In this guide, we’ll walk through my three standard package options, and I’ll guide you to the one that suits your unique style and needs as a couple. Additionally, I’ll share some key considerations to keep in mind as you make your decision. If you’re still unsure about the number of hours that are right for you, I encourage you to keep reading. We’ll delve into a typical wedding day, helping you navigate and find the perfect coverage that feels just right for your special day!

A friendly note! While weddings can share similarities, each day comes with its own unique elements. So, as you peruse through this blog, keep in mind that no two weddings are exactly alike.

I first want to touch on a few things you should know about the hours you have hired your photographer for, regardless of however many hours that is.

• Hours of coverage, no matter how many, are typically continuous. If you’ve booked an 8-hour package, your coverage will be from 1:00 – 9:00, for example.
• The standard 8-hour package might not be what’s best for you. I offer an unlimited package, as well as additional hours a la carte so that you can customize your own package – more hours, or less hours, whatever suits your needs.
• I always allow my couples to add on extra hours after everything has been booked. This could look like adjusting the contract before the wedding date itself, or adding an hour on the day-of and being billed after the fact. I will say that it is cost effective to just book the higher package from the get go rather than piecing hours together as you go – be liberal with the hours you book!
• Adding a second photographer (if not included in the package) is a great way to make sure you get the most out of your hours. Typically, packages with second shooters receive ~30% more images than those that don’t book a second photographer. While I’m with the bride (typically), the second photographer is able to be with your other half as they get ready. For the remainder of the day, the second photographer will have eyes anywhere I don’t.

5 HOURS OF WEDDING DAY COVERAGE

For a more intimate wedding, I recommend a minimum of 5 hours of wedding photography coverage. The specific time of day for your coverage will be determined by the season of your wedding. However, I generally suggest a standard timeframe from around 3:00 to 8:00. This is because getting ready times are usually shorter, ceremonies are more concise, and the typical “dance floor” element is not as prominent.

Five hours of wedding photography coverage would often include capturing key moments and essential elements of your wedding day. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Getting Ready: Documenting the pre-ceremony moments, including shots of the couple getting ready, details like dress and accessories, and candid moments with friends and family.
• Ceremony: Comprehensive coverage of the ceremony, capturing key moments such as the processional, vows, ring exchange, and the newlyweds’ exit.
• Formal Portraits: Time for posed and candid shots of the couple, bridal party (if any), and immediate family members. This often takes place after the ceremony.
• Reception Highlights: Capturing key moments during the reception, including entrances, toasts, cake cutting, and any special dances.
• Candid Moments: Documenting the candid and spontaneous moments throughout the event, ensuring a comprehensive representation of your wedding day.

While five hours may not cover every detail of a more extended event, it provides sufficient time to capture the essential and memorable aspects of your special day. If you’re considering a 5-hour package, I suggest consolidating everything in one location (getting ready, ceremony, and reception) and prioritizing essential events early on, if feasible. Another option is to forgo preparation/detail photos and extend the photographer’s presence during the reception.

If you’re planning an intimate and straightforward wedding and aren’t particularly interested in having detailed preparations documented beforehand, a 5-hour coverage is likely suitable for you.

8 HOURS OF WEDDING DAY COVERAGE

Many of my couples opt for an eight-hour package. This duration provides ample time for a standard-sized wedding (approximately 100 – 150 guests). The additional two hours of coverage allow your wedding photographer to capture moments like couple preparations, details of the ceremony space, and stay until the dance floor opens.

Eight hours of wedding photography coverage typically includes a comprehensive documentation of key moments and various aspects of your wedding day. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Getting Ready: Capturing the preparation moments, including shots of the bride and groom getting ready, details like attire and accessories, and candid moments with friends and family.
• Ceremony: Comprehensive coverage of the entire ceremony, capturing crucial moments such as the processional, vows, ring exchange, and the newlyweds’ exit.
• Formal Portraits: Time for posed and candid shots of the couple, bridal party, and immediate family members. This often takes place after the ceremony.
• Reception Highlights: Documenting key moments during the reception, including entrances, toasts, cake cutting, and special dances.
• Dinner and Socializing: Coverage of the couple’s entrance to the reception, dinner service, and candid moments as guests socialize.
• Dance Floor: Capturing the opening moments of the dance floor, including the first dance, and continuing to document the festivities until the agreed-upon time.
• Candid Moments: Documenting spontaneous and candid moments throughout the day, ensuring a well-rounded representation of your wedding.

Opting for an eight-hour coverage grants a broader canvas for documenting the richness of your day. It affords the photographer the opportunity to capture intricate moments in both bride and groom preparations, extend coverage into the heart of the reception, and allow for an expanded repertoire of formal portraits. This comprehensive approach ensures a more detailed narrative of your special day, making it an ideal choice for those desiring an extensive visual chronicle.

On the flip side, a five-hour coverage demands strategic prioritization due to its limited timeframe. This option suits intimate gatherings or those emphasizing specific elements of the day. While it may mean your photographers approach is more focused by carefully selecting and emphasizing key events, couples with smaller weddings may find this duration perfectly aligned with their vision.

In the bustling Toronto wedding photography scene, understanding these distinctions can be pivotal. Whether prioritizing a comprehensive documentation or focusing on specific moments, the choice between eight and five hours shapes the visual storytelling of your wedding. Ultimately, your decision hinges on the unique contours of your day, ensuring priorities align seamlessly with your desired coverage and the distinctive essence of your celebration.

UNLIMITED WEDDING DAY COVERAGE

The unlimited package stands as the all-encompassing choice, ensuring no moment slips through the lens. I particularly advocate for these additional hours when your getting ready, ceremony, and reception unfold in distinct locations. With a generous timeframe, the unlimited option accommodates travel time seamlessly and provides ample space to capture every desired shot with precision and artistry.

Unlimited wedding day coverage offers an extensive and detailed documentation of your entire wedding day. Here’s what is typically included:

• Getting Ready: The photographer captures moments of both the bride and groom preparing for the day, including details like attire, accessories, and candid interactions with family and friends.
• Ceremony: Comprehensive coverage of the entire ceremony, capturing key moments such as the processional, vows, ring exchange, and the newlyweds’ exit.
• Formal Portraits: Extended time for posed and candid shots of the couple, bridal party, and immediate family members. This often takes place after the ceremony.
• Reception Highlights: Documenting key moments during the reception, including entrances, toasts, cake cutting, special dances, and other significant events.
• Dinner and Socializing: Coverage of the couple’s entrance to the reception, dinner service, and candid moments as guests socialize.
• Dance Floor and Late-Night Festivities: Capturing the entire span of the dance floor, including the first dance, and continuing to document the festivities until the agreed-upon time.
• Candid Moments: Documenting spontaneous and candid moments throughout the day, ensuring a thorough representation of your wedding.
• Travel Time: With an extended coverage period, travel time between different locations is seamlessly accommodated.

This comprehensive timeframe allows for an immersive storytelling experience, capturing every nuance and emotion of your wedding day in detail.

Opting for the unlimited wedding photography package ensures a thorough documentation of your entire day, capturing every significant moment with precision. This extended timeframe is particularly valuable for couples who prioritize a comprehensive visual narrative and want to avoid any potential stress related to time constraints or unexpected timeline mishaps.

Now, let’s explore the main difference between unlimited hours of coverage and an 8-hour package. The key distinction lies in the breadth of coverage and flexibility. With unlimited hours, photographers are present for the entire duration of your event, capturing every detail from start to finish without limitations. On the other hand, an 8-hour package provides ample coverage but may necessitate prioritization of key moments due to the finite timeframe. Couples opting for unlimited hours often seek an unbridled and extensive documentation, while those choosing 8 hours may focus on capturing essential highlights within a specified timeframe.

AT THE END OF THE DAY…

This is what I consider the most crucial consideration:

Your wedding day’s timeline plays a pivotal role in determining its pace and overall enjoyment. Imagine rushing through the getting-ready phase, slicing off requested photos due to time constraints, and hurriedly ushering family and friends into transportation. Picture cutting the reception line short post-ceremony to accommodate family photos, and the stress of yelling for missing relatives during family photos. This frantic pace extends to couple photos, leaving little room for smiles or the creative shots that initially drew you to your photographer.

I’ve witnessed this scenario unfold countless times, especially the unfortunate necessity of cutting couple photos short. The key to avoiding this rush and stress lies in choosing a wedding photography package that allows for breathing room in your timeline. An additional two hours can make a world of difference, providing the flexibility to truly experience and enjoy your day.

Every couple desires a stress-free day, where dinner, speeches, and photos unfold seamlessly. Budgeting for more time with your wedding photography coverage than initially anticipated is a wise choice. Consider the scenario where a 8-hour coverage might run out before a special dance—unthinkable. Be generous in your time allowance for wedding photography coverage; you’ll undoubtedly appreciate the flexibility it offers.

If you’re contemplating a customized package or need assistance with your wedding day timeline, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to guide you through the process, ensuring your timeline aligns perfectly with your day-of priorities.

Warmly,

Chelsea x