Wedding pLANNING GUIDE

We are Here to help

THIS GUIDE IS A STARTING POINT BUT WE’RE HERE FOR YOU PERSONALLY WHENEVER YOU NEED HELP.

Whether you need help on deciding number of hours, how much time you need for family photos or just want general tips and advice you might not have thought of, this guide can help.

We’ve been where you are so this guide pretty much covers everything we wish we had known before we got married, and then some more.

Of course these are only our personal recommendations based on our experiences. We understand that every wedding is unique and we will ensure we work with you to make sure we understand exactly what you need.

How Many Hours do you need?

We’ve split this part into sections to make it easier for you to decide how many hours of photography coverage you might need, based on what it is you want captured. Of course if your schedule changes, you do have the option to upgrade to additional hours at a later date. Remember that this is just a guideline only and every wedding is different, so feel free to reach out to us so we can help, before you make any decisions on hours.

Getting Ready Photos

Time allocated: 1 hour - 1.5 hours

Generally speaking, we will not need to be there right from the start. Typically we arrive when hair and makeup is done, or almost done and will capture the last minute touches. If both of you are getting ready in locations close to each other or same location, Michelle will be with one of you and Dan will be at the other.

Tips: To save on travel and to reduce time eating into your photography hours, consider getting ready in locations close to each other as well as close to the next location (first look photos or ceremony location). If you live far away, consider renting an airbnb or hotel with natural light for your getting ready photos.

First Look & Couples photos

Time allocated: Minimum 1 houR

One of the most important sessions, of the day so make sure enough time is allocated to the Couple’s session (session with just the two of you). If you are doing a first look, allocate 15minutes to this and take into account potential getting ready delays and travel. If you do this session after the ceremony, take into account delays with the ceremony, and guests wanting to congratulate you after the ceremony.

Wedding Party & Group Photos

Time allocated for wedding party: 2o mins +

Time allocated for Family Photos: Approx 2 mins per combo

The more people you have in a photo, the longer it potentially takes to take that photo. For example a group photo of 20 people will take longer to set up than a photo with 4 people. These photos can either be done prior to the ceremony, after the ceremony or split.

Pro tip - Allocate someone to wrangle people for group photos!

The Ceremony or Ceremonies

religious ceremonies, tea ceremonies, cultural ceremonies or civil ceremonies

Timing does depend on the type of ceremony. For example in general we find church ceremonies to need more time than civil ceremonies.

Also remember to take into account buffer times before, if your ceremony location is at a different location. In addition don’t schedule anything immediately after the ceremony as many guests will likely come up to you to congratulate you or you might want a little breather before the day continues.

Reception

Make sure everything you want captured is scheduled in before we are due to leave.

You can also move events around to make sure they occur before we leave. For example first dances after entrances and before dinner, cake cutting in between dinner and speeches. Make sure there are buffers in case of delays.

For those who want dance floor photos, we usually leave 30minutes - 1 hour after the dance floor opens up (assuming that everything runs on time).

Golden hour Photos

If weather Permits, Golden Hour Photos are a must!

The best outdoor lighting is at golden hour (1 hour before sunset) but on your wedding day, your schedule won’t likely allow that which is why we recommend taking some time during the reception to take photos, even if it’s just for 15minutes or so. You can schedule this in or we can keep an eye on the lighting for you and steal you away in between courses/speeches.

Wedding Planners & Coordinators

Why hire a month of coordinator if the venue is providing you with one of their coordinators?

We really recommend hiring an outside coordinator. The venue coordinator works for the venue. Your coordinator works for you and has your best interests in mind.

Outside coordinators are not limited to the venue’s schedule and can assist with a variety of things including decor set up and tear down, liaising with vendors before and on the days, picking up flowers and cakes, and most importantly creating and managing the schedule from start to finish.

Example SCHEDULES

  • EXAMPLE 8 HOUR

    1.30PM - 2.30PM GETTING READY PHOTOS

    2.30PM - 2.45PM BUFFER

    2.45PM - 4.15PM - FIRST LOOK & PORTRAITS

    4.15PM - 4.30PM - WEDDING PARTY PHOTOS

    4.30PM - 4.50PM - FAMILY PHOTOS

    4.50PM - 5.15PM - BREAK/BUFFER

    5.15PM - 5.45PM - CEREMONY

    5.45PM - 6.45PM - COCKTAIL HOUR

    6.45PM - RECEPTION START

    7.00PM - ENTRANCES & FIRST DANCE

    7.15PM - 9.00PM - DINNER, SPEECHES

    9.00PM - 9.30PM - DANCE FLOOR OPENS UP

  • EXAMPLE 10 HOUR

    12.00PM - 1.30PM - GETTING READY PHOTOS

    1.30PM - 2.00PM - TRAVEL TO CEREMONY

    2.00PM - 3.00PM - CEREMONY

    3.00PM - 3.15PM - BUFFER

    3.15PM - 3.45PM - TRAVEL TO PHOTO LOCATION

    3.45PM - 4.15PM - FAMILY PHOTOS

    4.15 - 4.45PM - WEDDING PARTY PHOTOS

    4.45PM - 6.15PM - COUPLES PHOTOS

    6.15PM - 6.45PM - TRAVEL TO VENUE

    6.45PM - 7.00PM - COUPLE HAS A BREAK

    7.00PM - 9.00PM - DINNER

    9.00PM - 10.00PM - FIRST DANCE/DANCING