How Long Should You Book a Wedding Photographer? A Guide to Planning Your Timeline
One of the biggest questions newly engaged couples ask is: How long should you book a wedding photographer for? The answer depends on your wedding day schedule, the moments you want captured, and how stress-free you want the experience to be. A well-planned wedding day photography timeline ensures that no important moments are missed while allowing you to fully enjoy your special day. Keep reading for some very important tips on planning a stress-free wedding day photography timeline. (If you are wondering when you should book your photographer, check out this post!)
Why Planning a Wedding Timeline is Essential
Your wedding day will be one of the most memorable days of your life, and a little preparation goes a long way in making sure everything runs smoothly. Whether you want full-day coverage or just a few key hours, mapping out a stress-free wedding day timeline will help you decide how long to book your photographer.
As a wedding photographer, I have worked with many different couples and a variety of timelines for photography coverage. I am always happy to cater to the needs of my clients and often encourage couples to first consider what is the most important to them. No two wedding days are alike, and it is important for you to think through your priorities for the day. If you are looking for ways to stay in budget and get your dream photographer at the same time, check out this article. The fact is that wedding days can be stressful. There is a lot going on with many moving pieces. You want to both go with the flow, enjoy every moment, and walk into the day with a clear plan and vision for the most important parts of your day. A timeline helps you and your wedding photographer have a clear plan for making your wedding-day dreams come true.
How to Make Your Wedding Timeline Stress-Free
Work with Your Photographer Early: They can help you determine the best timing for each part of the day.
- Buffer Time is Key: Build in extra minutes between events to avoid rushing.
- Consider a First Look: It can streamline your timeline and give you more time to enjoy your day.
- Plan for Golden Hour Portraits: The best lighting happens right before sunset! And, this gives you another take at couple portraits. Believe me, you won't regret it!
- Have a Point Person: A wedding coordinator or trusted friend can help keep things on track. This helps give your photographer someone to ask any questions to, instead of coming to you!
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right amount of wedding photography coverage depends on your vision for the day. Whether you opt for 6, 8, or 10+ hours, working with your photographer to plan a stress-free wedding day timeline will ensure you have beautiful photos to cherish forever.
And at the end of the day, if you feel like you need more photography coverage, most photographers will let you add on time for an hourly rate. Above all, relax, enjoy your special day, and know that the most important moments are being captured for you to look back on later.
If you’re newly engaged and want to discuss the best wedding photography timeline for your big day, contact me here to start planning!
Thanks for reading!
-Alicia
