Planning your wedding is difficult. Mainly because you’re planning something six months to a year in advance. You might not even know what you’re going to have for breakfast tomorrow morning, so how in the world are you supposed to plan something that’s a year away? The key is to take it little by little. And ask for help! Ask your married friends and family what they think. However, take what they say with a grain of salt because this is YOUR wedding day, not theirs. We also can’t give you all of the information but planning your wedding photographer by the hour is something we can help you with.
One of the most difficult things to determine is how many hours you’ll need to book your wedding photographer for. We get this question at Three Twenty Studio all the time! The truth is, everyone underestimates how much time things will take. They also expect the day to go exactly as they imagine it. And while a lot of time it does, it’s important to factor in and assume that things might run a little behind.
To help you out, we’ve broken down wedding photography coverage based on popular collections. This should give you an idea of what you’ll need and things you should consider when it comes to booking your wedding photographer. It’s also good to remember that the more hours you book, the more photographs you’re likely to get. At Three Twenty Studio we deliver an average of 50-75 photos per hour we’re there.
Up to 6 Hours of Wedding Day Coverage
While this is typically the least expensive collection offered, it’s not for everyone.. Six hours of coverage is enough for small weddings and elopements.
Things to think about
- You will most likely have to pick between getting ready photos or the send-off/exit photos.
- There will be coverage of the important things (the first dances, family portraits, the bride and groom portraits, first dance, cake cutting, etc.)
- This option works best if the ceremony and reception are at the same location.
Up to 8 Hours of Wedding Day Coverage
Eight hours is usually enough time for the average-sized wedding. That’s why this is typically a photographer’s middle collection and the most popular option. The additional 2 hours will go a long way and allow your photographer to capture getting ready photos and detail shots such as the dress on the hanger, invitations, jewelry, etc.
Things to think about
- If you plan on doing a first look, you’ll need at least 8 hours of coverage
- 8 hours of coverage works best if the ceremony and reception are at the same location, or extremely close to one another
Up to 10 Hours of Wedding Day Coverage
If you’re looking for full-day coverage with all details captured and no rushing then 10 hours of coverage is for you. With 10 hours of coverage, your photographer is on-site most of the day. There’s plenty of time to get the detail and getting ready shots, and a first look. In addition to that, you’re likely not to feel rushed throughout the day.
Things to think about
- If the ceremony and reception are taking place in two different locations, you should consider going with 10 hours of coverage
- You will get the complete coverage of getting ready, details, first looks, ceremony, reception, and send off.
At Three Twenty Studio, we do our best to work within your budgeted time and get as much as we can. However, there’s only so much we can get, and ultimately the number of hours you have us there the more we’ll be able to capture. It’s important to think about what’s important to you on your wedding day.
Newly engaged?
Season one of our podcast Behind The Studio is for you! It’s called “Getting Married? Start Here!”, and we be take you through the entire wedding planning process. You’ll learn everything from choosing the wedding vibe to creating a magical honeymoon.!
Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Apple Podcasts! And if you’re looking to read more wedding advice we’ve got you covered there too! Checkout all of our wedding planning tips and tricks here!
