All Day Coverage – Do You Need it for Your Wedding?
All-day coverage, does a Bride REALLY need the photographer and videographer following her every move for the entire day? Short answer, no.
Let me explain why all-day coverage is overkill for a Bride, her Groom, and their bridal party.
A wedding day is already crazy busy. As a Bride, you will feel like you have to make sure everyone is where they are supposed to be. When you add in four more people, potentially the photographers and videographers, you’re going to feel like you need to know where they’re at, or doing, at any given point. When in all reality, you don’t need to. Plus, you’re going to want a few hours to yourself without a camera following you around. The less you feel like you have to “perform” for the camera, the better. Enjoy those couple calm hours. You’re going to need them.
A Typical Wedding Day
A typical wedding day for photos starts about 3 hours before the ceremony starts. This time allows the photographer to photograph any last-minute makeup or hair changes and the bridal details. The day will quickly transition into the first look. While you’re having hair and makeup done, there’s only so much the photographer and videographer can capture that is flattering. And ladies, let’s face it, what are you going to do with those photos when it’s all said and done? Are you going put a picture in your heirloom album of your hair half down with clips all over the place? Chances are, that’s a hard no.
What about the Reception?
Many Brides ask about all day coverage because of the reception. Making sure that moments aren’t missed are important to the Bride and Grooms. Many guests will head home after the cake cutting and the parent dances. The guests that do stay, sure they’ll stay and dance. Chances are, though, they’ve had a few too many adult beverages. Two hours into the reception, they’re not going to want photos taken. And shortly after that, if they were on the dance floor at the very beginning, they’ll still be there at the end of the night. If they were sitting at their table when the dance floor opened, they’re more likely to kick off their shoes in the first 10 minutes, or by a half-hour into sitting, they’ll wish you well and make their exit.
When you look back on your photos, if your photographer stayed for the whole reception, you’ll start to wonder if your they overloaded you with the same photos.
Just like at the beginning of the day, toward the end of the reception, your photographers and videographers are going to be doing more standing around than actual work. Why pay someone to hold up a wall? You could invest your money in something more useful for the wedding. What about a beautiful album to hold your treasured memories? Or a canvas wall collection to display you and your new husband and the love you feel for each other?
All-day coverage at your wedding may seem necessary…at first. When it comes down to it, it’s simply overkill.
The Perfect Amount of Wedding Coverage
So what is the ideal amount of time then since all-day coverage is overkill, you ask? Well, I’m happy to answer!
As I stated above, typically the photographers and videographers will start off about three hours before the ceremony starts. The morning kicks off with last-minute touches to hair and makeup. Detail photos will follow quickly after. This time photographing details is a warm-up period for your photographer, and they’ll appreciate this time. After details, it’s the first look, bridal portraits, and bridal party. These photos can be accomplished before the Ceremony. Family formals then take place after the ceremony, allowing you about 30-40 minutes to mingle at your cocktail hour. Typically, the photographers and videographers will be at the reception for an hour and a half. This time allows for ample photos of your guests cutting up the dance floor.
If you have any questions about all-day coverage and still think that it would work for your wedding day, be sure to talk with your wedding vendors. Every situation is unique and maybe all day coverage is exactly what you need.
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