How many hours of wedding photography do you need in your photography package?

As a photographer in Chicago, I get this question a lot: how many hours should you book a wedding photographer? What photography package do we need? 

When I first transitioned from glamour and boudoir photography to capturing weddings in Chicago, I was puzzled by couples asking me questions about their photography package.

I thought, “I’m not their wedding planner, why ask me?” But soon, I realized my role in guiding them through this important decision.

With more experience, I’ve gained a clearer understanding of how to assist my clients in this matter.

In this blog post, I’ll share insights into what needs to be photographed and how much time to allocate for each aspect.

Stick around until the end for a special bonus, I promise it’s worth it!

What is in a wedding photography package?

Ideally, couples book their photographers right after reserving the venue, which means it will be roughly one year from the wedding day as we discussed in the previous blog post:

The Best Time to Book a Wedding Photographer for Your Wedding

It is too much of an expectation to know the details of your wedding day one year in advance.

Planning your wedding day a year in advance can feel like a daunting task. That’s why I like to keep things simple and flexible when working with couples for their wedding photography in Chicago.

We typically meet (either in person or virtually) twice:

• First, when they initially reach out to book me and all we know is the venue location.

• Second, about two weeks before the big day to fine-tune the timeline and confirm all the details.

What does a Wedding Photographer really do? 

4 main sections of the wedding day for a photography package

To streamline the process, I’ve created a handy questionnaire to gather all the necessary information in one place. Trust me, to be able to shoot 25-30 weddings a year, staying organized is key!

Now, let’s break down the wedding day into four main sections: Getting ready, ceremony, portrait pictures, and reception.

Each section comes with its own set of questions to consider, helping us design a timeline and determine the amount of coverage needed for photos and videos. Let’s dive in and ensure your day runs smoothly from start to finish!

1- Getting Ready photos in my photography package

Ah, the getting ready phase – my absolute favorite part of the wedding day! It’s like a delicious appetizer before the main course, filled with excitement and anticipation that I love to capture as a storytelling wedding photographer in Chicago.

Now, some couples might say, “Who needs a hundred photos of dresses and shoes?” But trust me, there’s so much more to capture than just accessories! While those details are lovely, I’m all about capturing the energy and emotions buzzing among the crowd.

I won’t dwell too long on the objects; there’s a whole world of candid moments happening with your loved ones that deserve the spotlight.

Sure, nobody minds having a few stunning dress shots, but my style of photography – a blend of documentary, storytelling, and lifestyle – focuses on human connections and interactions.

How to get amazing getting ready photos in your wedding

Whether you’re getting ready at home, at a hotel, or in the bridal suite at the venue, each option has its charm. Some folks cherish the nostalgia and comfort of home, while others prefer the pristine setting of a hotel or Airbnb. It’s all about finding what suits you best and ensuring you’re comfortable as you prepare for the big day!

Some venues also offer separate locations for the bride and groom to get ready, examples are the Fairlie venue, The Haight venue, The Farmhouse Plainfield, etc.

What to focus on when starting to plan your wedding

I personally need not more than one hour for this part of the day. I tell my couple to start their coverage when the makeup artist is supposed to be done with the bride.

While she is doing the last touch-ups, I photograph the dress, shoes, jewelry, vow books, possibly the rings, and the bouquet.

I hang the dress usually by the window or the chandelier; magically there is always a perfect spot for it in each room.

Next, I take some pictures of the bride finishing up her makeup and I focus on the people in the room. Sometimes the messiness of the room tells the story of the getting ready experience.

Before asking people to get dressed, I take a group shot of everyone in their PJs or robes then I tell them to get dressed.

I instruct the person helping the bride – usually, mom, sister, or the maid of honor – to position herself by the source of light (window) and I focus on the thing that is taking place. as a professional photographer, I learned not to interrupt and let it go in a natural way.

I highly, strongly suggest adding a second shooter to your package, for you don’t want to miss any of these precious moments for the groom-to-be as well. While I am photographing the bride, my second shooter takes pictures of the groom.

Next in the photography package can be the ceremony or the first look.

First Look Photos – Should You Go For It?

2- Ceremony: second part of a photography package

The heartwarming moment where you say “I do,” surrounded by loved ones. When it comes to this part of your wedding photography in Chicago, it’s all about your preferences and plans.

Some folks prefer the classic, traditional approach, eagerly awaiting that magical first glance as they walk down the aisle. Others opt for a private moment together before the ceremony, and let me tell you, I’m all for it! Not only does it allow for some unique moments and genuine interactions, but it also takes away the pressure of performing in front of a crowd.

Personally, I’m a fan of the latter. There’s something special about capturing that raw excitement and love without the formality of the ceremony location. Plus, it gives us the chance to snap some stunning portrait shots afterward.

For this segment of the wedding photography package, I typically need around 30 minutes. But remember to factor in logistics and locations – we want to make sure everything runs smoothly so you can focus on enjoying every moment of your special day!

Tips About Family Pictures on the Wedding Day

3- Portrait: the most important part of our package

Let’s break down the portrait picture segment of your wedding day in Chicago, shall we?

First things first, consider the time of year and sunset.

Summer days are long, while winter days are short, so timing is key. If you’re a Pinterest fanatic, scope out portrait images you love and note if they’re taken with natural light or flash.

Keep in mind, if you’re tying the knot at a church without a first look before the ceremony in November, natural light might not be an option. That’s where the first look comes in handy, especially for winter weddings

Now, let’s talk bridal party.

More bridesmaids and groomsmen mean more time for portraits. I usually need about 1.5-2 hours for this part of the day. Half of that time is dedicated to group pictures, then I focus on individual shots of the bride with each bridesmaid and the groom with each groomsman.

Once we’ve got enough shots, I send them off to enjoy the cocktail hour while I focus on the couple.

Managing the bridal party can be a challenge, especially if they’ve hit the champagne early. I like to warn my couples in advance, I might get a little bossy during group portraits. Hey, gotta get the shot, right? 😉

Different environments for wedding portraits

Having a second shooter makes everything smoother. They can handle groomsmen photos while I focus on the bridal party. Then, they can zip off to cover the cocktail hour while I prep for the reception.

And speaking of reception prep, don’t forget to document those gorgeous decorations before the guests arrive! Once the portraits are done, I dash off to set up my lights and capture the reception details.

Oh, and don’t miss the bustling of the bride’s dress, it’s a moment filled with laughs and mishaps that are totally worth capturing. Trust me, practice makes perfect when it comes to bustling that gown!

So there you have it, a peek behind the scenes of the portrait picture segment. Ready to strike a pose? Let’s do this!

Section 4: Reception time photographs

Let’s talk about the reception, the ultimate celebration after your wedding in Chicago!

Once the cocktail hour wraps up, it’s showtime. Guests take their seats as the newlyweds make their grand entrance, possibly followed by a cake cutting and some toast. Then, it’s dinner time! People usually share speeches towards the end of dinner as the tables are cleared, signaling the start of the party.

After the first dance kicks off the festivities, I’ll need about 30 minutes to capture all the fun on the dance floor. Overall, from the introduction to my departure, I’ll be around for about 2.5 hours.

Now, I’ve tried to break down each segment to give you an idea of how much coverage you’ll need. But after photographing countless weddings, I’ve found a simpler method to ensure everything runs smoothly. Want to hear it? Trust me, it’s less confusing!

My gift to you

When it comes to budgeting for your wedding, every dollar counts! Booking the right amount of coverage with your photographer can save you money in the long run. For example, if your day only needs 8 hours of coverage but you’ve booked a photographer for 10 hours, you’re essentially losing money that could have been used elsewhere. On the flip side, if you need to add extra hours on the wedding day, you could end up paying over the odds.

Speaking of budgets, I’ve designed an awesome Excel sheet to help you manage yours. It’s fully customizable, so you can tailor it to your needs.

Thanks for sticking with me till the end of this blog post! And as promised, here’s a bonus: I’m offering a FREE Engagement photoshoot with any package you choose, worth $500.

Simply fill out the contact form in the comment section and mention the title of this blog post, “How many hours should you book a wedding photographer?” I’ll take care of the rest. Happy planning!