Alabama Wedding Photographer Samantha Alday offers a documentary style approach to photographing weddings. Her fresh and modern images are unrehearsed and capture the true emotions of the day as they actually happen. Samantha commissions a limited number of wedding events each year delivering the most in personal customer service, unique attention to detail and the specific needs of each client.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Tip #7

Your final Tip in the Tips from the Photographer series.

This is a biggie...and as important as it is, I think is too often taken for granted and overlooked.

*Time Management*


If there is ever a bump in the wedding-day road, this is it. Talk to other brides who have already traveled that road and I bet they will tell you something very similar: schedule plenty of time. Time for hair and make-up, time for donning your gown, time to eat, time for travel to different locations, time for bride and groom formals, time for family formals and even time for extra time--there will be the infamous family member or attendant who will run late. : )

For me, this is an example of a typical eight hour wedding day photo itinerary:

1 hour for your prep time. This hour usually only covers your last minute touch-ups and your dressing time. You will need at least 2 hours for prep time if you want your full hair and make-up covered as well. And possibly more depending on the number of bridesmaids you have and if they will also have their hair and make up professionally done.

1 hour for formals before the ceremony. This hour usually includes only the bride and groom and the wedding party. I typically do family formals after the ceremony (see below).

1 hour of "down time". I prefer to complete all formals at least 45 minutes to 1 hour before the ceremony begins. This will allow you as the bride to get tucked away before any of your guests see you, as well as time to freshen up and relax for a moment before saying "I do". : )

Ceremony Time. Consider how long your ceremony will last when planning your day. I've had ceremonies as short as 15 minutes and as long as 1 1/2 hours. This is a major considering when planning for pictures and scheduling your reception time.

1/2 hour after the ceremony for family formals. Again, the time will is specific to your needs, family size, number of pictures to take, etc. We may not need the full 30 minutes or you may need more.

Reception Time. From my own experience, I notice receptions last an average of three hours. This includes first dances, cake cutting, toasts and mingling time. This doesn't include a cocktail hour or all night partying. : )

Also remember to consider travel time in between locations. Where will you be getting dressed, where will your pictures be taken, where will your ceremony be in relation to your reception, etc?

I hope this helps!!

And just because I couldn't possibly post without a picture. Here's a recent picture of Joseph on the mound. I'm so proud of him! As a 9th grader and member of the Junior Varsity Baseball team, he never thought he'd be pitching for the Varsity team, but he's pitched several games now and has done a great job! In this particular game, he was chosen as MVP of the game and was interviewed by the local radio station. GO JOE! : )

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