I'm trying to decide how long I should have my photographer on site. Well, make that how long I can AFFORD to have him/her on site... lol Photography is a high priority for me, right after food/guest happiness so I am willing to spend a little more if I have to. On a side note the DJ we just signed a contract with is $150 UNDER budget so I have a little bit of wiggle room.
Winter wedding with a 11:00 ceremony and lunch reception all at the same venue...
First Look: 9:00-10:15 (my sister/family will take the getting ready pictures if I need them to)
**Go into hiding at 10:15 until the 11:00 ceremony so the guests don't see me.
Prelude: 10:30 (take pictures of guest arrival, guest book, etc.)
Ceremony: 11:00-11:20ish
Receiving Line: 11:20-11:45 (about 75 guests)
Pictures/Cocktail Hour: 11:45-12:30
Entrance/First Dance/Cake Cutting: 12:30-12:45 (no parent dances scheduled right now)
Lunch/Table Visits: 12:45-1:45
Dancing/Mingling/Party Time: 2:00-4:00
My current front runner for photographer has offered an a la carte package of two photographers for 5 hours at a price I can afford (only $28 over budget with sales tax). I can add an extra hour for $50 but I'm not sure if that is for one or two photographers. With my current timeline the five hours would be up right as lunch would be ending so there would be very few pictures of people dancing (if they even dance at an afternoon wedding) and hanging out so I think I would want at least one extra hour to get more of those pictures.
Based on what I have outlined would you do the extra hour? Adjust the timeline is some way? Is 9:00 too early for a first look? The venue has an on site salon and spa so I can get ready there so I don't think being ready in time would be an issue...
Thanks,
April
UPDATE: I signed with a photographer that was able to create a custom package for me with 7 hours of coverage with two photographers! I am only over budget by $130 (sales tax) and I am getting a free engagement session. Thanks for everyone's advice and feedback!