How Long Should You Hire a Wedding Photographer in Stockholm, Sweden?
Choosing the right amount of coverage for your wedding photography is a crucial decision. As you plan your special day you may be wondering how long you should hire a wedding photographer for. Let me tell you my thoughts on this considering my expertise with many weddings that I photographed in the last 10 years and what you might want to think about when making this decision.
Preparation and Getting Ready: Many couples opt to have their photographer start capturing moments from the early stages of preparation. From the excitement of getting ready with your bridal party to the anticipation of slipping into your wedding attire, these moments can be incredibly meaningful. Especially if loved ones are present. Consider hiring your photographer for one to two hours before the ceremony to capture these precious moments. As a minimum I like to arrive about 30 minutes before you plan to step in your dress. That was I can capture the dress, the flowers, the shoes, the rings, the invites…before we move on to first look or ceremony.
Ceremony Coverage: The ceremony is the heart of your wedding day, where you exchange vows and officially become married. I think we can agree…It's essential to have your photographer present to capture these significant moments, from the walk down the aisle to the first kiss as a married couple. If you choose to have a first look before the ceremony we plan for about 30 minutes which can include some bridal couple portraits or group photos with your bridal party and family that is present during the getting ready.
Reception and Celebrations: After the ceremony, the celebration begins! Whether you're having a small gathering or a grand reception, having your photographer document these moments ensures that you'll have memories to cherish for years to come. The mingle is a great time to get casual group photos, family group shots and the photographers opportunity to capture the feel and the location you choose. The “brudskål” is an important part of any Swedish wedding. After the “brudskål” (the toast to the newly married couple) and all the hugs and kisses, is a good time for some bridal couple portraits. I like to break up my couples portraits in shorter slots to avoid having you away from your guests for too long. Plan for ca. 15 - 30 minutes at this time. Ideally we sneak away again for 10 minutes during sunset or after sunset for some cool flash shots. The dinner can last anything from 2-4 hours, so you will want to think about how important it is for you to have photos of all food and the speeches. While guests eat I consider it impolite to photograph them, chewing. But as guest cheer and celebrate, there are some great opportunities for meaningful and fun photos. If you allow the photographer to stay until the party starts, you get photos of the cake cutting, your first dance and the wild dance moves. Consider how long you want your photographer to stay during the reception, capturing everything from the first dance to the cutting of the cake.
Special Moments: In addition to the main events, there may be specific moments throughout the day that you want to capture, such as a first look, family portraits, or candid shots of guests mingling. Discuss these moments with your photographer to ensure they are included in your coverage. Everybody is different and no wedding is like the next. Then there is the reality of budgets which can’t be forgotten.
Ultimately, the duration of your wedding photography coverage depends on your preferences, budget, and the flow of your wedding day. Some couples opt for full-day coverage, while others choose to focus on specific parts of the day. It's essential to communicate your expectations and priorities with your photographer to ensure that they can tailor their services to meet your needs.
When planning your wedding photography in Stockholm, Sweden, consider the unique elements of your day and how you want them to be captured. With careful planning and communication, you can ensure that your wedding photographer captures every precious moment, creating timeless memories that you'll treasure for a lifetime.
Contact me and book a video call to discuss your specific vision for your big day. I am looking forward to chatting with you!
