How does a wedding day go?
A wedding day flies by like a breath. It seems like you were just getting ready, and then the first song is playing, glasses are clinking, guests are smiling, and the evening is turning into memories.
But it’s the photographs that make this day last forever. They help you relive it: the smiles, the tears, the laughter, the glances, the light. Therefore, the question “how many hours should I book a photographer for —6, 8, or 12?” becomes not just an organizational one, but a strategic one. It determines how complete your story will be.
Before choosing a plan, it’s important to understand what exactly the photographer will capture in a day.
A typical wedding consists of several stages as wedding photographers in Delhi NCR :
- The bride and groom get ready— makeup, dress, suit, and other details. There’s an atmosphere of anticipation and slight excitement. This takes 1.5–2 hours.
- The first meeting or the ransom are touching moments you want to cherish. 30–40 minutes.
- The ceremony is the official part, 40–60 minutes.
- A walk and love story— a photo of the two of you, a walk with friends, beautiful shots against the backdrop of the city or nature. 1.5–2 hours.
- The banquet includes toasts, congratulations, dancing, cake, and a bouquet of flowers. 3 to 5 hours.
If you do the math, even without rushing, it adds up to 8-10 hours. That’s why “short-term” plans often don’t cover the entire day.
6 hours is the minimum format
Many couples choose six hours, believing it’s enough. Sometimes it is, if the wedding is intimate and everything takes place in one place, without extensive travel.
When 6 o’clock approaches:
- small wedding without a banquet;
- the ceremony and the walk take place next to each other;
- there is no separate filming of the fees.
But it’s important to understand: six hours is more of a “squeeze” of events. A photographer will have time to capture the preparations and the ceremony, but most likely won’t have time to capture the evening, the guests’ emotions, and the finale of the day.
Tips if you choose 6 hours:
- Create a precise timing with at least 30 minutes in reserve.
- Choose one location for the ceremony and the walk.
- Ask the photographer what their priorities are: getting ready or the evening.
- Start filming no later than 1.5 hours before the ceremony.
This is an option for minimalists who value a light love story and a formal part without a long banquet.
8 hours is the golden mean
Eight hours is the most popular option. This is enough time to tell the wedding story from the beginning to the middle of the reception.
The photographer manages to:
- remove the fees and details of the morning;
- capture the ceremony and the walk;
- take portraits of guests and newlyweds;
- film the first hours of the banquet – toasts, the first dance, the parents’ emotions.
Why 8 hours is optimal:
- This is a reasonable balance between price and the completeness of the shooting;
- you can record the entire day up to the key events of the evening;
- The photographer works without rushing, and you get natural shots.
How to get the most out of these hours:
- Start filming in the morning, 1.5–2 hours before the ceremony.
- Agree with the host so that important events take place in the first 3 hours of the banquet (first dance, cake, bouquet).
- Plan 20 minutes for a separate love story with sunset.
- If the wedding is an outdoor event , include travel time in the total time.
This format is suitable for 80% of weddings—it allows you to capture the emotions of the day without tiring the photographer and guests.
12 hours – a full day and history without gaps
12 hours isn’t just a rate; it’s a full-fledged wedding film in photographs. From the first rays of dawn to the last dance.
What the photographer will have time to do:
- morning preparations of both newlyweds;
- meeting and ceremony;
- a walk, staged shots, love story;
- banquet, guests’ emotions, evening light;
- serving the cake, bouquet, fireworks, final photos with friends.
This format is especially necessary if the wedding is large-scale , off-site, or takes place in two locations.
Adviсe:
- Divide the day into blocks: morning, ceremony, walk, reception, finale. This will make it easier for the photographer to distribute their energy.
- Plan a lunch break—fatigue affects your attentiveness and the quality of your shots.
- Check the evening lighting: Light is important for beautiful shots on the dance floor.
- Consider hiring a second photographer to help capture your guests’ emotions.
12 hours is about calm: you don’t worry about missing something. Everything is in frame, from start to finish.
How to calculate optimally
The choice depends on the wedding scenario, budget, and location.
If the ceremony and walk are in the same location, without a reception , 6 hours is enough.
If you want the morning, ceremony, and the beginning of the reception , choose 8 hours.
If the whole day is important, including the finale, fireworks, and cake , 12 hours are more appropriate.
A practical example: “A Couple, Natasha and Anuj, booked a photographer for 6 hours, but the ceremony was delayed by almost an hour. As a result, the walk had to be shortened, and the first dance was left without photos. A week later, they admitted, “If we had known, we would have taken 8 hours.”
This happens often. Therefore, when in doubt, it’s better to add an hour or two in advance than to regret later.
How much does an extra hour cost?
Most photographers charge more for an additional hour than the package. For example, if the 8-hour plan costs 40,000 rupees, each additional hour could cost 6,000–7,000 rupees. Therefore, it’s more cost-effective to book the time you need upfront. Even if some of the shoot is left over, you’ll have the peace of mind that all the important moments were captured.
Is it worth saving?
Photos are what will stay with you forever. The dress, the bouquet, the cake—they’ll all disappear, but the shots will.
Six hours of shooting is appropriate for a light and intimate wedding. Eight is if you want to capture the atmosphere of the day. Twelve is if you dream of a full-fledged story, where every moment has its place.
A wedding isn’t a day you can repeat. Therefore, it’s better for the photographer to stay a little longer than to leave too soon.
Conclusion
Wedding photography isn’t just photos. It’s a way to capture feelings that can’t be described.
Don’t choose a watch based on the “cheapest” formula. Choose one that speaks to the meaning.
If your wedding is your story, let your photographer tell it fully: from your first glance to your last dance.