There are several things that you should consider when setting your ceremony start time. As a photographer and videographer in Baton Rouge, it's important to me capture your love story in the best possible light available. Keep reading for three points to consider before setting your formal ceremony time.
ARE YOU DOING A FIRST LOOK?
If you are not doing a first look, keep in mind that the bulk of your formal photos will occur after your ceremony. This can take between 60-90 minutes, depending on the size of your family formal list and the size (and reliability) of your bridal party.
>> Immediately following your ceremony, we will capture your family formal photos first. This allows your guests to make their way to the reception area while you finish up your photos. Keep the list of family formal photos short -- you can always grab groups of people during your reception for a nice photo.
>> Next, we will capture both sides of the bridal party. You will want to make sure your bridal party is aware that their prompt presence is crucial all the way through the cake cutting -- after that, they can cut loose!
>> Finally, before you head into your venue, we will grab photos of you and your new spouse together.
Though your couple's photos are typically planned last, they are the most important. If you have plans to use natural light for your formal couple's photos, and you are not planning a first look, make sure you have at least 90-120 minutes of sunlight after your ceremony is complete.
HAS THE TIME CHANGED YET?
Don't forget about the time change! In the months most popular for weddings in Louisiana, the sun sets between 5:30-6pm. In these months, it's best to plan a first look so the bulk of your photos can be done before the ceremony OR to start your wedding a little earlier in the afternoon to ensure you have plenty of time for the photos listed in the previous section.
In the months where the sun doesn't set until closer to 7:30-8:30pm, try to start your ceremony when the sun is lightly kissing your ceremony space. This is where your venue's expertise will come in handy -- ask them when the sun is the best on the ceremony space. The only thing worse than running out of light is uneven, super bright light, during a time where you cannot be located.
WHERE IS THE SUN LOCATED?
The location of the sun during your ceremony is the difference in whether or not you're squinting at your spouse the entire time. It's best to place the sun behind, and to the right or left, of you two at the alter. So, if the sun sets opposite of where you'll be standing (making the sun in front of you two), then you'll want to make sure to choose a time where the sun is behind a tree or building.
