Is an hour enough?

Do you think an hour is enough time for pics? I am starting to have doubts about seeing my FH before our ceremony to do pics. Our ceremony is at Flowerfield, and now I am thinking maybe I will try to do them during the cocktail hour. However, I dont want to miss the cocktail hour either, so I might extend it by a half hour and try to get pics done in an hour. What do you think?

Re: Is an hour enough?

We are getting married at 2 p.m. (in Bklyn) and I figure that by the time we take pictures and leave should be between 3:30 - 3:45. We are having a pre-cocktail hour that starts at 5:30 p.m. The Manor East is about an hour from the church. So I figure that we should arrive between 4:30 - 4:45. That gives us until 6 p.m. (time cocktail hour starts) to take pictures. I think that you should try to see if you can at least get an extra 15 minutes, so that this way your pictures are not rushed.

Re: Is an hour enough?

Christy, call your photographer and ask him what he thinks is best. They are pros and do this all the time, he should know. I am doing the same.

Re: Is an hour enough?

I took all my pics w/my husband during our 1hr cocktail hour and we were actually done about 10min early. My photographer was a little bit rushed but it turned out to be perfect.

Re: Is an hour enough?

I think as long as your photographer knows what he/she is working with, you'll be fine. An extra 15 mins wouldn't hurt, but is not mandatory.

Re: Is an hour enough?

We did our pictures before -- and we spent probably close to three fun and relaxing hours in multiple locations before the ceremony. Soon after my wedding, my husband was a groomsman at another wedding. They did their photos during the cocktail hour - all photos were rushed in a single location and they got only one or two poses per combination of people. It was frantic, and not fun. No time to joke around and celebrate, just photo, photo, photo. If you are still debating, I HIGHLY recommend doing the pictures before the ceremony. You can still have a special moment of him seeing you for the first time, the photo taking will become a pleasant memory of your day, and you will be able to enjoy more of your party. Its short enough already, that missing an hour is a lot!!!

Re: Is an hour enough?

I agree with Jennbaby - ask your photographer. They're the experts. FI and I were debating between the 1:30 cermony or the 3:00 (cocktails at either 5 or 5:30). The photographer asked us to please take the 1:30 so that way we wouldn't be running out of the church to get to the photo-location. I guess it also depends on your bridal party - the bigger it is the more time has to be spent arranging them.

Good Luck!!!

Re: Is an hour enough?

For all of your pics? I don't know, that seems like it's cutting it close to me. We are getting married at 6:00 with the reception to follow immediately so we are doing all pictures before hand. The photographer is meeting us at the hotel at 2:00 and he said we'd be done by 5:00/5:30 so we'll be able to relax and freshen up before the ceremony.

Re: Is an hour enough?

It really depends on the photographer....

Re: Is an hour enough?

Christy, why dont you just ask the photographer what he thinks. I am sure he runs into this alot. He will know the best way to go. You dont want to miss your cocktail hour in that beautiful room!!

Re: Is an hour enough?

I'm sure photographers can do it in an hour...

we took before hand and it took about 1 1/4 hours...

Re: Is an hour enough?

Just pics of the two of you or pics with the family too? I have a very large family and there is no way we can do it in an hour!