Full-Day vs Half-Day Photography | Couples Guide
When you're looking at wedding packages, the most common dilemma is: “Do we actually need a full-day photographer, or can we get away with a few hours?” It’s a significant decision that impacts both your budget and your final gallery.
After 20 years photographing weddings across Manchester, Trafford, and Salford, I’ve seen every type of schedule. Here is my honest breakdown of when full-day coverage is essential and when a shorter 'Micro' or 'Half-Day' package is actually the better fit.
The "Full-Day" Advantage: Storytelling Without the Clock
For most traditional weddings, full-day coverage (usually from preparations until the first dance) is the gold standard. Here’s why:
- No Gaps in the Story: A wedding is a narrative. Skipping the morning prep or the evening party is like tearing the first and last chapters out of a book. Full-day coverage captures the nervous excitement of the morning and the high energy of the dance floor.
- Flexibility & "No-Fuss": Weddings rarely run exactly to the minute. With full-day coverage, we aren't watching the clock. If the speeches run 20 minutes late or the first dance is delayed, it doesn't matter—I’m there until the job is done.
- The "Unseen" Moments: Often, the best documentary shots happen in the lulls—the quiet laugh between sisters during hair and makeup or the groom’s deep breath before the ceremony. These moments only happen when the photographer is part of the furniture for the whole day.
When is Shorter Coverage the Right Choice?
I believe in Commercial Clarity, which means I’ll never sell you a 10-hour package for a 3-hour wedding. Shorter coverage is perfect for:
- Registry Office Weddings: If you’re having an intimate ceremony at Manchester Registry Office followed by a quick lunch, 3 or 4 hours is plenty of time to capture the essentials.
- Micro Weddings: For guest lists under 20 where the day is focused on a meal rather than a big evening party.
- Elopements: Simple, focused, and intimate celebrations.
The Manchester Logistics Factor
If your wedding involves multiple locations—say, prep in Urmston, a ceremony in the city centre, and a reception in Salford—full-day coverage is almost always necessary. The travel time alone eats into shorter packages, whereas full-day coverage allows for a relaxed pace regardless of the Manchester traffic.
What’s Included in a Full-Day Gallery?
Typically, a full-day gallery with Cherished Images includes:
- Morning Prep: The details, the laughter, and the "getting ready" vibes.
- The Ceremony: Every key moment from multiple angles.
- The Reception: Candid shots of your guests enjoying themselves.
- Portraits: 15 minutes of relaxed, unposed time for just the two of you.
- The Party: Speeches, cake cutting, and the dance floor.
Final Advice from James
The photos are the only part of your wedding that actually increases in value over time. In 20 years, you won't remember the exact cost of the package, but you will treasure the photos of your parents laughing during the speeches or your friends dancing at 9 PM.
If you’re unsure which coverage fits your day, let’s have a quick chat about your timeline. I’m always happy to give you a 'no-pressure' recommendation.
Check My Availability or browse the Advice Hub for more Manchester wedding planning tips.