Contract question : time

[KeepsakeGirl]

Do you have a clause in your contract for time alloted for formal shots after the ceremony? if so, would you mind sharing.


I feel the need to add this into my contract because I"m finding couples who aren't giving themselves more than 20-30 min post ceremony to get the family & B&B formals in.

They aren't even setting aside extra time later on in the evening for those couples shots of just themselves. The last thing I want is a b&g coming to me complaining that I didn't get more formal shots of them together when they didn't make time for it!

[LoungeLizard]

We don't - but it's something we discuss with them from the very first meeting. We want to let them know what the overall "flow" of the day is and what they can expect and should plan for.

[ndsimm]

I don't have it in mine either, but discuss it with them during one of our first meetings. I always let them know that depending on the size of the wedding party, I need at least 30 minutes for formals....most times I can do it in 30 but I want the cushion.

[Duffy Pratt]

I wouldn't put this into a contract. If you do, are you putting it in to state an obligation of the bride and groom? If so, what would you contemplate for a breach of that clause? A good contract should contain only provisions that are enforceable.

Duffy

[Elsaspet]

I don't have this in my contract either. Many of my brides don't even want formals. (Thank God)

[brad]

We don't, either.. but like others, discuss with them from the first meeting what they want for formals... including pairings, match ups, and so on....

We often find out then about interesting things... the bride would rather her mother not even be there, but will pose with her in formals - what she really wants is a formal with her grandmother... the groom's parents are divorcing, but have promised to behave.... fun stuff.

At the same time, I give them an idea of how much time it will take.. and we decide when they will be done (before or during reception)...

I have seen some wedding photographers that insist on doing the formals BEFORE the ceremony. I can't imagine that for some reason.

Oh, and on occassion, you'll have the Wedding Nazi such as the church appointed wedding manager for an upcoming wedding... she said "We will NOT be doing formals before the reception. We will not keep the guests waiting!" The bride rolled her eyes and looked ready to bolt for the door.. so we came up with a compromise that will have us pulling people out of reception as needed. That will be fun... not.

[Tammie]

Hi!
I am not sure how other people schedule their shoots. But, Say the wedding is at 5:00. People usually show up 30 minutes before the wedding. Depending on how many are in the wedding ceremony and how large the families are I usually start shooting an hour and a half before the event....I shoot the groom, his guys, his family and then the bride,her girls and family. That way you only have to shoot the entire group shot and then the couple. That takes no time flat.
I have shot alot of weddings and this works out best for me for several reasons. They are usually fresh and excited beforehand. The kids are not dirty or cranky yet. Older people cut out early alot due to driving. But, this was just an idea of how I do it. I haven't had anyone object yet. Everyone I have shot seems to like it. That way they are able to get to the reception and greet their guests and party!

Good Luck!
Tammie

[cmalana]

We also shoot as many formals prior to the ceremony but fully understand that when things start getting delayed, the time with the bride and groom gets cut down.

We've had one couple take ALL their formals prior to the ceremony (yes, we captured the moment when they first saw each other!) since they wanted to go straight into the reception right after.

The formals is the time to work from a shot list.

We don't have any clauses in the contract regarding b&g shots. In my opinion, only the real critical stuff needs to be in a contract. Details about the coverage should be left to the photographers discretion.