Photo courtesy zadesignz.com
from Bettina
You’ve planned the perfect late fall wedding, so what does Daylight Savings Time ending have to do with your wedding? Quite a lot, actually!
At a recent wedding, I was chatting with one of the photographers about the time change and how couples often forget to consider the impact of Daylight Savings Time as they plan their big day. Here are some facts and difficulties that they shared with me:
- Weddings in the fall after Daylight Savings in central VA means that the sun starts going down around 4:15 pm or so, depending on the day. If you plan on having your ceremony after 4 pm, you may lose the precious natural light for after-ceremony photos.
- The ‘Golden Hour’ is a term you’ll hear when planning your wedding photography; it’s basically the first and last light of the day. It can make for GORGEOUS pictures, not only because it is the best hour for photos but also because the sun is quite literally golden during that hour window! Keep this in mind when planning your ceremony and reception times.
- If you are planning your winter wedding during the summer and really like the light outside at 7:00 pm, you’ll have to plan on finishing your ceremony at 3:30 pm in order to get the same light in December.
- Also, don’t forget that as the sun goes down so does the temperature. Think about your guests if you plan on having an outdoor ceremony. Provide some portable heaters, shawls, or even throw-blankets to help keep them toasty.
- You may also want to avoid shooting photos outside after sunset. Camera flashes aren’t natural light, and while photographers can always make the best of most lighting situations, having to use flash to light up a bridal party at night isn’t the most favorable situation.
- A good suggestion for planning your wedding time is to look up what time the sun will set on your wedding day. You’ll want to allow at least an hour for pictures of the bridal party, family, and bride and groom. If you’re ok with getting these shots done before the ceremony, it will allow a little more time to get photos of the bride and groom after the ceremony without feeling rushed.