More Reception Coverage vs. More Getting-Ready Photos: What’s Right for You?

When planning your wedding photography timeline, one of the biggest decisions couples face is coverage time — more getting ready or more reception coverage?

Getting-ready photos are quiet and intimate. They capture the calm before the celebration—the buttoning of a dress, a spritz of perfume, handwritten notes, final touches, and moments shared with your closest people. These images are often deeply personal. They focus on the anticipation, connection, and the beginning of your day.

Reception photos, on the other hand, capture the after. This is where laughter spills over, ties come off, dance floors light up, and the giggles take center-stage. More reception coverage means documenting real interactions—dance floor moments, toasts, hugs, spontaneous laughter, and the energy of your people all together.

If you value quiet, emotional storytelling and heirloom-style images, prioritizing getting-ready coverage may feel right. If you want a gallery filled with movement, laughter, and shared memories with your guests, focusing on more reception coverage is often the better choice.

There’s no wrong answer—only what you prefer and how you want your gallery to look. When we help build your timeline, we always focus on intention and preserving the moments that matter most to you.

Pro-tip? Always keep in mind the time the sun sets.