Need help with gear for a wedding!!!

[kmchristie23]

I am a family and children photographer, and I have never shot a wedding. I did an engagement session for a couple, and they wanted me to do their wedding. I said yes. It's in August, so I feel I have some time to prepare. They have seen my work, and obviously like it, so I'm not worried about that. I do, however, need help with the gear to use!

This is what I have:
Nikon D3100
18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S
55-200mm f/4-5.6G
Nikon 50mm f/1.8G
SB-400 Speedlilght


Let me start my saying, that I was going to purchase the SB-700 speedlight in April with my tax money.

I was going to rent the following lens:
Nikon 17-55 f/2.8.

Then, I saw on the website that they have a wedding package rental.
The package includes:
Nikon D7000 Body
Nikon 17-55 f/2.8
Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VR II
Nikon SB-700

That would cost a total of $370 for a 7 day rental. I need the 7 days, because I would need to practice and get used to the camera body and new lenses before I go and shoot a wedding.
If I purchase the speedlight on my own, and just rent the D7000 body and 17-55mm lens, it will cost $241 for the week.

Do you think I *need* the D7000? Trust me, I would love it, and I think I would never want to use my 3100 again! But, do you feel it's necessary? Do you think the lenses I already have are good, and then just rent the 17-55mm? I want to make sure I'm adequately prepared for this.
I'm not overly concerned with the lighting. It won't be in a dim church. They are having both the ceremony and reception at a party house. Here are some pictures of the party house, if you're interested and would like to offer advice!
The Whittier Party House

I truly appreciate any help and advice that anyone can provide!

[zona5101]

"I'm not overly concerned with the lighting. It won't be in a dim church. They are having both the ceremony and reception at a party house."
I wouldn't be so sure. Inside the reception area won't be a cake walk...neither will outdoors if it is sunny.

[kmchristie23]

Originally Posted by zona5101

"I'm not overly concerned with the lighting. It won't be in a dim church. They are having both the ceremony and reception at a party house."
I wouldn't be so sure. Inside the reception area won't be a cake walk...neither will outdoors if it is sunny.

Would a polarizer filter help me if it's sunny, or shouldn't that be used in portrait pictures?
Also, do you ever face the flash forward? Or, do you always bounce?

[mbrobich]

If you flash face forward, put a diffuser on it.

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by kmchristie23

Would a polarizer filter help me if it's sunny, or shouldn't that be used in portrait pictures?
Also, do you ever face the flash forward? Or, do you always bounce?

For direct sun, its not the polarized light that is of big concern. I mean using a polarizer will give you nicer skies and foliage but that's not the big issue...it is the deep shadows in the face when in full sun, the mottled lighting that comes through trees, and just the contrasty hard light when it's sunny.

I would avoid direct forward flash always. Bounce card ceiling bounce, diffuser, or off camera...
Your sb400 will struggle with power and recycle.

[jwmrks]

Originally Posted by kmchristie23

Do you think I *need* the D7000? Trust me, I would love it, and I think I would never want to use my 3100 again!

I don't know Nikon, so can't comment on the D7000 vs D3100, however, I know I wouldn't want to shoot a wedding with only one camera. Wedding days photos are a one shot deal so I'd be paranoid about *anything* happening to the camera and missing something important. My advice would be to go ahead and get the D7000 and plan on using your D3100 as a backup. Then next time, you'll know if the D7000 is worth having.

[Rogern123]

Whichever camera you use you need to be 100% familiar with it and know its limitations. I would thus not recommend renting a camera. Renting a good 100mm fast prime lens could be a good plan, but again, try it out for a few days at least before the shoot.

I did my sister's wedding and they were well pleased with the results. I just used by Sony Alpha 100 with 18-200 zoom. The weather was good and got many shots that I was very pleased with. I did use my polariser outdoors. If I did it again I would have used an off camera flash with softbox for improved indoor portraits.