Composition: Full frame, or 4x5 for enlargements, and final preps for Saturday

[Tragerman]

Is there any good arguement to compose wedding pics with room at the long ends in a 4x5 perspective for 8x10 enlargements? Or is it better to just use the full image area? What do you do?

My first wedding in a year coming up this Saturday. A little nervous and a lot excited. I've been studying experimenting, listening and reading. I think I'm mentally ready. I've arranged for backup equipment, plenty of storage and batteries. I'm comfy with the gear. Rehearsal on Thursday, so I can preplan some angles and focal lengths. The reception is a little earlier than the actual ceremony, so the light will be different. Will do some tests inside the venue, though. This is an outdoor wedding with reception indoors on the same premises. No time between the two.

I'm going to shoot largely as a journalistic approach, unless I choke and start relying on the flash... I think the rehearsal will help me see more of the possibilities and avoid overdoing the flash.

Tell me I'm ok with the following...
30D
580EX
20D
Sigma DG500 ST flash? (I can never remember the name...)
Canon 10-22
Tamron 28-75 f/2.8
Canon 28-135 IS
Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS
Demb Pro Diffuser
Stroboframe camera flip frame
Canon D30, full time IR (perhaps a shot or two outdoors)
Zuiko 24/2.8 on D30.
6 camera batteries
6 full sets of AAs for flashes
9.5 gigs of CF cards
Westcott white diffuser/reflector, silver and gold reflectors

Still torn with the two 28 zooms. The Tamron is better for creativity and will probably figure prominently in the pre wedding images at the brides home. Should I leave one or the other in the bag at the ceremony and reception?

Thanks all.
-Mickey

[Papaw]

I would just concentrate on shooting the Wedding. You will be a little nervous and have your hands full for this one. Picture size and enlargments are secondary and actually the 4 X 6 are the most popular.

[Tragerman]

Thanks Papaw,
Any thoughts on the choice of the 2 28mm zooms?
-Mickey

[Papaw]

Mickey,
Im have never used a Tameron But I like the focal length a little better than the 28 - 135 as I have found the Canon 24 - 70 to be the one that stays on the camera most during weddings.

[tim]

Use the Tamron unless you need IS. For the formal group shots I leave some space at the ends of the image, so I can crop to 8x10 if I need to. Doesn't matter if you don't, you just give them 6x9 or 6.7x10 images.

[Tragerman]

Thanks Papaw, I was leaning the Tamron way because of the lightness and speed. It's pretty close to the range you use. If I need wider, I have the 10-22.

Tim, I hadn't thought about the alternate sizes, but it gives me some relief knowing it's no big deal. I know that the canon 28 to 135 is a pretty sharp lens, but I agree about just keeping it handy if needed.

Thanks guys! OK, feeling a little better! :)