newbie wedding photographer?

hi ,i have been asked (well more pestered) to take a few pics of a friends wedding.At first i said no, as im not that confident with taking wedding photos (not my personal foray).However as they have no money and cannot afford a photographer and have ask me to take some pics of the day.
I have agreed, on the understanding that the (pics) will not be up to professional standards and that they agree to pay for paper ink and a bit on top for time.
as they dont expect too much from the photos it takes a lot of pressure off me for the shoot and should be a good experience and learnig curve for me.

the wedding will be in the local registry office (flourescent lighting...and will be using CWB there)so i was thinking maybe 17-40 for the ceremony part (if flash is allowed..need to check on that)if not which is better the 50mm or 60mm macro? as for the signing of the book and ring shots..60mm(not to impressed with the 50 1.8) outside there is a small grassy area for the 'after cerimonial shots' i was thinking the 70-200 there and the 17-40 for the group shots with fill in flash(weather permitting)

So will this setup be ok? as stated earlier they dont expect a lot or a high std(they actually saw the pics of the twins (the pritnted vers)i posted on another thread and were 'amazed' although i didnt really rate it) but it gives me an idea what std they'll be happy with.

so im looking forward to the shoot and will be very happy for any ideas tips for shooting a registry office..unfortunately they're not having a reception/buffet.(cost​).so ive missed out on the food as well.

please note ..i know some people try and skimp on photographers at weddings trying to save some money on the day and get some amateur to do it cheap..but with this couple they really dont have much hence the registry office and no reception after....thats why im doing it for them for next to nothing (only experience..worth more than money to me).

I'd keep the 17-40 on your camera the whole time, with a flash if it's not too distract and is allowed. The 70-200 will probably be too long, and unless you really need the shutter speed it'd just be a pain to switch to the prime. Shoot at the long end if you can, you get less distortion. Shoot RAW if you have enough memory cards.

Good on your for helping your friends out, and making it clear what your abilities are. Do the best you can and i'm sure they'll appreciate it.

Good luck!

thanks tim your advise is much appreciated as for raw my cameras permanantly set on that. never use anything else..as for the 'ring shot' and close up on signing the reg book i was thinking of the 60macro (have plety of time to swop between the ceremony and outside shots)or do you think the 17-40 will get close enough with no distortion (will practise with the wife later).just looking for ideas and inspiration from photogs in the know ..also have noticed that fec needs to be toned down any ideas were to start ie -1 to start with?

I use my Tamron 28-75 F2.8 for signing shots, and my 100mm macro for the ring shots. 50mm F1.4 for cake shots and general low light use. I set FEC to -1 or -1 1/3 for fill.

With such a small group, the 17-40 is the best bet. Do you know what kind of lighting and what the couple is wearing? That can help you decide on the settings. I always seem to end up with weddings where the couple can't pay much, but appreciate all the shots. Also consider taking some nice photos of the bride preparing and the groom preparing. Those seem to be missing in my sets and somehow, they are usually the fun pictures.

I get camera shake sometimes when I think I'm doing just fine and look later and I moved slightly. The 17-40 with the flash should be okay, but I would take a small monopod if you are not sure. There have been some evening weddings I didn't bring a tripod or monopod and so many pictures came out fuzzy. I even had my 50 1.4 at the time, which is supposed to be good in low light and it wasn't doing the job. Good luck!

thanks tim for the fec and lens selection. Suzy the lighting in the reg office is flourescent and outside well this is britain (hoping for some good light)but will prob rain.
as far as clothing im hoping to spk with the bride/groom about that..no chance of pre wedding pics ..just a quicky wedding just the reg office and thats it theyll be happy with just the memento pics from there thanks both of your input..where would i be without this excellent forum