When do You Leave?

I use to have only a few packages and no time limit or location limits. I did one event that was 16 hours and that was the end. I also hated when clients would figure they should get a discount if their event was shorter then 8 hours.
I leave generally when I feel I have the event covered.

right on Z... i never even let ti get to that point.. always had a hourly... all that they are going to remember is "all day" in their head... and that would be really awkward leaving at 8pm and not midnight-1am like she thought... even tho you said max 10 hours. if thats your limit, then sell it as 10 hours.

I clarify what "full day" means in my contract. I've never had a problem with it. I state it starts when the bride starts getting ready and ends with all planned events at the receptions (cake cutting, bouquet toss, garter toss, and couple dances). I've had a few brides opt against me being there for getting ready, but no one has asked for a discount because of this. Maybe I've just had only good clients.

Me, too. By full day, I get to the bride's house about the time hair is being finished. I leave just before the reception (which is what I was checking with this thread). I'm willing to do up to 10 hours and have essentially priced myself for that. If, because of the flow of her day or she wants me there for the hair salon or "breakfast with the girls", that's fine, but that comes out at the time of contract and I can talk about the fee for what goes beyond the accepted definition of a full day. This has never been a problem because it's all laid down up front.

Depends on how hot and how wild and drunk the bridemaids are.

But I usually stay until the dance floor is almost empty.

Asian weddings last from 8am to 11pm so Full day means 12hrs and more.

I stary to the end of the reception if there is an exit planned. Otherwise leave once I have enough of the dancing. The more animated the couple at the reception the more I am likely to hang around.

Set a certain amount of hours including your pack up and break down time. If they need extra hours make sure you have "the rate" set ahead of time or they will think your trying to gouge them.

I either leave when they do or when they tell me I can go and there is no use hanging around..if they are just talking and nothing to shoot anymore I usually ask them to pose for the parting shot and then I leave (with their permisson of course cause they hired me and they are the boss)