I actually had a question pretty close to this one. I have a friend who's sister works with Vue Photographyin Panama City Florida. I emailed her asking tips about wedding photography, strobes, and basic tips. She wrote back saying that they only use strobes during the reception. They set the strobes (Alien Bees) up ahead of time for general purpose lighting (dance floor and bounced off the ceiling).During the ceremony and getting ready shots, they use a 580EX if they need to.


Based on what she said, I would see if you can get away with just one flash until the reception. For getting ready shots, You could use a friend or assistant as a voice activated lightstand, and for the ceremony, I second Madison's suggestion about using available light.


Take my comments with a grain of salt though, I've never shot a wedding. (Hoping to second shoot a friend's big day soon with a 70-200 f/4L and a Vivitar 285HV though).


Hope I did something other than ramble!


-Rodger