Wedding postponed for a couple of weeks? Then there's still enough time for you to back out. The words 'wedding' and 'new to photography' should never appear in the same sentence. No matter what people say, they all want a set of beautiful pictures to mark a special, unrepeatable day. The set of skills required range from total familiarity with equipment, technical competence, 'vision', creativity, unflappability and 'man management'...
Seconded. I would try to get out of that commitment, it will only lead to disappointment. Probably the bride just wants to skimp out on paying a real photographer and put it towards her honeymoon or whatever. You are not equipped to do what she asks you to -- neither in terms of camera equipment nor in experience with your equipment. I don't mean to be mean here, nor am I saying you're not capable, but the difference is more like between someone who likes to cook at home (with perhaps decent results after consulting cook books or so) and a chef in a kitchen who is supposed to make dinner for 20 people, most of whom have ordered different dishes.
I've done a wedding once -- and I take pictures for over 20 years. (I'm
not saying I'm particularly talented, but I feel comfortable using an slr with plenty of accessories.) I was given zero budget (I'm friends with the bride). I asked her in advance if there are any shots she likes to have taken or what she expects. Zip. Funny thing is that her whole family knew a lot more what I was supposed to do than me!
During the ceremony, one of her relatives asked me: `Why do you sit here? Aren't you supposed to take pictures up front?'
Despite all this, I nailed all the money shots even though I had to hand hold all shots with a 1.5 kg camera + lens combo (mostly at 135-200 mm). The pictures suffered a little because I had to push my cameras ISO settings to the limit, but I doubt any non-pro would notice.
Then I invested a lot of time in making an album, but the response was positive. Personally, I think it turned our rather well, it was professionally made (via Aperture) and I spent a lot of time on details.
For me, it was fun and my wedding gift to them (besides flying to England). However, I wouldn't want to do it for money -- I'd have to invest quite a bit in more equipment (more powerful flash, second body, backup everything, tripod, two, three primes).
If I were you, I'd say that you
will take your camera, but that you won't be the wedding photographer. You're there as a friend taking snapshots. That lifts all of the pressure and you can still take your camera, your flash and practice -- without the expectations others might have.
