| When it comes time to book consultations with | | | | Before you even start contacting photographers, |
| wedding photographers, it can be a bit daunting if | | | | make a list of the wedding photographs that are |
| you're not certain what to expect or what to do. But | | | | important to you and your fiancee. Do you want |
| the process is actually quite simple if you follow | | | | pre-ceremony photos? Ceremony only? Do you want |
| these five basic steps... | | | | posed shots with your wedding party, friends and |
| 1: Schedule your consultations wisely. | | | | family? Photos at the reception? A comprehensive list |
| Assuming that you're arranging consultations with | | | | of the photos you want, will help you figure out how |
| more than one photographer, it's best to schedule all | | | | long to book your photographer. |
| of your photographer meetings within the same day | | | | When you meet with wedding photographers, they'll |
| or two. Wedding photographers will offer you the | | | | need to know how much time you'll want to book |
| courtesy of holding your date while you make your | | | | them for on your wedding day. Try to be sure about |
| decision, but they can only hold that date for you for | | | | this before you meet with them. If you're not sure, |
| a few days or a week at most. | | | | bring the list of your 'must have' photos to your |
| By booking your consultations within the same day or | | | | consultation. |
| two, you guarantee that your wedding date is held | | | | 5: Trust your instincts, not your wallet. |
| by all of your potential photographers for a similar | | | | If you've done your research, you'll have only |
| amount of time. | | | | booked meetings with photographers who have |
| 2: Prepare for your meeting. | | | | good portfolios, who offer services, rates and |
| During your consultation, a lot of information gets | | | | photography styles that suit your needs. So the |
| covered in a short amount of time. You want to be | | | | deciding factor will come down to who you'd most |
| sure to ask all of the questions that are really | | | | like to have as an integral part of your wedding day. |
| important to you, so it's a good idea to write a list | | | | Sometimes you'll know right away. But if you're |
| out beforehand and bring it with you. | | | | uncertain, ask yourself which photographer had a |
| 3: Know your budget. | | | | personality that seems well-suited to you and your |
| It wastes your time and the photographer's time if | | | | fiance? Which photographer seemed the most |
| you meet with them and you're not sure about | | | | competent, knowledgeable and trustworthy? Who |
| exactly how much you're prepared to spend on your | | | | seemed to be the most kind, considerate, polite and |
| wedding photography. Before scheduling a wedding | | | | friendly? |
| photography consultation, decide on a budget and be | | | | Don't make the mistake of simply choosing the |
| certain that you and your fiance are both in | | | | person with the lowest rates. Choose the |
| agreement about the amount. | | | | photographer who you feel will be the best fit for |
| 4: Know your wedding schedule. | | | | you, your fiance and for your wedding in general. |