| So you are finally there, ready to sign the dotted line, | | | | When To Pull Out Your Pocketbook |
| tying that bond between wedding photographer and | | | | Most wedding photographers have a specific timeline |
| couple, about to be married. Do you know what your | | | | for when they expect payment for their services. |
| wedding photography contract should include? Have | | | | Some require a 50% deposit and the rest upon the |
| you crossed all of your t's, dotted your i's, and made | | | | date of the event. Some wedding photographers |
| sure that you are getting exactly what you are | | | | want the full payment up front. Others may set up a |
| paying for? Here are things to remember when | | | | payment plan with you. Be sure you are aware of |
| reviewing your wedding photography contract. | | | | specific payment due dates in your wedding |
| | | | | photography contract. Read the fine print. Some |
| Outline the Day's Details | | | | wedding photographers may book someone else for |
| Make sure that your wedding photography contract | | | | your wedding date if you do not pay on time. |
| is very specific about the details of your wedding | | | | |
| day. It should include the exact length of time that | | | | In addition, because a wedding photographer is |
| the photographer will be there, if the photographer is | | | | committing an entire day to shooting your wedding |
| coming alone, has a second photographer coming | | | | and your events, the photographer and his or her |
| with, or is bringing an assistant. Making sure that the | | | | assistants will need to be fed! Most wedding |
| hourly commitment is crystal clear in the contract will | | | | photography contracts include an agreement of what |
| make sure you have your wedding photographer | | | | a photographer is fed at your wedding. In most |
| there to cover ALL of your memories, and not one | | | | cases, there is time allotted for the photographer and |
| minute less. | | | | assistants to eat during the wedding reception. They |
| | | | | need to keep their energy up to shoot the most |
| Right Place, Right Time | | | | quality wedding pictures possible! |
| If you know where you are getting married at the | | | | |
| time of booking with your wedding photographer, | | | | Must-Have Wedding Photos |
| make sure to include the specific details of when and | | | | If there are specific shots you want during your |
| where inside the contract. This way, the wedding | | | | wedding day, throw them into the contract so that |
| photographer is clear about what venue the | | | | there is no confusion or misstep. Many photographers |
| ceremony is taking place at, where the location of | | | | will work with you before your day to add the |
| the reception is, and any in-between pit stops there | | | | photos you want to the master shot list. However, it |
| might be during your day. Are you getting married | | | | is always a good idea to cover your tracks and put |
| outside, in a church, at the courthouse, or in mom | | | | these into the wedding photography contract as well, |
| and dad's back yard? Make sure the wedding | | | | making sure you get your favorite photos. |
| photography contract has the details, including | | | | |
| addresses, telephone numbers, and a possible contact | | | | Cover Your Bases |
| name and number for someone coordinating at the | | | | Know what will happen in case your wedding |
| venue. | | | | photographer has an emergency or becomes ill the |
| | | | | time of your wedding. Will he or she hire someone |
| What Your Wedding Photography Package Includes | | | | else to shoot? Will he or she come shoot your |
| If any place at all, this is the place within the wedding | | | | wedding anyway? Who will be there to capture your |
| photography contract where there should be NO | | | | memories? The wedding photography contract should |
| questions or confusion! Be sure that the contract | | | | have a clause in it stating the alternatives in case an |
| states exactly what is included in your agreement. | | | | emergency should arise. |
| This includes the length of time the wedding | | | | |
| photographer is committed to, the number of people | | | | Think It Over |
| the photographer is bringing, how many final wedding | | | | Spend time carefully reading the wedding |
| photos you are expected to receive, the length of | | | | photography contract, discussing it with your |
| time it will take for you to receive your wedding | | | | fiancé, and making sure that you understand and |
| pictures, and your rights as the bride and groom to | | | | accept each and every bit of what is on that paper. |
| republish and distribute your wedding pictures. Will | | | | This will give you the reassurance you deserve when |
| there be a photographer logo on every picture? If | | | | booking your wedding photographer, knowing that |
| you do not wish to have one, make sure this | | | | this person will be there to catch every tear, every |
| agreement is in the contract. | | | | laugh, every hug, and every kiss of your wedding |
| | | | | day. |