Getting Started

Start looking for a photographer as early as possible (at least 6 to 9 months before the wedding). Ask friends, relatives and co-workers for suggestions, and even ask your florist and caterer for recommendations. Make sure the photographers specialize in weddings. Pick two or three and schedule meetings with each one to see a complete album, some sample photos and at least one proof book. This should give you a well-rounded look at their style and skill level to see if their photography is in line with what you want.

Check to make sure the pictures are clear and that the color is good. Take note of whether or not participants in photos are posed or if the shots look more natural. Quite often, wedding party pictures are posed and the reception is done in a photojournalistic style to enable the photographer to get more natural photographs.

Plan on spending about 10% of your overall budget on photography. Don't pay outrageous sums of money for photography, but do consider this an investment. These are pictures you will keep for a lifetime.

Things to discuss with your photographer:

• Color vs. black & white photos
• 35 mm film vs. medium format
• Posed vs. candid shots
• Pictures before or after the ceremony (or some of each)
• Special filters for effect
• Package pricing and the number of pictures the photographer will take for that price
• Additional costs based on extra hours of coverage not included in packages
• Base cost plus album costs
• Bridal portrait cost, time & location
• Will he/she be taking the pictures, or will an assistant work your wedding?
• How much time will be needed for photos?
• Are parent's albums available? At what cost?
• Will the photographer keep the negatives? For how long? Can you purchase them?
• See if he/she asks about colors and lighting at the ceremony or reception location

  

Bridal Portrait
Schedule this at least one month prior to the wedding so that you will have photos available for the newspaper wedding announcement or to show at the reception. Ask your photographer how long it will take to get the proofs of your portrait, and schedule the shoot in time to meet deadlines for the newspaper.

Don't forget:

• To schedule a hair appointment, if necessary
• To confirm the date, time and location with your photographer
• To protect yourself from the sun or tanning bed. Don't overdo right before your bridal portrait or wedding photos.
• Take your
• Wedding dress
• Headpiece/veil
• Shoes & stockings
• Appropriate undergarments
• Jewelry
• Bouquet - have your florist make up a sample or put together a silk version that can be disassembled
• To have the wedding dress cleaned after the portrait, if necessary

  

Wedding Photos
Let the photographer know if you plan to take any pictures before the wedding. This will save time after the wedding and get you to the reception more quickly. Even if the bride and groom do not wish to see each other before the ceremony a variety photos, like the bride with her attendants and other separate shots, can be taken before the wedding. Provide your photographer with a detailed list of pictures you want taken so there is no confusion. There are tons of options. Think about it in terms of the day and make your list. Also, give your photographer a list of any guest that he /she shouldn't miss. See below for a few picture ideas.

• Pre-ceremony
• Bride and groom getting ready
• Bride with mother
• Bride with bridesmaids
• Groom with best man
• Groom with parents
  
• Ceremony
• Parents being seated
• Processional
• Bride and father starting down the aisle
• Special readings or religious
• Vows
• Exchanging rings
• The kiss
• Recessional

• Pre-Reception
  

• Bride and groom together
• Bride with attendants
• Bride with parents
• Groom with attendants
• Groom with parents
• Both families together
• Bride and groom with officiant

Reception

• Bride and groom making grand entrance
• Couple greeting guests
• First dance
• Father/daughter dance
• Groom/mother dance
• Groom/mother-in-law dance
• Cake Table
• Cake cutting
• Toasts
• Buffet tables
• DJ/Band
• Guests throwing rice/blowing bubbles, etc.
• Bride and groom getting into the car

The Wedding Album
You should get your proofs three to four weeks after the wedding, depending on how many weddings your photographer has booked. When selecting prints, keep in mind that most photographers can crop out or brush up any undesirable items. For example, if there is an exit sign above the door in a shot where you are leaving the church, and the rest of the picture is gorgeous, ask your photographer about cropping it out. If there is too much horizontal empty space in a photo, see if your photographer can crop and resize it to create a vertical shot.

Remember this time with other photos, too

• At the reception, show photos of you and the groom from birth to marriage. Your friends and family will love this!
• Place disposable cameras on tables at the reception and have your guest take pictures. Have your mistress of ceremonies collect all the cameras when the reception is over.
• Take pictures of pre-wedding events like showers, the dress purchase, luncheons, bachelor & bachelorette parties.
• Don't forget to pack cameras for the honeymoon, so you can have photos by which it will be remembered.