In our business, we know how important all the small parts are that make up your big day. The wedding dress, the flowers, the venue and the cake - they all create the bigger picture you’ve been dreaming about. But what happens when the wedding is over and you want to look back on the day you’ll never forget?
Arguably, the next most important person to hire for your wedding day after your planner is your photographer. When the day is done, and you want to relive your favorite moments with all your family and friends (and your new life partner), you want to make sure that you have a great product to look at. It’s our firm belief that this is the part of your wedding budget you definitely don’t want to skimp on. Your day will go by faster than you think, but your photos should last a lifetime. We advise all of our couples to make a good investment in their photos and videos since this will be the second thing (besides your marriage) that will last forever.
Below, we’re giving you our best advice for choosing the perfect photographer for your day.
Budget Binders
First and foremost, you should consider your budget when hiring any vendor. It’s not unusual for a significant portion of your overall budget to go to your photographer, and we completely understand why. This is not the time to cut corners. As we’ve said before, when your wedding ends, what you’re left with are your memories and your photos, so it’s definitely an investment worth making. Want a specific photographer or package but it’s over budget? Talk with your photographer about your options!
Style Me Pretty
All photographers have different styles, and so do you! If your venue is light and airy, it may be best to find a photographer with a similar style in their photos. If you’re considering a more dark and dreamy look for your big day, finding a photographer whose style is more on the moody side might be your better fit. Make sure to take your time finding one whose galleries match what you want your photos to look like!
The Fine Print
With every single vendor you hire for your wedding day, you should thoroughly review their contract and make sure you understand all the terms and conditions. With photographers, there may be a second person who accompanies them, maybe a preferred backup they use in the event of an emergency, and other details you’ll need to be familiar with before signing on the dotted line. It’s extremely important that you understand everything inside your contract and ask any questions before you commit.
Turnaround Time
Turnaround Time is the one you’ll need to memorize. Picture this: your wedding day has ended, you’re home from your honeymoon, and you're making your way through your blissful newlywed life and start to daydream at work about how awesome the wedding was when you start to wonder, “Where are my photos?” All photographers have different turnaround times for when their galleries are ready and delivered to you that can range anywhere from four weeks to four months, although most photographers will provide you with a few sneak peeks early on to tie you over. Be sure to set a reminder for when those precious photos should be delivered so you can be ready to hit the download button!
Another tip: most photographers also have deadlines for when you can download and save or purchase your photos from them before the gallery expires. Make sure you save them all before they’re gone!
Roll the Camera!
Don’t forget videographers! These pros have been hired more and more recently for weddings, especially since the pandemic. From highlight videos to two hour features, to live streaming and recording, your videographer will also have their own unique style to review before you hire them, as well as a unique turnaround time of their own. We personally love having a videographer at your wedding so you have an extra special way to relive the best day of your life!
Your wedding day should be memorable, but in the very likely event that as time passes you forget every little detail, your photos and videos of your wedding day will be there to remind you of how truly special it was. Want some help in choosing the right vendors for your day? Contact us today to learn about our different package options and how we can assist you!
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