When To Book Your Wedding Photographer

YOU’RE ENGAGED!  It’s officially time to start planning your wedding and you have no idea where to start.  First things first: pick your target date.  The venue that you choose will most likely determine your final date so don’t get your hearts set until you find the perfect location to host you and your guests.  Once your date is booked, head towards the most popular types vendors (and vendors who can only handle 1 event per day because they’ll book up the fastest) and start putting your inquiries in!

The hardest part is sifting through all of the wedding photography websites out there to find the one who fits your style.  But once you do, then what?  How do you know when to pull the trigger?

The most popular and professional photographers book weddings about 6-12 months in advance.  There are exceptions to this so remember, it never hurts to ask!  Don’t assume their booked because you never know!  Your weekend could be the 1 weekend they still have left open!  Pick your top 3 and schedule consultations with each.  This will give you an idea of what to expect in terms of product, quality and how the company jives with you and your fiancé’s personality.

You’ve picked your favorite!  Now ask for the contract and reservation requirements.  Don’t delay with this.  READ the contract in its entirety.  Be COMFORTABLE with the contract verbiage.  ASK questions if necessary.  If you’re cool with it all, send that bad boy back ASAP and get that retainer payment in!  Dates are usually first come first serve (meaning the bride who gets the money to the photographer the quickest wins) so don’t delay if you know you’ve found a gem.   There’s usually a handful of dates every year that are very competitive and you don’t want the rug swept out from under you just when you thought you’d found the “The One.”

Happy booking!  <3