Get ready to lay out your timeline at your wedding photo consultation
Once you set up a time to meet with your potential wedding photographer, your photographer is going to come to your wedding photo consultation ready to discuss what photos are happening, and when on your big day. To stay one step ahead and to avoid having to answer "I'm not sure" to the scheduling questions, discuss a general wedding day timeline including start and end times with your fiancé before you go to your consultation. This will help your photographer with telling you if there needs to be any tweaks in your timeline to fit formal portraits, bridal party images, and all the other things you may not be thinking about. Doing this one simple thing will have your photographer thanking you!
Discuss if you're going to do a first look with your fiancé ASAP
On the same note as the wedding day timeline, discussing if a first look is right for you and your fiancé is going to be exponentially helpful when it comes to mapping out the wedding photo plan. This decision will decide if you knock out formal portraits before or after your ceremony, and how much time your photographer should have allot for getting ready photos. If you're not sure of the pros and cons of a first look, click this link to read my blog about whether or not it is right for you!
You don't have to know it all
If you've chosen an experienced, professional photographer, you don't have to fear. They have done this many times before and know the ins and outs of a chaotic wedding day. They are more than capable of talking you through what a typical wedding day looks like, if there are any blind spots you're missing in your timeline, and how to go about finding other vendors for the missing pieces you may have.
Your photographer is going to be your best bud on the big day
Speaking from experience, I can tell you that I have given pep talks in dressing rooms, helped moms button the bride's dress, helped figure out veil placement, pinned boutonnières onto the groom and groomsmen etc. You name it, it's happened! And who is there to help pick up the pieces and fill in the gaps? Your wedding photographer. They should be there to hold your hand through the whole day. You have nothing to fear with an experienced photographer by your side!
Ask the "stupid" questions
Have you ever heard "No question is a stupid question"? I have. That saying could not be more true when it comes to straightening out your decision on a wedding photographer. The more questions you ask, the less you will have to wonder later on. I suggest that at your wedding photo consultation, every phone call and every email you have with your photographer, take a couple extra seconds to write out what your discuss in your notes. Those notes will be really important as you talk to more vendors, family members that might be helping you pay for things, and in speaking with your wedding coordinator. It's worth the time!
Decide your photo budget before your wedding photo consultation
The thing no one wants to discuss: cash. Your budget might be the deciding factor between photographer A and B, but how could you know if you haven't discussed it with your fiancé? Discuss how much you are willing to spend, what your must haves for a dream photographer are, and how long you're willing to search for the right fit. All of these things will streamline your photographer search and can greatly reduce your stress in the photo realm. Getting these decisions down on paper can help you feel organized, and it will cross off one more thing off of your already lengthy list of things to do before you say I do.
Discuss wall art and albums during your consultation
Those super important things you're not going to have time or money to discuss after your honeymoon! Albums, wall art and collectibles are very important if you're going to have tangible heirlooms for generations to come to flip though. There's something so different about thumbing through a wedding album while telling your story. It's unlike anything else. Get the planning, preparation and payment for these important items done before you forget or lose sight of how important they are. See if your photographer can show you examples of sizing, thickness and finish on all of your custom products. These special items can make your first days as newlyweds feel like you've made it home!
Take a breath! You're doing great
Just the fact that you are talking the time and effort to read through articles like this one says that you want to be prepared for everything that comes your way when it comes to your wedding. You are killing it! Take a deep breath and remember why we're here. You're about to get married! That's worth celebrating.
