What questions should I ask my wedding photographer?
What questions should I ask my wedding photographer?
You’re just engaged and maybe you’re starting to look around at venues, looking to set a date and now you’re dipping your toes into booking a photographer for your wedding.
In a recent National Wedding Survey carried out by Hitched (see the full survey here) it stated that 39% of couples spend between 12 – 24 months planning a wedding, spending an average of £1300 on a wedding photographer in 2022. With all that planning required here’s a few common questions I’m often asked by couples when they’re finding out if I’m a good fit for them or not!
1. What’s included in your wedding photography package?
Maybe an obvious question but you want to make sure your happy with all your photographer has to offer. Some packages are digital only, others may include photos on a USB potentially with a few prints. Albums may be an optional extra.
It’s also a good idea to find out how long your photographer is at the venue for on the day, is it up to the meal? Will they stay until first dance or will they capture some party shots later in the night? I like to stay a little later to capture some party shots especially you have a band playing that you’d like some photos of. My full day package includes me staying a little later than the first dance.
Pre-wedding shoots are also a great idea but not always included in every package, should you be bothered by an engagement shoot? Is it necessary? Find out my reading my ‘Is a pre-wedding shoot necessary blog ; You can then decide if you’d like this to be included in your package or not.
2. Where can I see testimonials?
It’s true, it really does take a lifetime to build a good reputation and research states that 9 out of 10 people trust what a customer says about a business than what the business says about itself. So checking out those reviews is essential. Personally, I pop a few on my website and I also have Facebook and Google Reviews easily accessible, you can check these out below:
I always encourage all my couples to leave me a review, they’re really important feedback and I find them invaluable.
3. Do you have my wedding date available?
Nothing is more frustrating than finally picking your photographer and they don’t have your date available. With people booking their wedding 12 – 24 months in advance you really do need to be organised when booking your photographer. Once your venue is booked and a date set it’s really your photographer that you should look at booking next, especially with diaries booking up 2 years in advance!
4. What information do you need from us before the day?
It’s super important to have a full list of times and events written down to pass on to your photographer before the day. Personally, I send out a booklet to all my couples approximately 6 weeks before the big day which details all I need to know including the timings of the wedding ceremony, the meal and the cake cutting! Locations of bridal prep, groom prep and details of other suppliers involved at your wedding are also important.
If you have any extra things planned on the day that you would like capturing it’s essential to let your photographer know, such as a sparkler shot, group photos of tables during the wedding breakfast, confetti shots etc.
The more information you give ensures your day can be planned so it goes as smooth as possible and nothing is missed. Postcodes, names, ideas of length of ceremony are all crucial.
5. Do we need to feed you on the day?
It’s entirely up to you whether you provide food for your wedding photographer on the day. It’s so lovely when your couple provides you with a lite lunch to keep you going (it can be a long day from prep to party) so a small meal at the bar is hugely appreciated. However, I tell all my couples there is no pressure to provide this, I can always grab a sandwich from somewhere nearby while you and your guests tuck in, besides who wants a photo of a fork in your mouth?
6. Tell me about yourself!
I always offer a free no-obligation chat prior to booking so we can have a chat about how your plans are going and give you the opportunity to check if I’d be a good fit for you. You really need a good rapport with your photographer and you need to establish if you would feel comfortable and relaxed in front of them on the day.
When people find out I’m dog mad and have a Border Terrier they sometimes ask if their pre-wedding shoot could include a walk with the dog, so not only do they get some lovely couple photos but they get a few dog ones for the mantel piece too!
