Wedding Photography Checklist

The Photography Checklist

Photographs or a video of your great day will keep the memory alive for years so it is an important part of any wedding. What are the main factors that you need to consider? Although the list below refers to photography, the same or similar points need to be considered if you are having a video made.

Unless you already know a very good photographer, get recommendations before booking one.
Good wedding photographers can be booked up a year or more in advance so make your booking as soon as you set the date and have had it confirmed by the venues for the ceremony and reception.
Get a quotation for the fee for attending the wedding and find out how much the albums and framed pictures will cost as these are usually extra to the agreed fee for attending and photographing the wedding.
If you want photographs taken during the ceremony, check that this is permitted and make sure that the photographer knows whether or not s/he is allowed to take them.
If allowed to do so, many wedding photographers can dictate the pattern of your wedding day. Remember this is your day and you should not be bullied into allowing the photographer to become too intrusive.
Work out with the photographer exactly when photographs will be taken. Will the bride be photographed at home before the ceremony, for example?
If the bride is going to be photographed at home before the ceremony, make sure that enough time is allowed before the photographer arrives to allow her to get ready in a relaxed manner. This is the one day in a woman's life that she doesn't want to be under pressure.
Remember that many guests will want the opportunity to take their own photographs and many professionals can be difficult about allowing this.
Consider limiting the amount of time allowed for the wedding photographer at the reception. As an alternative to allowing him/her to attend the reception, why not buy disposable cameras, perhaps one between four people? Ask guests to take candid snaps during the reception and then leave the cameras on the tables. Your best man can collect them and get the pictures developed during your honeymoon giving you a lovely collection of photographs to look forward to on your return.
Before ordering albums or extra photographs from the wedding photographer for other people, make sure that you are clear who is going to pay for them. Misunderstandings about this can cause family friction and bad feelings for years afterwards.