First of all, congratulations on your engagement! This is such an exciting time for you and your fiance. Of course the excitement can be slightly dulled when you’ve got loved ones (who mean well) pestering you for details. Have you picked your date yet? Am I invited? Can I come with you to go dress shopping? It can all feel very overwhelming. I can’t tell you how to plan the whole day but here’s my take on the most important factors for choosing your photographer.
Establish Your Budget
If you’ve watched Say Yes to the Dress at all, you’ve seen the disaster that strikes when a bride tries on a dress that exceeds her budget. Spoiler alert, she loves it and leaves broken hearted. Don’t do that to yourself with photography (or your dress for that matter). Canadian wedding photographers charge an average of $2500-3500 for a wedding however there may be a different price point for elopements and microweddings. Keep in mind where the photographer is based out of as most photographers charge travel fees outside a certain area.
Pick the Style You Want
This is where your Instagram and Facebook sleuthing skills will pay off! Every photographer has a certain style in which they shoot. Your photographs will of course be unique because they are starring you and your partner but they will be shot and edited in a way similar to what you will see on the photographer’s website and social media. It’s a more complex task than Instagram filters but the idea is similar. Don’t expect your photographer to adapt to you, instead find a photographer that matches you.
Reach out to Photographers
So you like what you see so far; now is the time to make your move. The best way to get a hold of photographers is through email. Of course we love to hear from you through social media but the fastest response time will be email. Bonus, it shows your photographer that you’re serious about booking them as DM’s can be seen as non-committal. Be sure to include your wedding date (or estimated date) in your initial email to see if the photographer is available right off the hop.
Don’t Ghost Us
Once you’ve sent the email, your photographer is involved in your planning. Your date is not officially reserved until you’ve paid some sort of retainer or signed a contract but that doesn’t mean your photographer isn’t connecting with you. If you choose to go with another photographer, please let us know. We won’t take it personally and will wish you the best for your big day.
Good Vibes Only Check
Of all of the vendors at your wedding, you will likely spend the most amount of time with your photographer. Typically, you’ll have a few people helping you with getting ready and preparation but who won’t be there for the whole ceremony and reception. You’ll have another team that is there for the ceremony and a whole new crew for the reception. The thread through them all? Your photographer.
I am of course biased, but the photos you have from your big day will be something you hold on to forever. It will be what your children and grandchildren look at someday. This is not a light decision but if you have any questions for me that would help you navigate this world, click the button below and I would be happy to chat with you.