When Should You Book a Wedding Photographer?
You’ve just gotten engaged and after all the excitement it hits you…… now you need to plan a wedding.
Knowing where to begin wedding planning is tricky and these days vendors are booked out for peak dates over a year in advance.
Start with your venue
Choosing a venue sets the ground work for most of wedding planning.
Choosing a venue confirms your wedding date.
The venue style will set the tone for everything else you choose for your day.
You may not need to purchase or plan certain things because its included in your venue package.
Decide if you want a wedding planner
Wedding planners are a godsend and I highly recommend them. This is the one thing I would have done differently at our wedding. As a wedding vendor I thought I had everything under control but I felt like a vendor the day of my wedding with set up and answering questions not like a bride.
They can often reach out to other vendors for you to get availability so you’re only talking to vendors available for your day.
Wedding photographer time
Choosing a wedding photographer should take place as soon or soon after you have an official wedding date
Wedding photographers are often booked the furthest in advance (second to venues) because your engagement session is a huge part of early wedding planning and celebration.
You'll use these photos throughout your engagement period with the biggest item being the Save The Date.
Depending on your package we may work together as many as four-five times. Think of all the sessions you can do. Engagement announcements, engagement sessions, bridal sessions, boudoir sessions, shower and rehearsal dinner coverage, etc. These all take place before the wedding.
Everyone else
The three items above are the most important vendors to lock down for your wedding as we can help guide the rest of your planning.
Everyone else is still important just not needed as early. Make sure you’re researching each vendor and asking vendors for others that they work well with. Most of us have recommendations.
When it does come time to book your wedding photographer think about the things that feel most important to your day.
Do you want a very polished and stylized look to your photos or a more candid documentary approach?
Do you like moody editing, light and airy or something more true to life?
What type of person will you work well with? Remember we are with you more than ANYONE else on your wedding day including your partner.
Do you like someone who is very prompt and organized with scheduling or a go with the flow personality?
As you look at photographers ask your self these things and then actually talk to them.
Relationships are key in photographer client communication so lets make sure we get along and are all on the same page about your wedding day goals. If you know your venue and wedding date lets look at availability and talk about your vision for the day. You can inquire here: http://alisontappphotography.com/atpweddings
