3 Important considerations when choosing a wedding photographer

Deciding on a wedding photographer can be an intimidating task. There is now more options out there than ever to choose from, and the sheer number of products each may offer can be overwhelming. Outlined below are three guidelines that can be considered when interviewing a potential candidate. Each should help narrow your options, and help you find the best vendor to capture your special day.

One important question to ask your potential photographer is whether or not digital files will be included with your package. Even in today’s digital age, a quality wedding album or professional prints cannot be replaced. However there is a growing place for digital files. Between social networking, online photo galleries, or TV set top entertainment boxes, having digital files can be important. Be sure to ask if you’ll receive a copy of these files after your wedding.

Another important question to determine is how well your photographer will work with you and your fiancé personally. Your wedding will of course be one of the biggest days of your life, and your photographer will be with you for all of it. It’s important to understand how they will work, and what approach they will have to the day. Personality is huge, so be sure your candidates will mesh well with not only the two of you, but also your family and bridal party as well.

Lastly, it’s always a good idea to establish the exact style your photographer will shoot in. Not all wedding photography is created equal, especially in today’s age, when it’s easy for just about anybody go pick up a camera. Determine if you are looking for a photographer who specializes in portraits, or one that focuses on capturing candid moments. Then ask for samples of full weddings from each photographer you are looking at to find the style that best fits your tastes.

Article submitted by Ryan Collier www.collierstudios.com

“When it comes to Wedding DJ’s, Brides and Grooms can and should expect more professionalism than the status quo that has been perpetuated as “acceptable” for far too long.“

We invite you to read this insightful article by Stacie Tamaki on hiring wedding entertainment.

How Much Should Your Wedding Dj Cost? click here to read more

Read a great quote today..

“You can have your event in your garage and serve beans and franks, and if the entertainment is great, you’ll have a fantastic and memorable event.

OR you can have your event at the Ritz Carlton and serve 5 star cuisine, but if the entertainment is mediocre or worse, the event will suffer and guests will leave early.”

- Mark Ferrell

Where does Wedding entertainment fit in the “big picture” of planning and budgeting? An in-depth study shows some interesting results.*AFTER THE VOWS…

• 72% of all brides say they would have spent more time choosing their reception entertainment.
• Almost 100% say they would have spent more of their budget on the entertainment.
• During wedding planning, Brides say their highest priority is their attire, followed by the reception site and caterer – reception entertainment is among the least of their priorities. Within one week after their reception, 78% of Brides say they would have made the entertainment their highest priority!
• When asked 81% of guests say the thing they remember most about a wedding is the entertainment.
• 65% of all couples that chose a band to entertain at their wedding, said, if they had it to do over again, they would have chosen a disc jockey.

*statistics published in St. Louis Bride & Groom Magazine in 2003. Sources include: Simmons, 2001; USA Today, 2002; National Bridal Service, 2001; The Knot, 2002; Brides Magazine, 2001.