Once you’ve chosen a wedding date, it’s a good idea to start thinking about getting your announcement out there – which means it’s time to think about your engagement photoshoot, and essentially, your wedding photographer! This was a really fun process for Eihab and I. Our photographers did a great job of keeping us laughing and smiling throughout the entire two hour engagement shoot. This was AWESOME cause honestly we felt a bit awkward in front of the camera LOL. Looking back however, there are a few secrets I wish I’d known in order to choose the best wedding photographer.

Tips for Choosing the Best Wedding Photographer

1. Try to get a package deal! I can tell you from experience how important this is. For one, it’s great to have the same people do your wedding photography and engagement photos because you get to know them and they you. Two, a package deal is usually cheaper than booking both shoots separately (and we all like to save a little $$$).
2. Check out their reviews on Google, Yelp, The Knot…everywhere! Make sure they have experience as a “wedding photographer.” This type of photoshoot is a completely different ball game than portrait. Also check out their social media!
3. If you are going to splurge on one thing for you wedding, this is it! Ten, twenty, or fifty years from now, these are your memories. It’s what you’ll show your kids and grandkids, so spend that little extra bit to make it worth it.
4. Get a videographer, even if you don’t think you want or need one. Trust me on this, Eihab and I were like, “nah, we’re good with just photos, plus our photographer is going to videotape our ceremony, that’s good enough….” NO IT’S NOT! We SO wish we had gotten a videographer now!
5. Last but not least, don’t forget about your other wedding events. Engagement Party, Rehearsal Dinner…it may not be practical to have a professional photographer at these events, but spend the money to get a decent camera and assign one of your bridesmaids or groomsmen to be the faux-tographer for these events. Or, ask your wedding photographer what it would cost to include these events! Believe me, I really regret not doing this as I don’t have any photos from our Engagement Party and Rehearsal Dinner.

I hope you guys found these tips useful. If you have any tips of your own on choosing wedding photographer, leave me a comment and let me know! Also, if you’re looking for a wedding venue, check out this review of four beautiful wedding venues in Portland, Oregon!

xo,

B

Tags: wedding photography, wedding planning tips