1. Your wedding day timeline...
Your photographer will need to know the time of your ceremony, how many hours you would like to hire them for, the exact time range that they will be there, as well as the time(s) of any major events that will occur on your wedding day. Work with your photographer to come up with a plan if you do not have one, or if you are not sure what to do. Start your timeline by writing down the events and times that you do know. For example, your ceremony time, or the time hair and makeup is arriving. This information is super helpful for photographers because it allows them to map out when and where certain photos will be taken. It also shows when there will be free time for other important shots, for example, a first look, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, or the venue details. If you are hiring a wedding planner or coordinator, your photographer can also work with them to nail down all of the details before the wedding day.
2. Finding other vendors...
Still looking for other vendors for your wedding day? Your photographer can be a great resource for vendor recommendations because they are often in situations where they have to work alongside others in the wedding business, whether it be an actual wedding, a styled shoot, or a bridal show. In other words, wedding photographers see TONS of weddings, which means they have worked with TONS of vendors and can help you find something that fits your style!
3. Location ideas...
If you have every single spot you want your photos taken completely mapped out, by all means, please tell your photographer this so that they can plan everything to line up with your goals and desires. However, if you do not have any preferences in this regard, rest assured that your photographer will be scouting the grounds of your venue and looking for areas with the best backgrounds and the best lighting. Your photographer wants your pictures to look good AND wants you to be happy with them!
4. Lighting...
Lighting is a very important factor when it comes to your wedding day. The time that will be the most important when it comes to lighting will be your ceremony. Double check with your photographer about the time of your ceremony before making it official and printing it on invitations to make sure that it will not be too bright, too dark, or too close to sunset. You want to make sure that the lighting situation during your ceremony will be optimal. Photos turn out differently in varied lighting conditions. Your photographer will be constantly assessing lighting situations during the course of your event, so my advice is to nail down your ceremony time with your photographer and let lighting be an aspect of your wedding that someone else worries about!
