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When it comes time to book consultations with wedding photographers, it can be a bit daunting if you’re not certain what to expect or what to do. But the

process is actually quite simple if you follow these five basic steps…

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1: Schedule your consultations wisely.

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Assuming that you’re arranging consultations with more than one photographer, it’s best to schedule all of your photographer meetings within the same day or

two. Wedding photographers will offer you the courtesy of holding your date while you make your decision, but they can only hold that date for you for a few

days or a week at most.

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By booking your consultations within the same day or two, you guarantee that your wedding date is held by all of your potential photographers for a similar

amount of time.

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2: Prepare for your meeting.

*During your consultation, a lot of information gets covered in a short amount of time. You want to be sure to ask all of the questions that are really important

to you, so it’s a good idea to write a list out beforehand and bring it with you.

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3: Know your budget.

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It wastes your time and the photographer’s time if you meet with them and you’re not sure about exactly how much you’re prepared to spend on your wedding

photography. Before scheduling a wedding photography consultation, decide on a budget and be certain that you and your fiance are both in agreement about the

amount.

4: Know your wedding schedule.

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Before you even start contacting photographers, make a list of the wedding photographs that are important to you and your fiancee. Do you want pre-ceremony

photos? Ceremony only? Do you want posed shots with your wedding party, friends and family? Photos at the reception? A comprehensive list of the photos you

want, will help you figure out how long to book your photographer.

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When you meet with wedding photographers, they’ll need to know how much time you’ll want to book them for on your wedding day. Try to be sure about this before

you meet with them. If you’re not sure, bring the list of your ‘must have’ photos to your consultation.

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5: Trust your instincts, not your wallet.

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If you’ve done your research, you’ll have only booked meetings with photographers who have good portfolios, who offer services, rates and photography styles

that suit your needs. So the deciding factor will come down to who you’d most like to have as an integral part of your wedding day.

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Sometimes you’ll know right away. But if you’re uncertain, ask yourself which photographer had a personality that seems well-suited to you and your fiance?

Which photographer seemed the most competent, knowledgeable and trustworthy? Who seemed to be the most kind, considerate, polite and friendly?

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Don’t make the mistake of simply choosing the person with the lowest rates. Choose the photographer who you feel will be the best fit for you, your fiance and

for your wedding in general.

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