When you hire photographers and videographers for your wedding, you’re not just investing money to pay for their time, labor, and materials. You’re also entrusting these people to capture your special day. Regardless of your thematic or budgetary goals, it’s important to understand that each relationship with a vendor is a two-way street. Following some wise advice can ensure that things go smoothly between you and your photo and video pros.

Choose the Right Vendors

As you shop for your photography and videography artists, your first priority should be finding services that fit your budget. Writing for A Practical Wedding, Stephanie Kaloi recommends that you decide on a ballpark figure of what you can spend before you start making inquiries. Bridal Guide also clarifies that photographers and videographers may either offer flat rates for a specific amount of footage while charging more for extras or provide pre-priced packages that include retouching, completed albums, online access to digital pics, and other perks.

Of course, aesthetics are another important factor when selecting your photo and video professionals. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with common artistic and technical approaches. This way you can speak the language, narrow down your list of vendors, and describe to each one what you’re looking for. The Knot offers a useful photography style guide, while pros at The Wedding Community describe several videography methods used in the industry.

Select LGBTQ-Friendly Businesses

Equally Wed contributor Kristen Ott Palladino stresses the importance of hiring LGBTQ-friendly vendors. Rather than simply confirm that they’re not averse to providing services at your wedding, it’s a good idea to ensure they have extensive experience working with same-sex and transgender couples. SLR Lounge contributor Jamie Davis Smith explains that seasoned professionals have adopted alternative posing and shooting techniques that differ from those for traditional weddings. When in doubt, review the vendor’s website, look over samples, and ask questions before you book.

Read Your Contracts Thoroughly

Misunderstandings between clients and vendors can happen, but you should carefully peruse contracts and other written materials before signing them. The Knot contributors Heidi Tandy and Ivy Jacobson describe several elements that must exist within any contract:

• A detailed description of products or services
• Dates and times when services will be provided, including those on the wedding day itself
• Names of all parties included in the agreement
• Deposit amounts and payment schedule
• Clauses for contingencies and substitutions
• Cancellation and refund policy

Good Communication Is Essential

Wedding Wire’s Kim Forrest provides some smart tips for communicating with photographers, videographers, or any other vendors. When you begin a working relationship with them, don’t forget to note their preferred methods of communication, as well as the best times to reach them. Keep your words as concise as possible when you reach out to them with questions. Be honest about any challenges you face while you plan, and communicate with a professional tone, especially if disagreements arise.

Additionally, your vendors will need key pieces of information in the months before your wedding. This includes shot lists and the names of your family members and wedding attendants. When you receive their queries, make sure you respond within one to two business days. 

Communication and Understanding Are Key

Wise strategies in dealing with your photo and video pros begin with hiring businesses whose prices, artistic style, and values align with your own. If you don’t, you aren’t going to see eye to eye with those individuals. Your differences could put a strain on your wedding planning efforts. Not only that, you should communicate respectfully, make your desires clear, and strive to understand your vendors’ expectations and policies. Observing these practices will ensure a good working relationship between you and your chosen professionals.