Questions You Should be Asking Your Wedding Photographer

So you’re in the market for a wedding photographer. I can’t tell you how many posts I see daily on my community page looking for a wedding photographer. And let me tell you, sometimes there are fifty or more comments advertising their businesses. This can be overwhelming for any client. But how do you know which wedding photographer is right for you? As you research a photographer to find the right fit, there are a few essential questions that you must ask to ensure they are the perfect fit for your day. So, let us break it down for you, question by question. 

Pre-Wedding Planning Questions 
It is essential to ask any photographer to meet for an initial consultation. We prefer face to face consultations, but if they are unavailable to meet within your schedule or availability, schedule a Teams or Zoom meeting in lieu of a phone call. During the initial consultation, you’ll want to ask some basic, but vital questions. 

• What is your photography style? Each photographer has a specific style. It can be the manner in which they take the photo or just their editing style. Understanding their style is SO important. Some photographers lean more traditional, others prefer fine art, while some lean more towards the artsy or candid shots. Ensure their style fits your overall vision first and foremost!

• Ask to see a FULL wedding gallery? Skip the highlight reel for this one, because let’s be honest, just like our social media are our personal highlight reels, the same goes for photography (or lets be honest anything). Seeing a full gallery rather than just a highlight reel will give you a better idea of the full picture and the photographer's consistency. You’ll be able to see all the shots and what kind of shots were done. In addition, you’ll be able to see all the editing and determine if you enjoy their overall photography style. 

• Does your portfolio reflect my vision? If you’ve read our blog on how to select your vendors, you will know that the first step is to define your wedding vision. Before you meet with any vendor, you’ll need to narrow down your vision. This includes your must-haves and you want-to-haves. Ask your photographer if they have portfolios from your venue, or if they’ve done your type of wedding (ex. Elopement, destination etc.) You will want a photographer that will feel comfortable and experienced with your style and vision of the wedding. 

• Tell me about scheduling on the big day. Ask about their time management. Do they work with the wedding planner to create a timeline? Are they more on the fly with their time management? You will want to know if they are flexible or more of a timeline kind of guy or gal. 

• Do you have a back-up plan? Ask if they have backup equipment or back-up their photos. I try not to give horror stories, but I know someone who lost all their wedding photos and was literally ghosted because her computer crashed and she lost all her clients' wedding photos. So ask how your photos are stored and if they are backed up on the cloud, or some sort of drive. Because YOU NEVER KNOW!

• Do you retouch your photos? Talk about editing and if they retouch your photos. For most, it is included in the editing, but others may charge extra for it so it’s always best practice to ask! 

Time to Talk Logistics and Packages 
This is the nitty gritty part of the consultation. Ask about their logistics and packages that they offer. Do they offer any add-ons or what is included in their packages? Ask to read their contract to determine the fine lines to clarify any misunderstandings. 

• Determine what is included in the packages. You will want to ask about what is included, can you do add ons, or additional prints?

• What are the hours of coverage? What is included for each package? What are the hours and is there an overtime rate in case the wedding runs late? You will want to know before the big day if they are flexible with staying later than contracted hours if the wedding runs behind, or if they charge per hour etc. 

• Do you have a second shooter? A second shooter is great to have and some photographers can’t live without them. Inquire if it’s included or for an additional cost. 

• How long until you receive your photos? Ask about an estimated delivery time and what will be expected. The typical range is anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks. Also ask about a sneak peek – some photographers will send over a few photos prior to your entire album (because we all know you’re dying to post on social media!). 

• Do you do prints? Most photographers just give you access to a photography drive, but some do deliver prints. Our wedding photographer gave us prints in a custom box. Photographers may have different albums, or physical prints they will give you. 

• Are you insured? Most wedding vendors will be insured or have liability insurance. This covers parties if there are accidents or damages to your venue. 

• Will I get a Refund? It’s a scary thought to have, but it’s best to know. What is their refund policy, can you change your date, or what happens if you need to cancel? Life happens, Covid happens, and sometimes you need to cancel. It’s best to know what to expect before the unexpected happens! 

The Wedding Day 
As you continue your consultation, fast forward and ask what to expect on your wedding day. You want to ensure that they will collaborate with your other vendors and their approach aligns with your overall vision and expectations. 

• How do you capture the moments? We’ve all been to a wedding and seen it. The photographer smack dab in the middle of the aisle, snapping away. Determine what you prefer and ask away. Do you prefer candid shots, do you want an intimate ceremony with the photographer at a safe distance? What approach does the photographer take and does it jive with yours? 

• Do they collaborate? You want to create your dream team of vendors. And ideally, this means that each vendor, including your photographer, will be able to communicate and collaborate with the other vendors on the big day. 

• How do you handle unexpected situations? Such as rainy weather, or poor lighting. Or maybe the reception space is darker than intended. Does the photographer have skills to adapt in difficult environments? 

• How do you capture it ALL? Ask the photographer the key moments that they aim to capture. How do they capture the ceremony, first kiss, or behind the scene photos. Ensure they’ve hit all your big must have shots in the discussion. 

• How do you handle group photos? How will they collaborate and collect your group photo folks on the wedding day and when? They have to have a plan, be organized, and efficient. We love a photographer that works with their clients to create a list of group photos before the wedding day!

Catch a Vibe 
Bottom line, do you vibe together? Your photographer will be one of the vendors that you interact with the most on your wedding day. They will be with you from start to finish and see you in all the ups and downs. You need to feel comfortable with your photographers. 

• Are you comfortable around them? You need to feel comfortable and confident with your photographers. What kind of approach do they have? Is it a relaxed approach that will keep you relaxed? 

• Do you click? What is their overall vibe like? Are they laid back? Are they hands on or hands off? You will need to determine if you click at your initial consultation. 

• Can you help me look my best? You want your photographer to be your right hand guy or gal. You want someone that will tell you if you’ve got lipstick on your teeth, or fix your veil before your first look. Ask if they will help you pose and ensure that you’re still looking your best. 

We could probably go on and on about what to ask your photographer, but these are definitely our top questions and inquiries. Your photographer is one of the biggest and most important vendors on your wedding day, so do not be afraid to ask all the questions. Photos last a lifetime. One day you’ll be looking back at your wedding album and cherishing these moments. So, do your research, book the consultation, and don’t be afraid to print this list and ask away. We’d rather have you knowledgeable and make an informed decision, so you can enjoy a lifetime of memories from your wedding day. 

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.

A Guide to Vendor Collaboration

Have you just finished booking your venue? If this is you, we can guess that you may just be starting your wedding planning journey! Many couples choose to select their venue as the first step. Often, your venue may have a list of preferred vendors. These are a list of curated vendors that your venue knows and trusts. And as we know, in a wedding setting, every detail matters — from the flowers and décor to the catering and music. Each vendor brings a specialized skill to the table, and when these experts collaborate, it creates a smooth, cohesive event that aligns with the couple’s vision. By working with your venue’s network of trusted vendors, venues can offer a one-stop-shop for couples. It also reduces the likelihood of logistical issues, as vendors are already familiar with each other’s working styles, timelines, and expectations.

#01: Selecting the Right Vendors for Collaboration
First and foremost, successful vendor collaborations begin with choosing the right partners. As a wedding venue, it’s important to create a list of preferred vendors that align with your values and can consistently deliver high-quality service. Look for vendors who share the following characteristics: 

• Share a similar work ethic: Timeliness, professionalism, and clear communication are essential for a smooth collaboration.

• Have a strong reputation: Vendors with positive reviews and a solid portfolio inspire trust and confidence.

• Are flexible and adaptable: Weddings can be unpredictable. Vendors who can adapt to changes or last-minute adjustments are invaluable.

• Have experience working with venues: A vendor familiar with wedding venues will know how to work efficiently in your space and understand what makes an event run smoothly.

EA Pro Tip! As you navigate the list of potential vendors, don’t be afraid to meet with numerous vendors in the same category! Venues typically have a selection of vendors that may appeal to different clientele. It is OK to schedule several meetings. It is also OK to wait to give vendors an answer until your decision is made! You never have to make a decision on the spot. 

#02: Build Strong Relationships with Your Vendors
The start of every good relationship is a strong foundation of trust and mutual respect. It is important to connect with your vendors on a regular basis. This includes your venue, florists, caterers, photographers, videographers, and DJS. Work with your planner to create a line of communication between your vendors, or if you’re planning alone, create a timeline to reach out and check in. Establishing a reliable and positive rapport with these vendors can create a seamless experience for couples.

EA Pro Tip! Hold a virtual mixer with your vendors to meet as a team! Create a zoom call or teams meeting to collaborate, build relationships, and meet with your vendors to discuss all the details. 

#03: Clear Communication
Clear communication is key to any vendor relationship. To create a smooth collaboration of all vendors, be upfront with expectations for the wedding day and timeline. Ensure that vendors that need to work together, such as your Officiant and DJ, have time to meet and greet to avoid any misunderstandings later on. promote collaboration keep your line of communication open to include: 

• Pre-event Coordination Meetings: Host a pre-wedding meeting with all vendors to ensure everyone understands their role, timeline, and expectations.

• Shared Event Timeline: Provide a detailed timeline of the day to all vendors, ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding setup times, ceremony start time, and key moments.

• Point of Contact: Designate a single point of contact at your venue (such as an event coordinator) for vendors to communicate with, which reduces confusion.

EA Pro Tip! As you meet with your vendors, provide mood boards or inspiration boards to communicate your overall aesthetics and preferences. Be sure to share any details about your other vendors to create a seamless event!

#04:  Respect Each Vendor's Expertise
As you begin to work and collaborate with each vendor, remember that each wedding vendor has their specific area of expertise. You must trust them to do what they do. This is vital for a successful wedding day and working relationship. Yes, it is important to be involved in the process and share your vision with each, but also allow your vendors the freedom to collaborate and do what they are skilled at. 

EA Pro Tip! As you work with each vendor, remember they are professionals! Be open to their professional advice, especially if they suggest any changes due to their experience or logistics on the wedding day. 

#05: Trust your Wedding Planner (if you have one)
If you’ve hired a wedding planner, trust them to handle the coordination between you and your vendors. Allow them to help take the lead on vendor collaboration and teamwork. Wedding planners often have great relationships with local vendors and can manage communication, negotiate terms, and solve any last-minute issues. Let them take the lead, allowing you to enjoy the planning process without feeling overwhelmed.

EA Pro Tip! If you haven’t taken the lead on hiring or meeting with a wedding planner, we recommend you at least meet with one or two. They can be such an asset to overall collaboration with your team of vendors. So, don’t be afraid to take the plunge! 

With anything in life, the key to collaborating successfully with your wedding vendors is open, respectful communication, and trust in their expertise. By trusting your vendors, respecting their expertise, ensuring communication, and building positive relationships, you’ll make sure that your wedding day is everything you dreamed of. Working together with your vendors will help make your celebration seamless, fun, and unforgettable! 

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.

Interactive Wedding Ideas to Keep Your Guests Engaged All Night Long

Your wedding day is about celebrating love, but it’s also about creating unforgettable memories for both you and your guests. Although quite a bit of the planning evolves around yourself and your partner, most of the planning will impact your guests’ experiences the most. One of the best ways to do this is by keeping everyone engaged and entertained from the moment you walk down the aisle to the last dance. Of course the classic way to get guests up and about it is to turn up the dance floor, but did you know there are plenty of creative, interactive wedding ideas that will keep your guests having fun and involved. Whether you’re hosting a small intimate gathering or a grand celebration, these ideas will help elevate your wedding and ensure your guests leave with big smiles and lasting memories.

#01: Personalized Wedding Favors with a Twist
We’ve seen our fair share of wedding favors. But, instead of the traditional wedding favors, consider creating interactive stations where guests can customize for themselves. We’ve seen trending ideas about DIY candle stations where guests can make decisions about their favorite scents. Or keep it simple, with a personalized cocktail station where your guests can select their favorite airplane “shot” and mixer with garnishes. This is a simple and fun interactive way to get your guests moving about and keep your wedding favors new and fresh! 

EA Pro Tip! Don’t forget the instructions! Print off and display clear, easy to follow instructions that can guide steps through the process. You definitely don’t want guests going crazy or struggling to figure out what to do! Simple is KEY. 

#02: Snap a Pic! 
Photo Booths have been on the wedding scene for over a decade now. And I don’t care how many photo booths you’ve done over the years, but you can’t help but grab a prop and jump in. Think about taking your photo booth to the next level with fun props, backdrops, and instant prints. Some photo booths can even include a digital copy for your guests’ social media, GIF photo booth options, or a slow motion video booth! For added personalization, use a custom backdrop with your names or wedding date, and provide a guestbook where guests can paste their photos and leave messages.

EA Pro Tip! Consider using a photo booth with a live feed, where your guests can watch their pictures appear on a big screen for all to see!

#03: Interactive Guest Book
Traditional guest books are one way to get your guests engaged, but have you thought about an interactive guest book? Toss that traditional guest book aside and create something that is more interactive. Consider a message or video booth option! We LOVE the idea of a telephone guest book, where you can leave the newlyweds a custom message! Or, have your guests record a short video message for you to watch. There are so many interactive ways to get your guests involved and create a guest book that is meaningful to you and your partner. Whether you opt for a marriage advice station, well wishes, or just a quick snapshot of your guests – this will give your guests an additional activity to do throughout the night. 

EA Pro Tip! Be sure to set up a clearly labeled, designated area for your guest book. Ensure to include how to use the interactive experience and keep it open throughout the night. Collaborate with your DJ or MC to announce it throughout the evening to remind your guests! 

#04: Live Wedding Painter
You may have seen this trend on your socials, but we are a huge fan of this next interactive wedding event! Hiring a live wedding planner is fun for all! Your guest can engage with the artist throughout the evening as they capture the beauty of your wedding celebration. Throughout the night, the artist paints and your guest can watch or even contribute ideas (with the artists’ permission of course!) Then, at the end of the night, you’ll have a one of a kind piece of art to remember your wedding by! And guests truly love to see the artist at work!

EA Pro Tip! Collaborate with your artist to ensure that your guests are free to engage and speak with the artist! You want to find an artist that is comfortable with your guests watching on and interacting with them. 

#05: Interactive Games and Events
Wedding games are a classic way to keep your guests entertained and encourage mingling between guests! You can play traditional games like wedding trivia. Or if you're feeling adventurous, have games out for your guests like giant Jenga, cornhole, ax throwing, horse shoes, or ring toss! These are a great option for keeping the kids busy and are perfect for weddings in the great outdoors!

EA Pro Tip!: Offer small prizes for the winners to keep the competitive spirit alive!Interactive wedding ideas not only keep your guests engaged, but they also create unique and memorable moments that everyone will cherish for years to come. Whether it's through fun games, personalized experiences, or creative entertainment, these ideas will ensure your wedding is anything but ordinary. Choose the ones that best reflect your personality as a couple and get ready for an unforgettable celebration with your loved ones. And if any of these ideas catch your eye for your wedding, or you need more suggestions – feel free to ask a member of our team!

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.