How NOT to ruin your wedding photos

Your wedding photos will be one of the most important mementos from your wedding day. The day will go by so quickly, and you'll be having so much fun that you'll need good, quality photos to refresh your memory of what a fabulous day you had!

Choosing a Photographer is a tough decision. I always tell my clients to go with who they feel most comfortable with and who's style they prefer. Do not try to cheap out on your photos. This doesn't mean you have to spend $5,000+, but it surely means you shouldn't be spending less than $500 or asking a friend to do it for free. I saw a fabulous and oh-so-true quote the other day; "If you think it's expensive to hire a professional, wait until you hire an amateur." This quote is bang on - let the professionals take care of you on your wedding day. We have many reasons to call ourselves such.

You've hired a professional and you know they will deliver, but what can you do to make sure that you don't ruin your photos?

Here are some tips on how NOT to ruin your wedding photos:

Create a wish list

Work with your Photographer via email or a face-to-face meeting to discuss the kind of photos you want. Most times you've selected them because of their style, poses, layouts, etc - but if there is a certain pose or location you want, be sure to tell them!
Some popular shots on a wish list are; gown on hanger in window, picture with grandparents, photo of rings/invitation and your something old/new/borrowed and blue.

Have your Photographer stay 

To save money some couples will send the Photographer home after the receiving line or just before dinner. This is a mistake if you want to capture emotions from you, your groom, wedding party, family and guests during dinner, speeches and when the party starts. They don't need to stay all night if money is tight, but have them stay at least until you've cut the cake and had your first dance.

Book in advance

Photographers and Coordinators are two of the first vendors to get booked early. We advise you to do your research and book with your selected Photographer at least 12-14 months in advance. Some times you can get away with as little as 9 months, but don't be surprised if our #1 choice is booked already.

Schedule enough time

Chat with your Photographer and your Day of Coordinator about how much time is needed for your photo shoot. We will be realistic with you and factor in travel time, set-up, people management and weather (sunlight, etc). You want to make sure you have enough time to be relaxed and having fun, but not too much time that your guests awaiting your arrival back are bored.

Feed your vendors

Vendors that get fed are happy vendors, and happy vendors will work better than hungry ones. If you have vendors working over your dinner hour (Photographers, Coordinator, DJ, etc) we highly recommend that you have a vendor table for them and feed them dinner as well. Your wedding day is a long one although it seems to go by so quickly and most of your vendors will be working well before you start to get ready and long after you've gone home.

Look fresh

On your wedding day you will look so radiant and happy because it's your wedding day, but do yourself a favour and eat and sleep well the day before. Same goes for your wedding day, stay hydrated, eat throughout the day and don't get intoxicated.

Have fun

Stuffy photos are a thing of the past. Sure, you'll have the traditional family and wedding party shots, but make sure you're having fun, laughing and enjoying yourself. Don't worry about the small things - this is your Day of Coordinators job. A smiling Bride looks best from all angles.


*Photo by JClay Photography from Helen & Jason's big day

Paying in full may cost you

One of the best things you can do is book a vendor that was recommended from your Coordinator or a family/friend. Positive referrals are fabulous for a vendor, and for a Bride, is one of the best ways to reduce stress.

Recently I've heard from two of my summer Brides (Day of Coordination services) that they're working with vendors (both florists) that are asking or had asked for payment in full. I strongly recommend that you DO NOT pay upfront. I understand that some vendors like florists, invitation specialists and bakers need to purchase items prior to your wedding day to fulfill your purchase, however, I believe that this should be something that they factor into their business model and how they conduct their services.

Most vendors, like myself, require a deposit to secure the services and date. The deposit is usually non-refundable and is likely 50% of the total. If this is the case, you should pay the remaining 50% on the day of your wedding. Remember, you have not bought a gift card that you pay upfront for to use at a later date - you have reserved (via a deposit) services that are to be executed on your wedding day, therefor the vendor should be paid then.

Oftentimes if the total cost of the services is quite large, i.e: over $2,000 there may be a 2nd payment due prior to your wedding (25%). This payment shows your commitment to the contract, and their promise to fulfill. This 2nd payment not only reduces balance yet to be paid, but helps pay for any work, communication and time the vendor has put forth to date.

When you have a Day of Coordinator working with you on our wedding day, it's best to give them the remaining balances to give to the vendors when they show up and or deliver your order. It's always best to pay the florist once the centrepieces are placed and the bouquets are delivered. It's always best to pay the baker once the cake has been delivered and set up on the cake table as stated in the contract. It's always best to pay the DJ once they have arrived, set-up and conducted a sound check. A contract is a legally binding document, but if the services executed or delivered are not the same noted, then you have reason to request a refund or a change in the total price.

Most vendors should not have a problem with being paid the remaining balance upon arrival. If they do, perhaps that should be a sign that you look elsewhere. When meeting with a vendor for the first time, discuss their payment method and timeline. Do they only accept cash or cheque? Can you pay your deposit using credit or debit and then give the remainder in cash? Do they want it all upfront, or in 2 to 3 amounts?

No one wants to pay in full and then not get the services or product they paid for. So, my advice to you is, wait to pay on the day of if you can. If you do pay upfront, get everything in writing, hang on to your email communications and be sure to review the contract in length prior to signing off and handing over funds.

A good vendor will work with and for you - not against you.

For our Day of Coordination services, we are more than happy to provide our clients with a few vendor referrals. Nothing makes us happier than to work with other industry professionals that we know, trust and have faith in.