When should we book our wedding photographer?

When should we book our wedding photographer?

Congratulations, you got engaged! This is an exciting time that will ultimately lead to your big day and the journey of a lifetime. So have you started with the wedding planning? If not, then it’s time to get going and begin organising things to avoid last-minute hassles. With planning comes a hundred important and not-so-important things that you need to do. One of the essential elements that you must not neglect during this stage is the booking of the wedding photographer. Knowing when to book the photographer is essential in getting the right one for your special day. Let’s dig deeper to understand exactly when you should book one.

Ideally, you should be booking your wedding photographer at least nine months before your big day! By this time, you will have finalised your venue, estimated the guest list, decided upon themes, colour schemes, and a basic timeline of the wedding. This will help you in several ways:

• Your photographer can look up the venue and explore all the best places for the photos of you and your loved ones.
• With sufficient time at your disposal, you can take the time to make a shortlist of photographers, to make sure you get the one that most suits your needs.
• A  timeline will be helpful as this will ensure your photographer is aware of the running order of the day and therefore won’t miss any opportunity to capture your happy moments.

Have you planned to tie the knot on a popular wedding date?

If you have planned to tie the knot on a very popular date, then it’s important to think about a photographer in advance. Ideally, when you are planning to book a photographer, you should do it at least 18 months before your big day. Delaying the booking of the wedding photographer can result in the non-availability of the professional on your chosen date. For instance, Saturday is the most popular day on which to get married, and August and September are the most popular months. Therefore, you will find most professional wedding photographers may well already be booked or be busy by that time. In addition to this, as more and more couples are opting for destination weddings, there is the possibility that the one you want to hire may be away for a longer duration. Take all these things into consideration as they can impact your plans.

Why is it essential to book a photographer in advance?

You must ensure to book your suppliers in their order of priority, so you don’t miss out on securing any. For instance, you can book the florist or decorator a few weeks before the wedding. These suppliers can easily work on several weddings on the same day, but a photographer can’t cover multiple weddings at once. So planning is key for booking the wedding photographer.

How much will it cost?

This is an important aspect that you must consider based on your budget and how much you are willing to spend. Plan early so that you know the availability and the cost of your preferred professional. Knowing this can help you set a budget you are comfortable with.

As a couple, it’s important to get the best suppliers on board to make your day as perfect as possible. In a nutshell, I can say book your wedding photographer after you book a venue to be on the safe side. If you are having a weekday or offseason wedding, then you may wait a little longer, but I would personally suggest leaving it no later than 6 months in advance. Photos as we all know are an essential part of your celebration, so choosing a wedding photographer shouldn’t be taken lightly. 

Finding your perfect photographer can take time, so do your research properly and book at the right time. I hope the information I have shared with you will help during your planning process. If you are planning a wedding in Ireland and looking for a photographer to capture your big day, let me know, I would love to be part of your special occasion.