The decision on who should photograph your wedding day is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your wedding day, and it's one that needs to be made before most other things in the wedding planning process. But how do you know where to begin? How can you feel confident in your decision? Here are some tips to point you in the right direction when choosing your wedding photographer:

1. Photography Style

What style of photography do you like best? Study the editing and posing you see in your local options. What are you drawn to? Follow that lead! There are SO many different styles, and it's important to pick a photographer whose work aligns with a style you love. There's bright and airy, dark and moody, filmy, editorial, etc.

2. Budget

Look at the prices of the photographers you're drawn to. What's the average price? With that in mind, establish your budget. Make a list of those who fall within your budget AND whose style you love.

3. Read reviews!!!

Make sure you're inquiring with someone who has consistently happy clients, especially wedding clients. Check their Google listing, Wedding Wire, Zola, and see what the photographer has on their website as far as testimonials go as well. Really pay attention to the specific things people are saying about the photographer. It's more than just taking good photos -- they have to offer an experience you'll love as well.

4. Reach Out

Set up calls with at least 2 of your favorites. Come prepared after researching their websites. Bring questions! Bring concerns! Talk the legal stuff! Get as much information as you can during that call, and make sure you're telling them a bit about you too. The relationship goes both ways!

5. Ask to see a full gallery

See a full gallery (or a couple full galleries!) from each of your favorites. Again, this is one of the best ways to really get an idea of what photographer will deliver the best service for you. If a photographer is weird about letting you see a full gallery... that's a red flag!

At the end of the day, your photographer is the one who gets to document your day! There are lots of factors to consider when choosing the best fit for you and your partner, but when these 5 steps are said and done, there will hopefully be one candidate that stands above the rest. :-)

I hope these tips are helpful for you as you find your perfect wedding photographer fit! Happy wedding planning to you!!!

xo, Kyndal