Tip 1 - It's the biggest day of your life, don't rely on 'Uncle Bob' to take your photos.
You may be lucky and have Yervant as your uncle, but most of us don't have the worlds' best wedding photographer as our uncle.
When looking for a photographer to capture your wedding, ask them what sort of equipment they will use - do they have backup equipment - do they have professional insurance? Price can be a factor for many brides, but try not to skimp on your photography budget.
After all, you only get one chance to have your wedding photographed.
If you choose a photographer based purely on price, then you may be disappointed in the results.
Especially if this 'budget' photographer doesn't use professional gear, then you pictures will look like Uncle Bob took them.
You deserve the best images possible - hire a pro who knows what they are doing, so you can relax.
Tip 2 - Engagement Sessions.
Many people ask me - 'what is an engagement session?' Well, it's become a trend in the last few years for brides and grooms to have a fun session with just the photographer at some point before their wedding.
Not only does this produce some wonderful images of the couple in a 'non-wedding' environment, but it gives you a chance to get a feel for how your photographer will operate on the day.
By knowing what to expect, you'll be more relaxed and able to enjoy your wedding.
Tip 3 - Timings.
You'd be surprised how many couples don't know how long their ceremony will last.
How long will it take to get to the reception from the church, what time will the receiving line start, how long will the brides hair and make-up take to be done.
All these things (and more) should be thought about and planned for when thinking about your wedding.
Sit down with all your suppliers and find out how long it will take to complete each stage of your wedding day.
That way you'll know how long you can have for the photographs.
Once you have all the timings, add 10 minutes to each and you won't end up running around trying to catch up on the day.
After the ceremony, this is less important, but it is vital for lead up.
Less rushing about = more enjoyment.
Tip 4 - Weather.
You can't control the weather on your wedding day, but you can make some general assumptions.
Take into consideration the season, many people when they plan their wedding in the summer forget what time it gets dark in the winter.
By having the ceremony at, say, 4pm, then all the images after wards will be in the dark -if you wanted to be outdoors.
A professional photographer is capable of producing excellent images, even in challenging conditions.
Don't worry if the weather is inclement on your wedding day.
Some of the most memorable wedding images I've produced have been in less that romantic weather conditions.
Tip 5 - Children.
Kids make cute wedding pictures - they are great! However, do be realistic in your expectations of what sort of behavior you will get from them.
Most kids love being photographed, but they can be a little shy at first when they see the camera.
If you have kids, try to introduce them to the photographer before the wedding so they get a chance to know them.
Tip 6 - Scrapbook.
I make a point of telling all my bridal couples to keep a scrapbook of wedding images that they love.
While you hire a wedding photographer on the merits of their work, your photographer should also produce images that YOU want.
Let them know if there were images in their portfolio you didn't like, but also let them know what images they have shown you that you do like.
Having a scrapbook of favorite images helps the photographer give you what you want.
Tip 7 - Details.
Everyone remembers the big moments from your wedding day, but the story is in the details.
Make sure your photographer can also show you examples of detail shots from various weddings.
In a wedding album, detail shots are the glue that holds the star images together to bring the whole story of your wedding to life.
Tip 8 - Recommendations.
Nothing speaks louder about a photographer's ability than their testimonials.
What have other brides and grooms had to say about your photographer? I keep an extensive collection of recommendations from previous clients to help prospective couples be assured that I am actually capable of producing outstanding images AND being pleasant to be around (the two don't always go hand in hand).
Tip 9 - See a full wedding.
You'd be surprised how many people are out there who will quite happily steal others work and pass it off as their own.
If you see a photographer with only a few, admittedly outstanding, images on-line and a price that's too good to be true - it probably it.
You should always ask to see a full wedding, not just an album, but the FULL wedding.
That way you can gauge the constancy level of your photographer.
There is no point in hiring someone based on 5 great images if they are only capable of creating 5 great images per wedding and the rest are duds.
Tip 10 - Get along with your photographer.
Probably the most important.
If you don't gel with your photographer when you meet with them to discuss booking them (and you did meet them in person right?), then don't book them - no matter how talented they are, or tempting the price.
The number one most important, utterly non negotiable factor influencing the quality of your wedding photos is you.
If you feel uncomfortable with your wedding photographer, this will show in your faces, no matter how talented the photographer is.
Choose a photographer not only on talent, but how you get along with them.
A bride mentioned to me the other day that out of all the suppliers for her wedding, the photographer feels most like a guest.
They are there around you all the time, they mingle with your guests, they aren't hidden behind a kitchen door, they are working from the first moment of your day till almost the last.
If you wouldn't have them as a guest at your wedding, then don't hire them as your wedding photographer.