One way we want to use our blog is to answer frequently asked questions from brides and other creative business owners. Today, we are answering a very frequently asked and pretty important question…

“When should I book my wedding photographer?”

Being the photography lovers that we are, one of the first things we think about when a big event happens in our lives is how we are going to take a photo of it so we can remember! I’m sure many of you out there are the same. So, of course, one of the first things that couples usually want to do after they get engaged is book an engagement session with a photographer. If your engagement was more on the expected side, you might have even been looking for a great couples/wedding photographer already, trying to picture yourself in their beautiful work! 

So, how soon is too soon and how late is too late? 

Well, first of all, there really is no too soon, but let me not get ahead of myself. The answer depends on a few things… do you want to use the same photographer for your engagement session and your wedding? How long of an engagement are you planning to have? What time of year are you planning to get married? 

Now, I know that seems like a lot of questions right off the bat, but we will help you answer them!

The very first thing you should do when you begin to look for a photographer is research. That’s right, you didn’t learn those research skills in english class for nothing! Scour social media and find some photographers in your area that you love. If you want more information on what to look for, check out our free email series by clicking here.

Here are a few things to think about before reaching out to a wedding photographer…

First, in our opinion, you definitely SHOULD use the same photographer from both your engagement session and wedding! Your engagement session acts like a first date. It allows everyone involved a chance to shake out all of the nerves and get to know one another. Plus, your engagement photos are a preview of what your wedding photographs are likely going to look like as well. If you don’t end up liking that photographer’s style, you still have a chance to change your mind for the big day! Many photographers offer engagement sessions as a complimentary bonus of booking your wedding with them! Make sure to check this out before you decide on going with them.

One of the saddest things that can happen is that you find a photographer that you love and that fits into your budget, but you learn that they are booked for your wedding date. So, here are two things to consider before reaching out. 

How long of an engagement do you want? Although the time it takes to plan a wedding may vary, the typical time is 6 to 12 months. Therefore, if you want a short engagement (4 months, for example), don’t be too surprised if you have a harder time finding a photographer that is available because most brides book a year in advance. 

This takes us to the next point. What time of year do you want to get married? Wedding seasons vary depending on what area you live in. For us in Tennessee, our wedding season is typically May through October, with October as the most popular month. If you really want to get married in October, just know that you want to book your wedding photographer as soon as possible because those dates go fast! If you don’t feel like you absolutely have to get married in the summer/fall, and you’ve found your dream wedding photographer that you can’t live without, consider scheduling your wedding date in their off season. So, for us, that’s November through April, but remember that may change based on where you live. Another tip if you are set on a very popular month is to schedule your date on a Friday or Sunday instead of Saturday. Not only may your photographer be available on an off date, your venue might also offer discounts for non-Saturday events.

Let’s put all of that together, once you are ready to book an engagement session, talk to your fiance about when you might want to get married. Then, do your research on photographers in your area, and narrow down your top three choices. Lastly, email them to find out if they are available for your wedding date, keeping in mind the wedding season in your area, and remember that there is no such thing as too soon!

I hope this helps! Happy wedding planning! 

If you want to join our Finding Your Dream Wedding Photographer email list click here.

-Chelsea