Before:
Wherever the bride is dressing make sure that she, the bridesmaids and everyone else dressing with her are ready for the photographer about one hour before the bride departs for the ceremony. Organize the hairdressers and make-up artists to look after the bride first and NOT last and with ample time to carry out their important roles.

Reception:
When planning the reception and in particular the actual time for the meal to be served, allow about an hour for the formals or location shoot to be photographed plus the traveling time involved after the ceremony. Reception caterers understandably hate being kept waiting and serving a luke-warm or dry meal that can affect their good reputation. 

Choosing Your Photographer: 

"To be or not to be, that is the question" is a famous Shakespearean quotation. In selecting a photographer a bride and groom have to ask themselves a similar question. How do they know they are selecting a PROFESSIONAL photographer or just an enthusiastic amateur who earns a bit on the side and has a nice camera.

In the wedding photography trade there are two main associations- the PPA or Professional Photographers Association and the A.I.P.P. or Australian Institute of Professional Photography.If your prospective photographer does not belong to either then make sure they meet all of your requirements and that you can put your total trust in their ability. Remember, you can't go back later and have your wedding re-photographed.

Talk To Your Photographer: When discussing your wedding plans with a prospective photographer, make sure you get a written quotation of how much it will cost you to cover your needs. Also, make sure when discussing any album plan ascertain whether the photos and enlargements are included in the all-up cost or not. Not only do many photographers not include the cost of the photos and enlargements in an album plan but do not make it clear to the bride and groom during their pre-wedding interview that this cost will be extra and cannot be determined until the bride and groom make their photo selection after their wedding.

Choosing Your Package: When planning your photography package select a package that you are comfortable with and fits your needs and desires. Don't buy a package only to fit a preconcieved budget. Remember...you cannot look back after your wedding day and reminisce about "what if" or "if only".