There’s a definitely a reason people use the phrase, “your big day,” to describe weddings — because these are nothing short of a really, really big deal. It’s a huge day, filled with mishmash of emotions, your wedding is something you look forward to, starting a new life with the one you love. When you first enter the world of amateur wedding planning, you’ll certainly have an idea of what you want, but, when you begin to add-up all the various costs, the bottom line can be a scary shocker.

It’s perfectly fine to cut costs where you can, but, there are certain things you just can’t compromise. For instance, you might have a friend that makes beautiful veils, and, you’ve seen them and absolutely love the look. You could also have a family member or friend that’s a florist and is willing to give you a wholesale deal, which will save you a lot of money. Those are great ways to save, getting something of real value for little in return. When it comes to the photographer, you simply can’t take the chance of going for the cheapest deal just to save money.

Finding the Right Wedding Photographer

Of course, you’ll want to find a few professionals from which to choose, but that itself can be a challenge. The biggest considerations you’ll have to take into an account are: experience, equipment, style,and support. You’ll need a photographer that has a hefty portfolio, has the right equipment for all kinds of shots, can deliver the style you most want, and, has the support to pull-off being in two places at once.

Unlike the work of your other wedding vendors (music, flower arrangements, cake), photographs aren’t things you can hear, smell, taste or even see at first — you don’t really know what you’re getting until after the fact. That means careful research and selectiveness regarding professional skills, artistic style and personal demeanor are extra-important when choosing your photographer. —The Knot.com

Many pros will have most on this list, meaning experience, equipment, and support. What will separate one from all others is style, and, that’s who will likely be the best fit for your wedding. There are four types of style you’ll probably choose from: documentary, portraiture, fine art, and edgy-bold. Documentary focuses on capturing moments as they happen rather than poses, while portraiture is posed photos of you as a couple, along with other photos of those in the wedding party, family, and friends against various backgrounds. Fine art is gorgeous and dramatic grainy, dreamy captures, while, the edgy-bold style uses unconventional framing and titled angles.

The Importance of Hiring a Good Photographer for Your Wedding Day

It’s not just about choosing from those who have the experience, portfolio, and style to impress that ought to go into your ultimate decision, but also, what it means to you, your future husband, and, your memories. Here are some good reasons why it’s important to hire a good photographer for your wedding day:

  • You’ll need a seasoned professional because it will be an emotional day. There’s a big difference between photographers who routinely shoot nature or other subjects and wedding pros. Experienced wedding photographers know how to work with the couple, particularly the bride, to get the best shots.
  • Just because someone has shot weddings before doesn’t necessarily make him or her a professional. Another huge difference between true professionals and those who’ve shot a few weddings is his or her familiarity with different venues, locations, and all the nuances of each. Those can pose quite a challenge to individuals who aren’t real pros, and, your wedding will be treated more like an experiment than precious moments.
  • You’re going to be looking at the photos for the rest of your life. There’s just no way around to get around the fact that your wedding photos are forever, especially in the digital age. You certainly don’t want to take the risk and suffer the cringeworthy circumstances.
  • Good photographers know what angles and shots to get. You don’t want to be a disappointed bride that must face the fact that although you looked spectacular, you’re left with sub-par photographs that are at-best mediocre.
  • Bad photographers might opt to over-edit work. In addition to the reasons above, if you don’t hire a great photographer, you’ll be at the mercy of someone who might turn to Photoshop for desperate fixes.

The bottom line is that you get what you pay for and you ought to be comfortable with your choice. Go with a true professional wedding photographer and you’ll avoid a mountain of regret.