When you’re knee-deep in wedding planning, booking your photographer can feel like just another to-do. But this decision? It’s a big one. Your photos are how you’ll remember the magic (and the chaos), long after the last glass of Champagne is poured.

Here are five common mistakes couples make when booking their wedding photographer — and how to avoid them like a pro.

1. Prioritising Price Over Style

We get it – weddings are expensive. But booking someone just because they’re the cheapest can cost you way more in regret later. If you’re dreaming of editorial, timeless, or documentary-style imagery, make sure the photographer’s portfolio matches your vibe – not just your budget.

Pro tip: Set your budget after you fall in love with a style. It’ll help you understand what’s realistic and what’s worth stretching for.

2. Not Meeting Your Photographer First

Would you invite a stranger to your wedding, stick them in the middle of your closest moments, and hope for the best? Personally that’s not my vibe. Chemistry is everything. Your photographer is with you more than your maid of honour, so it matters that you actually… like them.

Pro tip: Always schedule a call, Zoom, or in-person chat. It’s not about small talk — it’s about trust.

3. Forgetting to Ask the Right Questions

Most couples ask about price and packages — but what about backup plans? Editing timeframes? How they handle chaos when the timeline inevitably blows out?

Pro tip: Come prepared with questions like:

• What’s your backup plan if you’re sick?
• Have you shot at our venue before?
• How do you handle low light/last-minute weather changes?

(Or just steal this: I’ve made a free downloadable checklist with all the essential questions.)

4. Not Reading the Fine Print

Contracts aren’t just legal fluff — they spell out things like how many hours you’re getting, image usage rights, and whether you’re allowed to have Uncle Bob with his DSLR over your shoulder all day (please don’t).

Pro tip: Make sure you know what’s included, how many edited images you’ll receive, and what the overtime policy is.

5. Waiting Too Long to Book

The best photographers? They book out fast. Like, “just got engaged and already missed your fave” fast. If you’ve found someone whose work makes your jaw drop, don’t wait. Your date isn’t guaranteed until that contract is signed and deposit is paid.

Pro tip: Secure your photographer early — often right after locking in your venue.

Wrapping It Up: Book With Confidence

Your wedding photographer isn’t just someone taking pretty pictures — they’re preserving the story of your day, your people, your weird uncle’s dance moves. Avoid these five common mistakes and you’ll set yourself up for photos that feel like you — real, radiant, and unforgettable.

Planning your wedding? Let’s chat and see if we’re the right fit. Enquire here — no pressure, just good vibes and honest advice.