It doesn't matter how much money was spent or how big an affair it became. Once the cake has gone and the dance floor has cleared, the only things that remain of a wedding are the vows, the memories and the pictures. It truly pays then to spend time finding a wedding photographer that will do the day justice. Following are a few things to keep in mind when looking for the perfect wedding photographer:

Start Early

The best wedding photographers are often booked as much as a year in advance, so it is important to start looking for a photographer as soon as the wedding date has been picked

Find Your Style

Gone are the days of cookie cutter wedding photos. Today, wedding photographers can specialise in lots of different types of photography from candid shots to digital effects. Spend some time looking at other couple’s photographs first to get a sense for what types of shots and styles of photography you like. Not only does this help to narrow down your pool of potential photographers, but it also makes it easier to describe exactly what is desired.

Feel Out the Photographer

Spend some time with the photographers in person to get a feel for their personality. This can be combined with a viewing of their portfolio, which should contain at least some wedding photographs in your style of choice. If there is a lot of discomfort from being in their presence or it’s uncertain how their personalities will mesh, it might be best to keep looking. Otherwise, some good questions to ask the photographer include:

· Do you photograph weddings professionally or for fun?

· How many weddings have you photographed before?

· How do you plan to dress at the wedding?

· Do you have any references?

Clarify Technical Issues

When working with photography agencies that employ more than one photographer, make sure the samples are from the same photographer that will be sent to the wedding. Also, don’t be afraid to ask what kind of equipment will be used in photographs. Though the technical details may not all make sense, it will help to prepare for any elaborate setups and could prevent avoid poor quality photos.

Understand the Package

Whether or not a photographer is affordable depends on two things: their price and the details of their photo packages. Make sure it’s clear exactly how many photographs and what sizes can be expected for the final price. If there are specific types or locations of shots or multiple dates involved, make sure that this is discussed ahead of time to avoid any surprise billing.

It’s also a good idea to clarify whether or not negatives will come with the final photos. If the photographer keeps the negatives, they may charge additional fees for reprints of photos.

Read the Contract

Reputable wedding photographers will not typically work without a contract, so be wary of anyone who chooses to forego one. Contracts should, at minimum, put into writing:

· Photographer and/or business information

· Price, deposits and payments

· Photograph packages and delivery dates

· Date(s) and length of time of commitment

· Cancellation and refund policies.

Make sure the contract is read and understood ahead of time, and that both parties have signed it in advance of the wedding dates.

By following these few simple tips, brides can help to ensure that their wedding photographer will keep the memories alive for years to come.