The Best Time to Book a Wedding Photographer
After the emotional whirlwind of getting engaged has started to settle, and you and your partner feel well-rested from the engagement celebration, it is time that you take the next big step – planning your special day! Among the first things to consider, apart from choosing a venue, is book a wedding photographer that will immortalize some of your most cherished memories, for at the end of the day, nothing stays forever but the images.
I advise you to read my previous article before reading this article:
Read more: What to focus on when starting to plan your wedding
Even if your wedding is at home or book the most luxurious venue in Chicago, the photographer’s role is crucial to capture beautiful images and preserve the memory for you.
As I have mentioned in the previous blog posts, wedding photographers in Chicago, book their clients a year in advance. It has happened a lot, when two couples reached out to book your services for the same date.
At this moment, my team and I can only accept one client per date, so, sadly, I had to say no to one of them. If you are unsure when is the Best Time to Book a Wedding Photographer in Chicago, worry not, I am here to give you the answer.
1-Play it safe
The traditional timeline suggests to Book a Wedding Photographer 12 months prior to your wedding. This is especially true if your chosen date falls on a weekend – Saturday and Sunday are the busiest days to tie the knot.
Even if your big date is on a weekday, I would not recommend starting your photographer search less than 9 months before the event.
Also, the wedding season in Chicago is mostly from May all the way to October, however, July, August, and September are the busiest time of the year for wedding photographers.
Please consider that when you are in search of a wedding photographer, The chance that you find your desired wedding photographer in the summer is available would be less. Act fast!
To play it safe and ensure that you’ve chosen the best wedding photographs in Chicago for your big date next year, you should begin your extensive search during the winter months – especially in December and January.
This will give you enough time to consider your options, discover the average wedding photographer cost, and learn about the wedding photography packages they offer.
You will still have plenty of time to schedule consultations with your top choice and discuss your vision in detail.
Read more: How many hours of wedding photography do you need?
If you wish for a seamless photography experience that will follow a well-developed timeline, so it does not interrupt the rest of your wedding, book wedding photographer approximately a year ahead.
And if you want to entrust your digital memories to an expert, book a free consultation with me. I would love to discuss my services and help turn your vision into a reality!
2-Do not despair; If you can’t book a wedding photographer in time
Even if you have not had the chance to book your photographer one year in advance, or for any reason, you changed your mind about the photographer you have chosen already and decided to talk to another artist, don’t make the assumption that he/she is not available, only because your wedding date is close.
If you admire someone’s work, it won’t hurt to reach out and schedule a consultation session (contact me) and check the photographer’s availabilities.
Even though I _and many other wedding photographers_ accept a certain number of weddings each year, I really don’t mind accommodating another couple or two if we both feel that we are a good match.
As I stated in my “about me” page:” My ideal clients are whom my soul loves!”
Read more: How to Find the right Wedding Photographer?
Sometimes, when I am not available on a date anymore, I still can help you by referring you to another professional wedding photographer whose style is similar to mine.
I know many professional wedding photographers in the Chicagoland area who have different styles:
- Life-style wedding photographers,
- storytelling wedding photographers,
- documentary wedding photographers,
- Modern wedding photographers,
- Bohemian wedding photographers,
- Photojournalists Wedding photographers,
- Editorial wedding photographers,
- Fine art wedding photographers,
- Traditional and Classic wedding photographers, etc.
Read more: choose your wedding storyteller wisely!
I am always eager to help.
3-Don’t Rush
Never Rush it! Don’t see it as black and white. Right! You need to act fast however this is not supposed to be a rigid project with a strict deadline.
You should get to enjoy planning your wedding and make sure that you feel right about the people you are going to work with on your wedding day.
Always try to interview a couple of photographers before signing the agreement and paying the deposit. If they offer a Free Engagement Session, make sure to take advantage of that before signing the contract and purchasing the wedding packages.
This way you will get a chance to work with him/her and get to know, not only the photographer’s style, but also, his/her character as a person.
Once you received the images and liked every single of them and you felt there is a connection between you and the photographer, it is time to sign the contract and book your artist for your wedding.
Read more: Do you need an engagement photoshoot?
4-Be cautious when you want to book a wedding photographer
Don’t be desperate and book just ANY photographer! There are some photography companies in Chicago and in the US, that they offer cheap wedding photography services. They always have availabilities and their prices may sound very tempting, but please don’t risk your One-and-only wedding day.
In a blog post I explained everything in details, Please read and make sure not to fall into thier trap.
Read more: Don’t hire a cheap wedding photographer!
Always, always, always reach out to the photographer you admire, and check his/her availabilities. If he/she is not available, ask to refer you to other photographers.
FYI, there is private Facebook group for the Chicago Wedding Photographers, in which we all get connected.
If I get an inquiry and I am already booked on that date, I ask my other friends to inform me if they are available to shoot, and then I will get back to you with a list of available great wedding photographers to shoot your wedding. Easy 🙂
Let’s be in touch!
