What to Tell Your Wedding Photographer: The Honest Stuff That Saves Your Day

The right info turns “pretty pictures” into your story. Here’s what to tell your photographer—people, moments, quirks, boundaries—so the gallery looks and feels like you.

If we’re working together, I want your photos to feel like you. Not stiff. Not copy-paste. Real. And a big part of that is knowing what to tell your wedding photographer before the day. Think of this as your stress-free download—things we’ll talk through so you don’t carry it alone.

Start with the heart: what kind of energy do you love? Quiet and romantic? Loud and fun? Both? Give me a sense of your vibe so I can match how I direct. If you love movement—walking shots, veil toss, dancing in the hallway—I’ll build space for that. If you’re camera-shy, we’ll do tiny prompts that feel natural, not forced.

Now the logistics. Tell me the timeline anchors: ceremony time, sunset, travel between locations. A six-hour day hits different than eight or ten (more on that in “Related reading: 6 Hour Wedding Photography Timeline”). If golden hour portraits are a must, I’ll reverse-engineer the schedule so you’re not sprinting in heels at the last minute.

Let’s talk people—the beautiful and the complicated. Share the family dynamics I should know: divorces, step-parents, sensitive pairings. I’ll organize the formal list in a way that’s respectful and quick. Also, drop your five must-have moments—not a 50-item checklist, just the non-negotiables that matter to you. Everything else? I’ll chase the real moments.

Venue + light. If we’re outside, I’m watching sun and shade. If we’re indoors, I’m watching windows and ceilings. Tell me if there’s a no-flash rule at the ceremony or a dim reception. I’ll bring the gear and a plan. If you’re still figuring out the look you love, peek at “Related reading: Different Wedding Photography Styles” and—honestly—take two minutes for “What Is My Wedding Photography Style.” It’s a quick gut-check.

Then the comfort things nobody mentions. Shoes for portraits vs. shoes for dancing. A tiny emergency kit. A wrap for wind or AC. If your dress bustles, tell me the plan so we can move fast between portraits and reception. If there’s a cultural moment (tea ceremony, hora, money dance), tell me the timing and who’s leading it—I’ll be right where I need to be.

Finally, the tradeoffs. If you’re looking at budget friendly wedding photographers, ask yourself what you’re actually willing to trade—coverage hours, second shooter, album now vs. later. And if you’re wondering how much should a wedding photographer cost, it’s not just a number; it’s time, systems, and consistency.

Tell me the truth about what you care about. I’ll build around that. That’s how we make photos that live forever and a day that feels easy.