You’ve met with your wedding photographer, have read the contract, and are ready to put the pen to the page and book your wedding photographer. Do you know what your wedding photography contract should include? Have you crossed all of your t’s, dotted your i’s, and made sure that you are getting exactly what you are paying for? I recommend these hints and tips when reviewing your wedding photography contract.

Spell Out The Day’s Specifics

All the specific details should be outlined in your wedding photography contract. Do you know if there is only that single photographer? Is he or she bringing along an assistant or a second photographer to help? If you know the exact times of your wedding day and reception, these should be in the contract so both you and the wedding photographer know when, and for how long, you will have wedding photography coverage.

You Know Who, You Know What, Now Tell Them WHERE

If you know where you are getting married at the time of booking with your wedding photographer, make sure to include the specific details of when and where inside the contract. This way, the wedding photographer is clear about what venue the ceremony is taking place at, where the location of the reception is, and any in-between pit stops there might be during your day. Is the reception location different from your ceremony location? Are the bridesmaids getting ready clear across town first? Make sure the wedding photography contract has the details, including addresses, telephone numbers, and a possible contact name and number for someone coordinating at the venue.

What Your Wedding Photography Package Includes

If any place at all, this is the place within the wedding photography contract where there should be NO questions or confusion! Be sure that the contract states exactly what is included in your agreement. This includes the length of time the wedding photographer is committed to, the number of people the photographer is bringing, how many final wedding photos you are expected to receive, the length of time it will take for you to receive your wedding pictures, and your rights as the bride and groom to republish and distribute your wedding pictures. Will there be a photographer logo on every picture? If you do not wish to have one, make sure this agreement is in the contract.

Pay Now, Pay Later, Or Both?

All wedding photography contracts outline some form of payment schedule. Many wedding photographers hold you to paying half the full amount upon booking. Some wedding photographers want the full payment up front. Others may set up a payment plan with you. Be sure you are aware of specific payment due dates in your wedding photography contract. Read the fine print. Some wedding photographers may book someone else for your wedding date if you do not pay on time.

In addition, because a wedding photographer is committing an entire day to shooting your wedding and your events, the photographer and his or her assistants will need to be fed! Your wedding photography contract should say what you will provide for them to eat. In most cases, there is time allotted for the photographer and assistants to eat during the wedding reception. Take care of your staff for your wedding day and they will do an the same for you!

Make Your Own Shot List

Many brides have certain photos they wish the wedding photographer to take during their special day. Many photographers will work with you before your day to add the photos you want to the master shot list. However, it is always a good idea to cover your tracks and put these into the wedding photography contract as well, making sure you get your favorite photos.

Cover Your Bases

Wedding photographer contracts should include a clause stating an alternative course of action should an emergency or illness arise. Will he or she hire someone else to shoot? Does the wedding photographer say that ill or not, he or she will absolutely be there? How will your memories be documented should something happen to the wedding photographer? Keep in mind that your wedding photographer contract should have these details included within it.

Think It Over

Give yourself and your fiancé time to truly think through each aspect of what is in the wedding photography contract. Every clause, every paragraph, every part that you must sign. This will give you the reassurance you deserve when booking your wedding photographer, knowing that this person will be there to catch every tear, every laugh, every hug, and every kiss of your wedding day.