As long as people believe in the institution of marriage, wedding photographers will always have a job to do! For a couple embarking on a new life together, choosing the right photographer becomes an important part of things to do before the wedding. No one wants fuzzy images of the ceremony or embarrassing pictures of a tipsy best man!

Wedding photographers are usually self-employed professionals who undertake everything from actual photography at the location or in a studio to mounting the pictures in an album and delivering it to the happy couple. The first step in choosing a photographer is to shortlist a few and ask friends to recommend any they?ve been happy with. Don?t let only the price factor determine who you choose; it?s more advisable to spend a little extra to ensure quality.

It?s a good idea to meet up with a few photographers to review earlier work and discuss price and other factors. Ask them everything you need to know about their method and style of working, facilities for studio portraits, type of finished product, maximum number of pictures, extra charges, cancellations, etc. Most importantly, try and gauge a photographer?s personality and whether you will be comfortable working with him. A wedding day tends to get emotional, and chances are he will have to deal with a lot of tears and other drama before the day is out. Can he take it?

Before you make a decision, ask to see complete coverage of a wedding he?s photographed. That will give you an idea of his style, creativity, and technical expertise. Decades down the line, photographs might be the only way you remember your special day, so you want them to last.

Usually wedding photographers will charge in the range of a thousand dollars, though rates may differ, depending on experience and reputation. Some photographers charge a set fee for all pictures taken while others charge a fixed assignment fee and charge separately for each print ordered. Remember to set aside a little extra in your budget in case you need extra shots or plan to order another set of prints.

It?s your big day and maybe the only time you get married, so make sure you have some stunning pictures to record the happy event.