What's your budget?
Weddings can be very expensive, and any photographer should understand couples wanting to keep costs down.
One thing we'd like to point out is that photos (and videos) are usually the only part of your wedding day you get to keep. Flowers will die, the venue won't let you in the next weekend, and your guests ate all the food and drank all the wine. You'll have the photos for the rest of your life though.
Some suppliers don't publish prices on their websites, and make you inquire to find out their costs. Personally we think this a bad way to do things, so we are always upfront on all our pricing.
Do you want photos of you and your partner getting ready?
This may sound a bit strange if you've never seen it before, but photos during this part of the day are often among couples' favourites. The bridesmaids' matching PJs, the groomsmen helping each other with their ties and cufflinks, the first time the bridal party see the bride in her dress.
If you decide you do want photos of this part of the day, then make sure you account for the time when choosing a package with your chosen photographer - this may bump you up to a more expensive package, depending on the timings of the day. You may also want to consider a second photographer, because it's hard to be in two places at once!
Is a second photographer the move?
Admittedly we are biased here - as we come as a pair - but having a second photographer can be really useful. The second can be with the other partner as they get ready, and then during the ceremony one photographer can be at the front of the venue, and the other at the back. This means they can cover all angles, capturing one partner entering and the reaction of the other partner simultaneously.
Having two photographers also helps during family photos, as one can take the photos while the other organises the groups. For the rest of the day, the second can get more angles of the speeches, the first dance, and everything else you've got planned.
Often photographers offer a second photographer (often called a second shooter) for only part of the day, if you don't feel the need to have the second for the whole day.
What about video or content creation?
When it comes to video, you really need to understand what you are looking to get at the end. We'd break it down to the following options:
1) A recording of the ceremony and/or speeches
This is something many photographers will be able to provide using a spare camera on a tripod.
2) Short videos to share on social media
This is what content creators are for, we would definitely look for recommendations here as we've heard some horror stories of very unprofessional content creators!
3) A "highlight" video of the key parts of the day
This will usually be set to music, as putting microphones on people all day can be a bit tricky. Some photographers can do this (they will probably call themselves hybrid photo/video), otherwise a dedicated videographer will be needed.
4) A longer video, with e.g. guest interviews, longer clips of the key points of the day with sound.
This is where you'd need a video team. At least one, probably two videographers, along with an assistant managing microphones, interviewing guests, etc.
As you've read, the crucial aspect of video is actually audio. Not many people want to spend their wedding day with microphones clipped to them, and camera-mounted microphones will only work when relatively close to the action.
Choosing a photographer from your shortlist
If you've gone through these steps, hopefully you have a shortlist of photographers that meet your needs.
Now's the time to check their reviews and availability on your wedding date.
Afterwards, we'd recommend asking them the following questions to help make the final decision:
1) Describe your data management system for the photos you take
The answer you're looking for: the photos should be backed up on multiple places/media types. The photographer should also use cameras with dual memory cards. Please don't entrust your wedding to someone with a pile of SD cards on their desk!
2) How do you organise family photos?
The answer you're looking for: you're looking for a system, a methodical way of getting these done as efficiently as possible.
3) Have you photographed at the venue before?
The answer you're looking for: we don't think it's vital to have photographed the venue before - there are a lot of venues out there. A skilled photographer can take good photos anywhere. But if they have been at the venue before, ask to see some photos from the venue - this could be a deciding factor for you.
Once you've chosen a photographer, make sure you read the contract they provide and make sure it says what happens if they can't make it on the day. If they don't have a contract - run!