We know that planning a wedding is very demanding for every couple. The couple and the families of the couple have to iron out all of the little details from what type of flowers the bride will be holding to the venue for the reception to what the color scheme or theme of the wedding is going to be. But what is one of the single most important aspects of the wedding? The photography and videography.

We are a little biased when we say that but it is completely true! The wedding photographers and videographers capture all of the integral moments and traditions of the wedding. They encapsulate the small details and emotional instances that the couple may or may not witness on their wedding day. The photographs and video last forever so it is significant that the couple plans, books and works out all the details with the wedding videographer and photographer thoroughly.   

The average couple today takes about one year to arrange their wedding because of multiple reasons, especially because there is so much that goes into planning. But we have the perfect timeline and checklist for you and your fiancé that will make organizing with your wedding videographer and photographer a simple process.

So here we go… You are engaged. Congratulations! One year until your wedding starts now. 

12 months

• Book the photographer and/or videographer - Once you find the photographer/videographer you would like to work with, you will be establishing the number of hours that the photographer and/or videographer will be working for and the package that you will be budgeting for. Your photographer/videographer should be able to help prepare a tentative schedule with you at the consultation.  Expect to pay a 50% deposit on the day of the signing. 

• Establish the major details - Some of the big details include what venues the bride and groom will be dressing, the ceremony location and the reception, if you and your fiancé want to do the first look, the style of video you would like and so on.

10 months

• Schedule the engagement shoot - The engagement photos are pretty important for the couple to have in order to have nice photos from their engagement period. Need help planning for the engagement shoot? Check out our blog How to Prepare for your Engagement Shoot for helpful tips and tricks!

8 months

• Attend your engagement photo session - Once all of the photos are edited (which takes about 2 to 4 weeks), this will be the perfect time to look through all the photos, pick the ones you like and put them in your Save-The-Date. 

2 months

• Fill out the checklist - At this point, R.E.M. will be sending you a list of items for you and your fiancé to fill out with all of the important details about the day. Some of these include the contact information of the bride and groom, location addresses, the timing of events, parking and travel arrangements, vendor meals, and special notes. 

• Fill out photo guideline - What kind of photos would you like us to take? What traditions are important to capture? These are the types of questions you’ll be asked in the photo guideline. It is really important to establish with your photographer and videographer what kinds of photos/videos you would like and what the important traditions and events will be on your wedding day so the photographer can meet your wants and needs to the best of their ability.

• Select your music - It would be a great idea to send your videographer the music selections for your wedding video. The music not only sets the tone for the wedding video but it also adds another layer of meaning and importance to the video as well. Usually, three songs are recommended for the couple to select and send to the studio. The studio will provide you with a list of songs that they have rights to use for wedding videos.  

• Schedule a meeting with your photographer and/or videographer - You'll be able to get to know your photographer and/or videographer more than just having a vendor-to-client relationship. Here you will be able to address any concerns, specific traditions and other important facts you believe they should know about.

2 weeks

• Provide the other 50% of your agreed upon quotation. 

1 week

• Final call to address any changes - Were there any last minute changes to photo session locations? Are there any weather accommodations that need to be taken into account? How about new worries that popped up? Talk about them! Your photographer/videographer should be in the know about everything and anything about your wedding. 

Following this checklist will ensure a stress-free wedding day. You won’t be preoccupied with whether or not the photographer and videographer are getting what you want them to or if they know about insecurities you and your fiancé have. They most likely have been doing this for years and their only goal is to bring you the best quality and professional work. So on your day, you can focus on what really matters: the love and excitement of getting married to your better half.