How early should you book a wedding photographer? And in what order to book the rest

Insights · Wedding planning

You have just set your date, and the first question is: when should we book a photographer? The short answer is as early as possible. A photographer can only be at one wedding a day, and the most popular dates are the first to go.

In this guide you will find when to book your wedding photographer and videographer, which dates fill up first, the order in which to book all your other suppliers, and what to ask before you sign.

The short answer

Book your photographer as soon as you have three things: the date, the church and the reception venue. For Saturdays in spring, summer and September, couples often book a year or more in advance. For weekdays, Sundays or winter weddings there is usually more flexibility.

Why the photographer is one of the first to book

• One wedding a day. A venue may have two halls, a baker can make many cakes. The photographer is one person, and is with you from getting ready until the party.
• Saturdays are few. In a year there are only about twenty Saturdays from May to September, and every couple wants one of them.
• It is what remains. The flowers fade, the food is eaten, the music stops. The photographs and the film are what you will be looking at in twenty years.

Which dates fill up first

• Saturdays from May to October, with June and September among the most popular months.
• Long weekends and public holidays, such as Whit Monday (Agiou Pnevmatos), because they make it easier for guests travelling from afar.
• "Special" dates, such as repeating numbers or anniversaries.
• Weddings combined with a christening, which usually take place on a Saturday or Sunday.

If your date is flexible, a Friday, a Sunday or a wedding in winter gives you more options, and often a calmer day.

In what order to book everything else

Planning a wedding is easier when you know what comes first. An order that works for most couples:

• 1. Date, church and reception venue. Everything else depends on these. See the wedding churches in Patra and the wedding venues in Achaia.
• 2. Photographer and videographer. Straight after, because they are booked by date.
• 3. Music and DJ. They too can only play one party a day.
• 4. Decor and flowers. Once you know the venue and the style of the wedding.
• 5. Dress and suit. Wedding dresses need time for ordering and fittings.
• 6. Invitations and favours. Invitations are usually sent out two to three months before.
• 7. Hair, make-up and wedding rings. With a trial before the day.

What to ask before booking a photographer

• Are you available on our date? The first and simplest question.
• Can we see complete weddings? Not just the best shots, but a whole day from start to finish.
• What does the package include? Photography, video, album, next day shoot, drone.
• How is the date secured? With a contract and a deposit, so you can be sure your day is yours.
• When will we meet? Meeting before the wedding makes a huge difference to how comfortable you feel in front of the camera.

For more, see the 10 steps to choosing the right photographer and how much a wedding photographer costs.

What if the wedding is only a few months away?

Don't lose heart. Some dates stay free, and every year there are couples who plan their wedding in just a few months. Send us your date and we will tell you straight away if we are available.