Being a wedding photographer is not simple, it's not an easy job, and it certainly isn't easy money either.  And when it comes to choosing a wedding photographer, it's not simple, easy, or (in many cases) reasonably priced.

To try and take some of the pain out of the 'choosing a wedding photographer' process, I've listed my 10 Top Wedding Photography Tips' below.

1. Google is King : That's right, a simple search on Google will turn up thousands of wedding photographers, some good, some bad and some downright terrible.  My first top tip is to delve deeper than  just the first page of Google.  Some photographers spend their time taking great photographs, and not optimising their websites to appear on the 1st page of Google.  Delve deeper and you may just fine the perfect wedding photographer for your big day.
2. Meet & Greet : So you've short-listed a few photographers following your Google search, and you've made contact with them.  The next step is to meet them,  This is vitally important as you'll spend more time with your photographer on your big day than you will with anyone else, and you must be certain that you will all get along just fine on your big day.  It's a stressful day as it is, the last thing you need is a pushy photographer barking orders at you.
3. Money Talks : Well actually it doesn't, quality talks.  But if you like what you see (and you like the photographer) then it's time to discuss the packages and prices.  Don't be afraid of asking for a discount, and push for more.  If your wedding is on a weekday or out of season, then personally (as a seasoned wedding photographer) I'd rather be working than not.  Start at 50% discount (yes 50%) and see where you end up.
4. Free Extras : Simply put, you've agreed on a package and a price, now you should ask for some freebies, things like a free A2 canvas print, additional coverage of the first dance, ten free 10"x8" prints.  These all cost little or nothing to the photographer, but will add value to you and save you money.  Try it.  I defy any wedding photographer to lose a booking because they won't include some free prints into a package.
5. Paying a Deposit : This is vital.  Pay a sizeable deposit and then you are in a contract.  Your chosen photographer is booked for you, and you only, no stand-in photographer, no "2 weddings on one day" rubbish.  If you've booked him for the day, then you've booked him for the day.  A reasonable deposit to pay is 10%.  Warning : Some (like me) build into the contract that the fee is non-refundable.  Make an agreement that this is not the case, amend the contract (you should receive this in writing) and have both parties sign it.
6. It's Good to Talk : Keep in touch with your photographer.  Make sure (time and again) that the date is firmly inked in his diary.  Ask questions about the venue, group arrangements and timings, your photographer (if you've chosen well) will be vastly experienced and will be able to help you with your planning.
7. Lists Lists Lists : Make a list of all of the group arrangement you'd like.  There are a couple of rules however.  Keep it to a maximum of 10 groups.  More than 10 and you'll spend forever having group photos which will leave little time to mix and mingle.  Keep group shout to approx. 8 people (that's you two and three on either side).  This makes for a more pleasing arrangement and fills a 7"x5" photo perfectly.
8. Pre-Wedding Meeting : 2 weeks before your big day, meet, face to face with your wedding photographer, preferably at your chosen venue, to finalise the details of the day.  Provide your list of groups, and agree on timings and locations.  Your wedding photographer will make notes (to ensure that he knows what the arrangements are) and take notes (as in pound notes - yup, it's time to pay the balance).
9. Confirmation Please : So at your pre-wedding meeting, your wedding photographer made notes.  As him to confirm all of the detail back to you, in writing, so you can be certain that everything has been captured accurately.  Timings, locations, postcodes, names, special requirements, group shots - everything should be listed.  If it's wrong, tell him immediately.
10. Enjoy Your Big Day : It will be stressful, and it's will whizz by in a flash, but please enjoy your day.  Work with your photographer, and try to be accommodating.  Remember, you've paid hundreds or thousands for his expertise so you must allow him to 'run free' a little and be a bit bossy in order to meet your expectations.  If you chose well, you'll have fun, so will your guests and you're wedding photographer will be brilliant.

So there you go.  My Top Ten Wedding Photography Tips.  I could have written a Top Fifty I'm sure.  If you want to know more, just ask.  I'm friendly and will be happy to help.  Oh, and if you find any spelling mistakes, then I apologise - I've had a glass of wine !

Thanks, Rich.