True Bliss Events Advice on Finding Your Perfect Wedding Photographer

Know Your Style

Go through magazines, website, venue albums – anything you can find to help you define your personal photography style

Find A Match

Websites are an amazing tool for quickly viewing photography portfolios.  Look for websites that feature images from a wide variety of weddings, location, provides testimonials from recently married couples, and matches your personal photography style.

Meet The Photographer

You will spend quite a bit of time with your photographer, so finding a personality match is essential.  Look for a photographer who is fun, professional, and genuinely interested in you.

Look For Professionalism

Find a photographer is is established, referred by multiples places, and consistently surprises you with creative touches and attention to detail.

Invent in An Artist

Invest in an artist who will photograph your Wedding Day in a way that tells your unique story.

Thank you Assura for your insight!!

In my opinion, tipping is considered a reward for exceptional service. Often considered an optional payment given in addition to a required payment, usually to express appreciation for excellent service.  Keep in mind, it never ceases to amaze me how far a  a  thank you note and referral will go!

 

Below are some basic tipping guidelines:

 

Transportation

Check your service agreement, gratuity is typically included. If not, plan to tip provided they are timely, and get you from point A to point B efficiently.

 

Protocol: Assumed

Standard: 15 – 20 percent, based upon service

Proper time to tip: At the end of your service

 

Hair Stylist / Makeup Artist

One area where a gratuity is expected. Tip between 15 – 20 percent just as you would in a salon. 

 

Protocol: Assumed

Standard: 15 – 20 percent, based upon service.

Proper time to tip: At the end of your service.

 

Officiant

If your officiant is affiliated with a church or synagogue, you are typically expected to make a donation to that organization.  If you’re using a nondenominational officiant, no tip is required because you are paying for their time.

 

Protocol: Anticipated

Standard: Donate $150 – 500+ to the institution.

Proper time to tip: If not required prior to the ceremony by the church or synagogue, have the Best Man pass the cash envelope at the rehearsal or rehearsal dinner if they are in attendance.

 

Ceremony and Reception Musicians /DJ

Consider tipping for superior performance. 

 

Protocol: Discretionary

Standard: $20 – $30 per musician

Proper time to tip: At the end of the ceremony,  have the Best Man pass the cash envelope.

 

Photographer

If the photographer doesn’t own the studio, consider tipping.

 

Protocol: Not required

Standard: $50 – $200 

Proper time to tip: At the end of the session by the Best Man, or after you receive your proofs.

 

Reception Staff

Bartenders, waitstaff, parking, bathroom, and coat-room attendants tipping protocol are typically dictated by your contract. Most of the time, gratuity is included in your contract. If not,  ask ahead of time how many attendants will be working your event and calculate on a per person basis.

 

Protocol: Based on contract

Standard: $20 – $25 per bartender or waiter; $1 per guest for coat room and $1 per car for parking attendants.

Proper time to tip: My suggestion is the beginning of the event to encourage exceptional service.