This article is edited by a professional wedding consultant.

Wedding photography etiquette is not as set in tradition as other wedding practices, so it is mostly at your discretion. Here are some options and general common sense guidance that will help you make good decisions.

Professional vs. Amateur

The choice is a professional photographer or your friend / family member. You walk the fine line between cost and quality. A professional wedding photography does not have to be extravagantly expensive - most professionals have multiple wedding packages and can negotiate various deals with you, making the cost very reasonable and affordable. A professional will always provide you more photographic awareness of the nuances of weddings - they can capture things an amateur cannot. Always ask a professional for their resume, portfolio, references, and standard price schedule - if they cannot provide these, then you do not want to use them.

By using a family member or friend, you may save some money, but at what cost? If they do not capture what you want, this may taint the relationship for you, and bring back bad memories every time you see them.

Black and White vs. Color

Though black and white versus color is an ongoing debate, using both is always a good decision. There are cyclical trends toward black and white film at weddings. Black and white wedding photos are generally more classic and dramatic in appearance, capturing emotional impact through the subtle and dramatic contrasts.

Color wedding photos can capture more detail such as the various colors of the wedding flowers, the subtle blush of the bride, the color hues of the food, the wedding cake, and the decorations, the background colors of the weather, the wedding ceremony, and the wedding reception, and the quirky nuances of the wide variety of guest attire.

Formal Photos

These are some of the more formal, traditional settings for wedding photos.

Before the wedding ceremony. If the Bride and Groom do not want to see each other before the wedding, then this may be more for family and guests as they arrive. You may want to focus especially on the Bride and Groom parents. Informal photos that can still benefit from formal poses are behind the scenes photos of the Bride preparing with her bridesmaids and the Groom nervously pacing with his best man - these may also be nice to have as emotional reminders.

During the wedding ceremony. This option should be only for the professional wedding photographer. Guests should be advised not to take photos - unless you are OK with hearing the clicks and flashes of multiple cameras, which can influence a smooth and somber flow of a wedding ceremony.

Between the wedding ceremony and wedding reception. The Bride and Groom, Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, and parents are photographed at various sites - the wedding ceremony site (e.g. alter, sanctuary), outside the wedding site, or other visually appealing sites. An important thing to remember is to not make your guests wait for you at the reception. The after ceremony photos should be a fast as possible so you can get to the reception in a timely manner.

During the wedding reception. The Bride and Groom can briefly sneak away to be photographed near the wedding reception area - it is more difficult to get the entire wedding party and parents to get away, but is always an option. Be careful that you do not spend too much time away from your wedding reception guests.

After the wedding reception. After the grand exit, the Bride and Groom can meet the photographer for some photos, with more relaxation and no nervousness. The Bride may want to have her makeup re-done, for a fresh appearance.

Informal Photos

Your many guests can sometimes capture things that one hired photographer cannot. Place inexpensive disposable cameras in the center of each wedding reception table with a printed encouragement for them to use them and then leave them on the table. Encourage your guests to capture candid, humorous, and touching photos as the reception unfolds. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Photography As Gifts

There are recent trends towards using wedding photography as a part of the gift registry. Family, friends and guests can purchase wedding photography certificates that the Bride and Groom can use for their wedding. This saves them money, and provides a wonderful, memorable gift that they will always keep.

Picture how you would like to remember this once in lifetime special event, and then make those excellent choices. Click!

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