One of the most important pieces of advice engaged couples can be given is not to skimp on their wedding photographs — always hire a professional photographer experienced in weddings.

Remember that after you have eaten the wedding cake, sold the bridal gown and enjoyed the honeymoon, all that is left as a permanent reminder of your wedding are your photographs.

Over the years I have heard many horror stories about brides who have cut back on this important aspect of their weddings and lived to regret it.

Professional photographers have told me of being hired to retake couples' wedding photographs, after a family friend who had been asked to perform the task, failed dismally to produce good-quality photos.

Apart from the expense involved in hiring a professional photographer after the event, there is the added cost of having the dress cleaned and the hair and make-up redone. It goes without saying that it is also rather difficult to recapture the special excitement of the day!

During the summer months, good photographers in Cape Town are much in demand and it is vital to book early — in some cases at least nine months to a year before the wedding.

Different style

As professional photographers use many different styles, it is a good idea to view their work before making a booking. Some prefer taking very formal, posed shots whilst others favour the more relaxed, natural look.

The style of wedding photographs has changed dramatically over the years and has become far more relaxed and fun, with the aim of capturing the mood of the day.

I always advise couples to spend as much time as possible looking at the wide variety of portfolios at Celebration House, to ensure that they choose a photographer whose style of work they really like.

The photographers who exhibit at Celebration House and on our website are all recommended and are experienced in wedding photography in particular.

Meeting the photographer

It's also a good idea to take time to meet the photographer, before agreeing to his or her terms. After all, your photographer could be around you for up to eight hours on your wedding day, so it is vital that you choose someone to whom you can relate and with whom you feel comfortable.

Consult with him or her in advance regarding the best time to take your photographs, especially in mid-summer when the sun is at its brightest. In this country a professional wedding photographer should be au fait with the special conditions created by the bright African sunshine.

If you would like to have your photographs taken on a beach, advise the photographer of this well in advance, so that he or she can check the tide tables to ensure that the beach you are heading for has not disappeared under high tide!

Many photographers offer special wedding packages. Find out upfront how many photographs will be taken and whether an album is included in the cost.

Even if you agree to a set number of photos, try to establish whether your photographer is flexible enough to be willing to capture any additional candid shots that may arise.

It is vital to stipulate what photographs you would like, and of whom. In addition to all the important role-players, you might like to ask for photos of the less obvious aspects, such as close-ups of the bouquets, the food and the menu (when quizzed, most couples can't remember what they ate at their wedding); the groom's buttonhole, the rings, the back view of the bride’s hairstyle (especially if it has been swept up for the occasion), and the invitation.

Don't forget to ask for a photograph of the back of your dress, which is after all the view that will be seen by all your guests when you walk up the aisle. Your new mother-in-law will also be delighted if you remember to ask for a photo of the groom with his mum!

It is important to discuss with your photographer the planned chain of events at your wedding, and to ensure that he or she is familiar with the ceremony proceedings and when photographs may or may not be taken.

Photos before the wedding

According to one of our leading photographers with whom I chatted recently, many couples today are agreeing to have their wedding photographs taken before the wedding.

I must confess that as a die-hard traditionalist I was a little horrified to hear this and my immediate response was: "But the bride is not meant to see the groom before the wedding!"

The photographer maintained, however, that all the brides whose photos he had taken before the ceremony have recommended this practice to their friends. He went on to say that, by doing so, the ceremony was a lot less stressful for the couple, as they had an opportunity to have some quiet time alone together, before taking their vows.

He maintained that the brides walked down the aisle with a lot more confidence, having met the groom alone earlier, and that there was far less chance of nervous rashes! It also meant that they had more time to spend with their guests after the ceremony.

In the case of evening weddings, by being able to photograph them earlier in the day, the photographer would have the advantage of better lighting. I have to admit that, after listening to his reasons, I was amazed to find myself nodding in agreement.

Extra services like websites, reprints

With digital photography having come of age, many photographers are now offering extra services — for example, couples are able to view their photographs on a website. This also means that family and friends around the world are able to see the photographs soon after the event.

I have found that many couples are unaware of the fact that some photographers keep the negatives and digital images and do not hand them over with your photographs. The reason for this is that they want to ensure that any reprints are of the same high quality as those they have given to you.

Professional photographers all use high-quality photo laboratories to develop their photographs and will not give you pictures that do not meet their standards. By keeping the negatives and digital images, they are assured that their name is not compromised in any way.

It is best to find out in advance what their policy is, so as to avoid any misunderstandings after the wedding.

Finally, I know I've said it before but it bears repeating: never assume anything! Always remember that, as it is your wedding and your money that will be paying for it, you can never ask enough questions.