The Interview

1. Photos of the ceremony and reception locations and information about any rules and regulations your photographer will be expected to follow.

2. Examples of wedding photos and videos you love.

3. An established budget. Your photographer should be able to deliver what you want, including all prints, albums and enlargements, for the amount you want to pay. Same goes for your videographer; editing, titles, music, packaging and high quality copies should all be part of the deal. If it isn't, you'd better keep shopping.

4. Background information about your wedding, including the date, time, length and location of the event, as well as how many guests you think will attend. In addition, your photographer will need to know the size of your bridal party and family, so they have an idea of how many formal shots to anticipate.

5. At least an hour of free time. Don't rush yourself with a too-tight schedule. There's a lot involved in this interview. You'll need time to look at the photographer's work, ask a lot of questions, talk prices and details, and most importantly, establish a rapport. It's so important that you not only like the photographer's work, but that you also like the photographer. This person will be rubbing elbows with all the most important people in your life. Better make sure they have a great attitude about you and your wedding.

6. A willingness to speak openly. Do you hate the way your nose wrinkles up when you smile? Do you have divorced parents who need be kept as far apart as possible? Now is the time to talk about the challenges you're facing. More than likely, your photographer will have a couple of great solutions up his or her sleeve.

7. An idea of the kind of coverage you want. If your dream album is a vision of formal portraits, say so. If you want dozens of black-and-white candids, now is the time to speak up. If a photographer or videographer really wants the job, they may tell you they can shoot any and every style you want. And maybe they can. Still, you're much better off letting their work speak for them. You want to hire a like-minded professional whose very best work is exactly what you're looking for.

8. Your intuition. Being a wedding photographer requires a tremendous amount of skill. He should be part psychologist, part artist, part historian, part drill sergeant and partly invisible. You might want him with you in your dressing room, snapping photos of you getting ready with your bridesmaids. You might want him with you at the altar, silently and imperceptibly taping the moment your veil is lifted. Whatever the case, your photographer will be at your wedding, mingling with your guests, organizing your grandparents on the lawn, and on your heels for most of the day. You should like who he is, and feel comfortable having him at your wedding.

9. Printable worksheets that detail all the pictures you and your photographer should plan for.