Formal Photos. Most couples want some formal family and group shots of their wedding. They are often the "set pieces" of the day (Best man and bridesmaids, Brides family, Grooms family, Confetti shot, Cutting the wedding cake etc). These, if you like, are the historical record. For some couples this may all that may be required. For others these shots may be a small part of the photography, and the couple may want to keep them to a minimum.

Candid, Reportage, Informal Photos. These are much more relaxed shots, catching the bride and groom and their guests during the day. The shots aim to build a story of the day, and to get pictures of the wedding couple and their guests as themselves and enjoying the day.

Creative, Artistic shots. The wedding couple may want to hire a photographer who can also add an artistic, contemporary style to some or all of the pictures. This may include fashion magazine type shots, or adjustments to colour and contrast.

How much coverage do you want? Do you want your photographer to be with you from the moment you rise until the last dance or do you only want them at the ceremony or until the first dance? Most photographers will have a range of packages to suit your needs, ranging from ceremony only to full day coverage (and some will even go beyond that if required and join you on the stag night or include some studio or on location engagement shots in the package).

Check photographer capabilities. The internet gives you a great opportunity to view the work of a wide range of photographers and help you to build a shortlist of the photographers you would like to go to see. Most photographers will have an on-line gallery which will give you a good indication of the type of photography they like to do. When you meet with a photographer, ask to see further samples of their work, and look for examples of a full wedding rather than a "Best of.." compilation culled from a number of weddings. (If you want a candid photographer, do the example pictures tell the story of the day? As a quality test, do the photos show the subtle details of the wedding dress). Does the photographer have Professional qualifications (not just memberships)? Has the photographer won any awards for their wedding photography, or do they have testimonials from previous weddings?

Does the photographer's style match your ideas? Does the style of photography match your own ideas on the results you want to see in your wedding photographs?

Time, Location and Advice. Has the photographer worked at the Church/Reception you are using? Does the photographer have ideas on good location shots either at the Church/Reception or close by to get the best results? Do your wedding timings(season/time of day) enable the photographer to get the results you are looking for? If the photographer is pro-actively giving you sound advice on how to get the pictures you want, or offering options you have not considered, it is a good sign that you will end up with good results.

Meet the Photographer. It is fundamentally important to meet the photographer that would actually do your wedding. You need this to be confirmed to you. Check that the work you see is the individual photographer's work, and not examples from the company he/she works for.

Do you like the photographer? If you like the photographer (and he/she has met your criteria for the quality and style of work you want done), you will have a much better wedding day, and get much better results if you enjoy being with the person who will take the pictures.

Will the photographer take time to build a rapport? What pre-wedding activities does the photographer offer to provide? For example: Pre wedding run-through, Site visits together, Studio portrait session.