By now, the champagne’s popped and every single family member has death grabbed your hand to check out your ring. You start finding vendors on social media and every other photographer’s Instagram story is talking about how fast they’re booking up, and the panic sets in about when you should book your wedding photographer. 

 

Spring and Fall Dates Go the Fastest

The vast majority of wedding photographers work solo, which means that when the prime dates are filled there’s no wiggle room to get who you want. In Pa, the most popular months to get married are May, June, September, October, and November.

If you have your heart set on any of those months, book your photographer AT LEAST a year in advance. In my experience, most of my September and October dates last year were booked by October the previous year.

Now that COVID-19 has caused so many 2020 couples to reschedule, 2021 dates are going even faster due to rescheduling. Many couples are opting for weekday weddings, and Thursdays are becoming the new go-to for busy times of the year.

 

Holidays Also Get Snagged Quickly

Holidays are extremely popular and may book quickly, especially those that are over an extended weekend. These dates should be considered on the same level as prime dates and be booked at least a year in advance to make sure you reserve your spot.

 

Winter Dates Are More Lax

For winter weddings, you can typically get away with booking on a shorter notice (think six months in advance). Of course, this depends on the date you’re choosing as well, like New Years Eve or repetitive dates like 2/20/2021 could potentially go quickly.

 

-How to Get the Time of Year You Want-

 

Choose a less common day of the week

As expected, Saturdays are the most popular day of the week to get married, so if you know you want a popular month or a holiday, think about having the wedding on a different day of the week.

It’s not as common, but many photographers (me included) offer discounts on weddings that fall on a Monday-Thursday since they’re less common. As long as you send save the dates out early and know that some guests won’t be able to take time off work, switching the day of the week is a great way to save some money and get the prime months!

 

Pull the Trigger Quickly

Another thing to keep in mind is that when you inquire with someone you love, be prepared to book with them once you know they’re available and that you’ll be a good fit for each other.

I’ve had couples inquire when I’m available for their date, not respond to me for months, and then come back ready to book when it’s too late. All photographers book on a first come, first serve basis (most will give you a heads up when someone else inquires for your date) so be ready to pull the trigger when you find ~the one~

If you have any questions about when you should book your wedding photographer, or if you want to see if I’m available for your date, reach out!