Wedding photographer – photos that show your wedding dress at its best

We don't sell photography, but we see a lot of weddings. Here's what our brides ask the photographer.

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How do we find out whether the wedding photographer is free on our date before we start on the wedding dress?

Ask the wedding photographer about the date first of all, and get the answer by email, not just verbally. Saturdays in June, July and August are booked first, often more than a year ahead. Put the date, the time of the ceremony and the town in your first message, and you will get a clear answer straight away instead of emails back and forth. The date also decides when the wedding dress needs to be bought and altered, so check the photographer early. You can read about what else should be booked early under planning the wedding.

How long before the wedding should we book a wedding photographer, and should it happen before buying the wedding dress?

Book the wedding photographer as soon as the date and venue are settled, ideally 9-12 months ahead if you are marrying on a Saturday in the summer half of the year. A photographer can only do one wedding at a time, so there is no queue to jump. If you are late, ask anyway, because cancellations happen all year. Many couples book the photographer before the wedding dress, as the dress rarely needs ordering more than six months ahead. See in which order venue, photographer and dress should be booked under planning.

Why should we ask the photographer how many weddings and wedding dresses they have photographed before?

The number of weddings shows whether the photographer knows the rhythm of the day, so ask about both the total and how many were last season. An experienced wedding photographer knows when the tears come and where to stand when you walk out of the church, without anyone noticing. It is experience, not the camera, that decides whether those moments make it into the pictures. A seasoned photographer also knows how to light a white wedding dress so the details do not disappear. You will find more advice on choosing suppliers on our blog.

How do we know whether the photographer has experience with a wedding and a wedding dress in our size and style?

Ask the wedding photographer to show examples from weddings similar to yours in number of guests, venue and season. A wedding with 25 guests in a garden and one with 120 guests in a banqueting hall need two different ways of working. If the photographer has only done summer weddings, ask about the light if you are marrying in November. Also ask for examples with a wedding dress in the same style as yours, for instance with a long train or lace. If you still need to choose a venue, see our advice on choosing a venue.

Can we ask the wedding photographer to see a full gallery and not just the best pictures of wedding dresses?

Yes, ask for a full gallery, because a portfolio is the twenty best pictures from a hundred weddings. A complete gallery shows what you will actually get: what the group photos look like, whether the party is bright enough and whether there are gaps in the day. If the photographer says no out of respect for another couple's privacy, that is fair, but then ask for a gallery from a couple who have said yes. In a full gallery you can also see whether the wedding dress looks as good indoors as in the portfolio. Find inspiration for your own pictures under inspiration.

Can we get references from couples the photographer has worked with before, including pictures of the bridal gown?

Yes, most wedding photographers are happy to give references from previous couples. Read reviews too, but preferably talk to a couple who married more than six months ago, because then they also know how the delivery and contact were afterwards. Ask about something specific: did the pictures arrive on time, and was the photographer easy to reach along the way? Feel free to ask to see a few pictures of the bridal gown from their day, so you can see how fabric and colour came out. Good advice on keeping track of all the agreements is under wedding planning.

Which photography style should we choose for our wedding and the wedding dress: documentary, classic or fine art?

Choose the photography style you would like hanging on your wall in twenty years. Broadly speaking there are three: documentary, where the day is photographed as it happens, classic with more posed pictures, and fine art, where the pictures are deliberately composed and edited. Look at the pictures, not the words, because all wedding photographers use the same words about themselves. Think of the wedding dress too, as a simple dress stands out in fine art, while a dress with lots of detail often benefits from classic close-ups. Carry the style through the rest of the day with ideas from wedding inspiration.

How do we find out whether the photographer's editing is light, dark or warm, and how the wedding dress will look?

Ask to see a full gallery rather than single pictures, and you will see the photographer's consistent editing style. It is the part couples are most often surprised by afterwards. Some deliver light, airy pictures, others dark and saturated ones, and cool editing can make an ivory wedding dress look grey. Say clearly if you do not want a strong colour style. You can see the difference between white and ivory among all our wedding dresses.

Will we also get our wedding photos in black and white from the photographer, and how does the wedding dress look in them?

It varies from photographer to photographer, so ask before you book. Some deliver a selection in black and white on top, others only the pictures they think work best that way. Black and white is good for pictures where the light is messy or the background colourful, for example in a packed banqueting hall. In black and white the cut, lace and fabric texture of the wedding dress often stand out more clearly, because the colours do not steal the attention. If black and white pictures matter to you, get it written into the agreement. More ideas for wedding photos are on our blog.

Should we choose a photographer who directs the day and poses us in the wedding dress, or one who stays in the background?

Choose the type of wedding photographer that suits you, because there is no single right answer. A photographer who directs gets more usable group photos and a schedule that holds. A photographer who stays in the background gives you a day that feels free, but then you have to say when the family needs lining up. A directing photographer will happily arrange the train and veil, while a discreet one catches the wedding dress in motion. Ask directly how the photographer works. A toastmaster can also keep the programme on track, see planning.

Will we also get posed portraits in the wedding dress if our photographer mostly shoots candidly?

Yes, usually, because a documentary wedding photographer almost always does posed portraits too, but they need to be in the schedule or there will be no time. Ask directly, because these are the pictures the family asks for and the ones that end up in a frame at your parents' house. Set aside twenty minutes and make a short list of who needs to be included. A calm portrait is also the best way to capture the whole wedding dress, from the train to the back. Help with planning the schedule is under planning the day.

Can we give our wedding photographer a list of pictures we would like, including of the wedding dress?

Yes, give the wedding photographer a list, but keep it short. Five to ten pictures you would be sorry to miss are far better than a list of fifty, which turns the photographer into someone ticking boxes instead of seeing the day. Write down the names of those who should be in the family photos, because that is the part that most often goes wrong. Veil, jewellery and shoes are good to have on the list, see our bridal accessories.

How do we make the family group photos go quickly, so the wedding dress does not get creased first?

Plan the group photos in advance, otherwise they are the part of the wedding day that takes longest. Ask the photographer how much time is set aside, and agree on a place and a time that the guests are told about. Make the list at home, and pick someone in the family who can round people up. Allow two to three minutes per line-up, so you know what it costs in time. Take the group photos early, while the wedding dress is still clean and smooth. What else the guests should know in advance is under wedding guest.

Should we do a first look in the wedding dress with the photographer before the ceremony?

A first look before the ceremony is a choice, not a rule, and it does not bring bad luck. The advantage is that the reaction is photographed calmly and that the couple portraits are taken before the day runs away. The downside is that the moment walking down the aisle becomes a different one. If you would like both, you can do a first look where you only hold hands without seeing the dress. A first look also gives the photographer time to capture the wedding dress from several angles. More wedding customs are under wedding etiquette.

How much time should we set aside for couple portraits in the bridal gown with the photographer?

Set aside 30 to 40 minutes for couple portraits, and put them where the light is best, not just where there is a gap in the programme. If you feel awkward in front of the camera, it helps to walk a bit away from the guests, because most people stiffen up when twenty people are watching. Ask the photographer to put the couple portraits into the schedule, so they do not become the last five minutes. Take a few practice steps in the bridal gown at home, so you know how easy it is to move in it on location. When the light is best in your season is under season and weather.

What time of day is the light best for our wedding photos and pictures of the wedding dress?

The light is best in the last hour before sunset, when it is low and warm. In Danish summer that hour falls late in the evening, in winter as early as mid-afternoon. Ask the photographer when the sun sets on your date, and set aside twenty minutes for pictures at that time, even if you are in the middle of dinner. Those are the pictures you will hang up. That soft light is also what shows the colour and fabric of the wedding dress best. See how the season affects the rest of the day under seasons and weather.

Does the wedding photographer help plan the schedule for the day, including getting into the wedding dress?

Yes, most experienced wedding photographers help with the schedule, and it is one of the best reasons to book early. The photographer knows how long the group photos take, when the light disappears and how much breathing space there should be between church and party. Send your own draft and ask for comments, instead of asking the photographer to make the plan from scratch. Also allow time for getting into the wedding dress, because buttons and lacing take longer than you think. A good starting point for the draft is under planning.

How many hours should the wedding photographer's package include if we want pictures in the wedding dress?

Six to eight hours typically covers the ceremony, portraits and the start of dinner. Count backwards from what you want pictures of: if the preparations are included, the day starts early, and if the first dance is included, it ends late. If you want the whole day covered, it is typically ten hours or more, and then the price goes up. Get the number of hours in writing. If you want pictures of the wedding dress before it goes on, the photographer needs to be there from the dressing. Put the photographer into the overall picture under price and budget.

Should the photographer come as early as the styling and putting on the wedding dress, or is the ceremony enough?

That is up to you, but pictures from the morning cost two to three extra hours with the photographer. Pictures from the styling, with the dress hanging up and the hair being done, are the ones many love most afterwards. The moment the wedding dress is zipped or laced up is hard to recreate later. If you need to stick to the budget, book the photographer from an hour before the ceremony until after the first dance. Plan your time with the hairdresser and make-up artist under beauty and styling.

What does it cost if our wedding runs over and the photographer has to stay longer to capture the wedding dress on the dance floor?

Overtime costs the photographer's hourly rate, so ask about it before you sign and get it into the agreement. Almost all weddings run over, and it is better to know the figure than to negotiate at one in the morning. Also ask whether the photographer can stay longer at all, because there may be another wedding the next morning. Many want the wedding dress on the dance floor, and that part often comes late. Keep track of hidden costs with our advice on the wedding budget.

What should a wedding photographer's package include if we also want detail shots of the bridal gown?

A wedding photographer's package should state the number of hours, whether there is a second photographer, how many finished pictures you get, how and when they are delivered, and whether an album and prints are included. These are the points that set apart quotes that otherwise look equally expensive. Ask for the contents point by point, and compare on content, not just on price. If detail shots of the bridal gown are high on your list, mention it in the enquiry. Use the same method when comparing the other costs under price and budget.

Can we get the photographer's package tailored to our wedding day, so there is also time for pictures of the wedding dress?

Often yes, and it is worth asking, especially if you are having a short wedding or do not want an album and prints. Ask whether the hours can be moved rather than bought on top, for example by dropping the preparations and including the first dance instead. A wedding photographer who says no to everything may not be right for your day. Also ask whether a short outdoor session with the wedding dress can fit into the hours you already have. If you are considering a smaller wedding, read on under planning the wedding.

What should we expect a wedding photographer in Denmark to cost compared with the wedding dress?

A wedding photographer in Denmark typically costs 8,000-25,000 kr. A smaller package with ceremony and portraits starts at around 5,000 kr., a full day is 10,000-20,000 kr., and a very experienced photographer costs 20,000-30,000 kr. The price rises with the number of hours, travel and Saturdays in high season. Money for the photographer can be found elsewhere in the budget, for example with affordable outlet wedding dresses.

Is it a bad idea to choose the cheapest wedding photographer when we have spent a lot on the wedding dress?

Not necessarily, but find out why the price is low. If the photographer is new and building a portfolio, you can get a lot for your money, provided you see a full gallery first. If the photographer takes three weddings in the same weekend and delivers after five months, it is a bad deal. The pictures are the only thing left after the day. If you have put a lot of money into the wedding dress, the pictures are what will show it off for years. Rather save on what the guests will not notice, with advice from budget and choices.

How big a deposit do we pay to book a wedding photographer, and how does it fit with paying for the bridal gown?

The amount varies, but it is normal to pay the wedding photographer a deposit to hold the date and the rest before or shortly after the wedding. Ask about the amount, when it is due and whether the deposit is what makes the agreement binding. Also find out whether the deposit can be transferred if you have to move the date. It should be in the contract, not in a text message. Put the dates for the deposit and final payment next to the payment for the bridal gown, so they do not fall in the same month. Keep track of all deposits with tips on price and budget.

Can we pay our wedding photographer in instalments, as many do with the wedding dress?

Yes, many wedding photographers split the amount into two or three instalments, typically a deposit at booking and the rest closer to the day. Ask how the photographer usually does it instead of assuming. Put the payment dates in the calendar alongside the wedding's other bills, so you do not get three large payments in the same month. Plan the wedding dress, the alterations and the photographer together, as they are often the biggest items in the first six months. You can put together an overview of costs with help from budget and choices.

What does travel cost if the wedding photographer has to drive a long way to us and the wedding dress?

It depends on the agreement, so ask whether travel is included in the price and up to what limit. Many wedding photographers include a set number of kilometres and charge mileage beyond that, and if a bridge or ferry is involved, the ticket comes on top. This is often the point that makes two quotes different even though the hourly rate looks the same. Get it in writing. If you are taking the wedding dress a long way yourselves, hang it in a garment bag in the car. How the couple themselves get there is covered under transport.

Do we have to pay for the photographer's accommodation if the party and getting into the wedding dress are far away?

Yes, if the party is far away and ends late, it is common for the couple to pay for a room for the wedding photographer. It is cheaper than the photographer driving home at two in the morning. Ask as early as the price negotiation whether accommodation is a requirement and what the photographer expects. Some places can include a room in the agreement with the venue. If you stay at the venue yourselves, the wedding dress can hang ready there, and the photographer can capture the preparations without extra driving. What else to ask the venue is under venue.

Should the wedding photographer be fed during dinner while we sit there in the wedding dress and suit?

Yes, if the wedding photographer is working during dinner, the photographer should be fed too. A photographer who has been at it since seven in the morning works worse on an empty stomach, and it is normal to count the photographer in the number of covers. Tell the venue when you give your numbers, and ask for the photographer to be served while the guests eat, so the photographer is ready when the speeches begin. Seat the photographer with a clear view of the couple, so the wedding dress also makes it into the pictures from the speeches. Remember to count all suppliers when planning the venue.

What happens to the agreement with the photographer and the wedding dress if we have to cancel or postpone the wedding?

It depends on the contract, so read the terms for cancellation and postponement before you sign. This is where many couples get a surprise. Ask whether the deposit can be moved to a new date, how close to the day you can postpone, and what happens if the wedding photographer is booked on the new date. An answer in writing is worth more than a friendly sentence on the phone. If the bridal gown is already bought, also check when any alterations are scheduled, so they fit the new date. If your wedding has been postponed, read about special situations.

When should we have a contract with our wedding photographer, and does the same apply to the wedding dress?

You should have a contract with the wedding photographer before you pay a deposit. The contract should include date, time and place, number of hours, what is delivered and when, price and payment plan, and what happens in case of illness and cancellation. If you do not get a contract, ask for one. It is not mistrust, it is the normal way of doing things in the industry. What you can expect when buying a wedding dress from us is under safety and trust.

Should our wedding photographer have business insurance when photographing the wedding dress and guests at the castle?

Always ask the wedding photographer about business insurance, especially if the venue requires it, as several castles and larger places do. Business insurance covers you if equipment is stolen or if damage is done at the venue. It also shows that the photographer runs a proper business and does not do weddings as a hobby on the side. It also brings peace of mind when the photographer works close to guests, tables and a long wedding dress with a train. Get the answer in writing with the contract. What other requirements the venue may have is covered under choosing a venue.

What happens to the pictures of the wedding dress if our wedding photographer falls ill on the day?

A professional wedding photographer should have a plan for illness, so ask about it before you book, because many forget. Ask whether the photographer has a network of colleagues who can step in, and whether it is in the contract. A photographer working alone without a plan is a risk on a day that cannot be moved. The answer should be concrete and not just a "it won't happen". Feel free to send your list of wished-for pictures, including of the wedding dress, to both the photographer and any stand-in. More plan Bs for the day are under emergencies on the day.

Is it the photographer we chose for the pictures of the bridal gown who comes on the day, or a colleague?

It is not always the same person, so ask, especially if you chose the wedding photographer because of the pictures in the portfolio. Some larger firms sell under one name and send out one of several photographers, and the style may differ from the one you fell for. Ask for the name of the person coming and to see their own gallery. Write the name into the contract. Whoever comes should also know your wishes for pictures of the bridal gown, so send them directly. More things to check before you sign are on our blog.

Do we need a second photographer or an assistant at our wedding, for example to help with the wedding dress?

At a big party a second photographer makes a difference, while one wedding photographer is usually enough for a wedding with fewer than fifty guests. A second photographer can catch the guests' reactions while the main photographer has the couple, and can stand at the back of the church while the other stands at the front. An assistant can also straighten the train and veil of the wedding dress so they look neat in the pictures. Ask whether it is included in the package, and get it written into the agreement if there are to be two. Also consider having the day filmed, see wedding video.

Does it matter for the pictures of the wedding dress if our photographer has other weddings the same weekend?

Yes, it affects both overtime and delivery. A wedding photographer with three weddings in one weekend cannot stay longer if your party runs over, and the editing queues up afterwards. That is not a no in itself, but it is worth knowing before you count on an extra hour. Ask directly when you book. A rushed photographer also has no time for the calm detail shots of the wedding dress that many want. How to plan a realistic schedule for the day is covered under wedding planning.

What equipment should a wedding photographer bring to capture the wedding dress, and what about backup?

A professional wedding photographer has backup of everything: two camera bodies, spare lenses, spare batteries and memory cards that write to two places at once. You do not need to understand the technical details, but you should hear the word backup. If a camera breaks in the middle of the ceremony, there is no second chance. Also ask how the pictures are stored after the day. Feel free to ask whether the photographer brings lighting for indoor shots, so the details of the wedding dress are not lost in the dark. If you also want moving pictures of the day, read about wedding video and videographers.

How is a wedding photographer usually dressed for the wedding, so their clothes do not take attention from the bridal gown?

Most wedding photographers wear smart, dark and discreet clothes they can move in. It sounds like a small thing, but the clothes show up in the guests' pictures, and it matters in a church. If you have a dress code, mention it when you book, then it is settled. It is a reasonable question, and nobody will take offence. Dark clothing also means the photographer does not steal attention from the bridal gown in the guests' pictures. How guests should dress is covered under wedding guest.

Can guests take pictures of the wedding dress at the wedding when we have a photographer?

Yes, at the party guests are welcome to take pictures, and theirs often catch the fun. During the ceremony and the posed pictures, guests' phones become a problem: they get in the way in the aisle, and people look at screens instead of at you. Write what you would like in the invitation, or let the toastmaster mention it. If you want to save the wedding dress for the walk down the aisle, ask guests to wait to share pictures of it until you are married. Wording for the invitation is under invitations.

Should we ask guests to put their phones away during the ceremony, so the wedding dress is not hidden behind screens?

Yes, many couples ask for an unplugged ceremony, and it makes a noticeable difference to the pictures. You get faces instead of screens, and the wedding photographer gets a clear run of the aisle. That is also where the wedding dress is seen for the first time, and that moment deserves faces rather than phones. Put it in the programme, or ask the priest or toastmaster to say it before you walk in. Explain why, and promise the guests they will get the pictures afterwards, so no one is disappointed. More about good manners between guests and couple is under etiquette.

Is it an advantage if the photographer has photographed wedding dresses at our venue before?

It is an advantage, but do not let it decide your choice of wedding photographer. A photographer who knows the place knows where the light falls at five o'clock and which wall works as a backdrop. A photographer who has not been there can walk around an hour beforehand or look at pictures of the place in advance. Send the address and a few pictures of the room once you have booked. The photographer may also know where a white wedding dress stands out best against the surroundings. More about choosing the right place is under venue.

Should the wedding photographer visit our venue in advance to find the best spots for pictures of the wedding dress?

A visit in advance is rarely necessary, but some wedding photographers do it, especially if the place is tricky or you want particular pictures. A visit often costs time and travel, so ask whether it is included in the price. The alternative is for the photographer to arrive half an hour early and walk around, which is enough in most places. Feel free to send pictures of the room, including the ugly corner. Mention whether the wedding dress has a long train, so the photographer can factor stairs and grass into the plan. Good questions about the venue itself are under wedding venue.

Can our photographer photograph the bridal gown and the ceremony inside the church?

The priest decides, and the rules vary from church to church. Some churches allow pictures from the back and without flash, others only before and after the ceremony itself. Contact the church office in good time, and pass the answer on to the wedding photographer, so the photographer knows where they can stand. It should not be sorted out at the church door on the day. If photos are only allowed from the back, the back and train of the bridal gown often become the strongest pictures from the church. More about getting married in Denmark is under ceremony and law.

What do we do about the outdoor pictures in the wedding dress if it rains on the wedding day?

Make a rainy-day plan B before the day comes, because in Denmark it gets used. Find an indoor spot with windows, a gateway, a covered entrance or a barn, and show it to the wedding photographer. Buy matching umbrellas, ideally clear ones. Rain pictures often turn out the best because something is happening, but only if someone has thought about it in advance. Have a towel and a friend ready to lift the wedding dress when you walk between the car and shelter. How to protect the train from rain and mud is under season and weather.

How do the wedding photos of the wedding dress turn out when it gets dark early in autumn?

The wedding photos will be fine, but the schedule needs moving. In October the light is gone around five o'clock, so the portraits must be taken before dinner, not after. Ask the photographer when the sun sets on your date, and put the couple portraits then. At the party the photographer works with flash or lamps, which gives a different kind of picture, often with more atmosphere. A light-coloured wedding dress catches the light from lamps and candles beautifully, so evening pictures can be surprisingly atmospheric. If you are considering an autumn wedding, read about weddings in October and winter.

How long does it take before we get our wedding photos of the bridal gown from the photographer?

Four to eight weeks is common, and in high season it can take longer. Ask the wedding photographer for a specific number of weeks, and get it written into the contract. If the answer is vague, it is a warning sign, because this is where most complaints arise. Also ask whether you can get a few pictures straight away, so you have something to show while you wait. If the bridal gown is to be sold or cleaned soon after, it is wise to wait until you have seen the first pictures. When the wedding film usually arrives is under wedding video.

Can we get a few wedding photos of the wedding dress straight away so we can share them?

Yes, most wedding photographers send five to ten pictures within the first week, precisely because everyone asks. Ask for it when you book, and agree whether the pictures can go on Instagram and Facebook straight away. Then you have something to reply with when the whole family writes the next day, without pushing for the full gallery. Feel free to ask that at least one of the first pictures shows the whole wedding dress, as that is often what the family asks for. When guests may share pictures themselves is under wedding etiquette.

How many finished pictures do we usually get from a wedding photographer, and how many show the wedding dress?

300-600 finished pictures is common from a wedding photographer for a full day. More pictures are not better if half of them are almost identical. The most important thing is that the whole day is covered: preparations, ceremony, guests, portraits, dinner and dancing. Ask for a minimum number, get it in writing, and ask to see how a full gallery is spread out. Ask for detail shots of the wedding dress, veil and shoes to be part of the selection too. More ideas for a well-documented day are on the blog.

Can we choose ourselves which pictures of the wedding dress and the day the photographer edits?

Usually not, and that is generally an advantage. The wedding photographer first sorts out the pictures with closed eyes or wrong light, and edits the rest in one consistent style so the gallery hangs together. If you want particular pictures included, give the photographer a short wish list before the day instead of going through the raw files afterwards. Details such as the veil and jewellery are obvious items for the wish list, see bridal accessories.

Can we get the raw files of the pictures in the wedding dress from our wedding photographer?

Almost always not, and that is normal practice across the industry. Raw files are unedited, look flat and wrong, and are not the work you bought from the wedding photographer. If you want more pictures than the package gives, ask about an add-on instead. Also ask how long the photographer keeps the files, in case you lose your own. If there is a particular picture of the wedding dress you miss, ask the photographer whether it can be edited as an extra. How to look after the memories of the day is covered under after the wedding.

What rights do we actually have to our wedding photos, including those of the bridal gown?

The wedding photographer owns the copyright to the pictures, and you get a right of use, which should be stated in the contract. Check that the right of use covers what you actually want: printing, sharing on social media, sending to family and using in a photo book. Commercial use is something else and must be agreed separately. Read the clause before you sign, it takes a minute. If you might sell the bridal gown later, also check whether you can use the pictures in an advert. Other legal questions about the wedding are under ceremony and law in Denmark.

Can we post our wedding photos of the wedding dress from the photographer on Instagram and Facebook?

Yes, almost always, but it should be in the agreement with the wedding photographer. Also ask whether the photographer wants to be credited, and how, because it is a small thing to give and means a lot to the photographer. Avoid posting heavily filtered versions if the photographer asks you not to, because the pictures are also the photographer's calling card. See it as an agreement, not a rule. If you want to tag the shop where the wedding dress was bought, mention that to the photographer too. What guests may share from the day is covered under wedding guest.

Can our photographer use the wedding photos of the wedding dress in their portfolio or advertising?

Most wedding photographers use pictures in their portfolio, and it is usually in the contract. If you are publicly known or would rather not be seen online, say so before you sign, and ask for the clause to be changed. Many photographers also agree to use only pictures where you are not clearly recognisable. It is an ordinary negotiation, not a problem. If you are happy to share the day but not your faces, detail shots of the wedding dress can be a good compromise. More advice on agreements with suppliers is on our blog.

Can we ask the photographer not to publish our wedding photos in the bridal gown?

Yes, and the wish should be written into the contract with the wedding photographer as a clause, not just mentioned in conversation. Most photographers respect it without question. Also remember to tell the guests if it matters to you, because it is often a guest's picture on Facebook that goes public first. Put it in the invitation. The wish can also cover detail shots of the bridal gown, if you would rather keep it to yourselves. More ideas for the invitation wording are under wedding invitations.

Do we get unlimited downloads of our wedding photos of the wedding dress and the day from the photographer?

Not always, because download terms vary from wedding photographer to wedding photographer. Some give free download in high resolution, others only in web size with prints as an add-on. Also ask how long the gallery stays online, because many close it after a few months. Download the pictures and save them in two places straight away, not six months later. Keep the pictures of the wedding dress in full resolution in particular, in case you want them enlarged later. What else should be sorted in the weeks after the party is under after the wedding.

Do we get the wedding photos of the wedding dress in an online gallery or on a USB stick?

Most wedding photographers now deliver the pictures in an online gallery, because you can share a link with the family and download the pictures yourselves. USB sticks and hard drives still exist and are nice to have as a backup, but a USB stick in a drawer does not last for ever. Download the pictures and save them both in the cloud and on a hard drive. Two places, not one. This is also how you look after the wedding dress afterwards, see wedding dress cleaning.

How long does the wedding photographer keep our pictures of the wedding dress after the wedding?

Many wedding photographers keep the pictures for one or two years, some longer, but rarely for ever. Ask for a specific answer. It means the responsibility for the pictures is yours as soon as they are delivered. Save them in the cloud and on a hard drive the same week you receive them, and consider ordering a few prints, because paper outlives file formats. The wedding dress deserves the same care, see storage after the wedding.

Does the wedding photographer retouch skin, spots, backgrounds and marks on the bridal gown in the pictures?

Yes, most wedding photographers remove a spot, a red patch or a sign in the background without you having to ask. Ask where the line is drawn and whether extra retouching costs more. If you would rather have the pictures as they are, say so, because that is also a choice. Feel free to tell the photographer if there is anything you are self-conscious about. A small mark on the bridal gown from the day can often be removed in editing too, so ask whether that is included. Advice on make-up that lasts in the pictures is under beauty and styling.

Can the photographer make me look slimmer in the wedding dress in the wedding photos?

Many wedding photographers say no or only do it very lightly, because it quickly looks wrong and makes the lines of the dress crooked. There is a better way: tell the photographer which side you prefer to be shown from and which pictures you feel uncomfortable about. A wedding dress that fits properly and an angle that flatters you do more than editing. Get the dress fitting perfectly with our tailor.

Can we order a photo album from our wedding photographer with room for pictures of the wedding dress?

Yes, most wedding photographers offer photo albums, and a printed album is what you will actually look at again, unlike a folder on a hard drive. Ask about price, number of pages and delivery time. Order the album within the first six months, otherwise it never happens. It is also a good gift for the family to club together on. Feel free to give the wedding dress a spread of its own, with both the full view and the details. More ideas for the time after the party are under after the wedding.

Does the wedding photographer help us design our album so the wedding dress is shown at its best?

Yes, often, and it is worth letting the wedding photographer do it, because the photographer knows which pictures work well opposite each other. Ask how many rounds of changes are included, so you do not end up in a long back and forth. Choose no more than a hundred pictures for an album, otherwise the pages get cluttered. Ask to see a finished album before you decide on a format. Ask the photographer to put the best pictures of the wedding dress on the large pages, where the details can be seen. You can find inspiration for the album's style under inspiration.

Can we order prints and enlargements of the wedding photos and the bridal gown from the photographer?

Yes, and it is better to order prints from the wedding photographer than from an ordinary photo kiosk. The photographer knows the colours in their own pictures, and a professional print renders skin tones and the white of the dress correctly. Ask about prices and formats when you receive the gallery. Choose two or three pictures for the wall rather than twenty that sit in a box. A large full-length print of the bridal gown is an obvious choice if you want one picture for the wall. Ideas for how to get the pictures up on the wall are on the blog.

Can the wedding photographer make a slideshow with pictures of the wedding dress and ceremony to show at the party?

Yes, some wedding photographers offer a slideshow as an add-on, with pictures from the morning and the ceremony shown over coffee. It requires the photographer to sit and work somewhere for a couple of hours in the middle of the day, and the venue to have a screen or projector. Ask about price and requirements in good time, and check with the venue whether the equipment is there. Pictures of the wedding dress from the morning are often ones the guests have not seen themselves, and they tend to go down very well. What else the venue should be able to offer is under party venue and location.

Can our wedding photographer also film the bridal gown and the day, or do we need a videographer?

Some wedding photographers offer both photo and video, others work with a videographer they know. One person can rarely do both well at the same time, so choose what matters most to you. If you have two, make sure they have worked together before or talk in advance, otherwise they will be in each other's way all day. Video shows something a photo cannot, namely how the bridal gown moves when you walk and dance. Prices and advice on choosing a videographer are under wedding video.

Can the wedding photographer use a drone at our wedding, and can it capture the train of the wedding dress from above?

Yes, it can be done, but there are rules about where drones may be flown in Denmark. The drone may not fly over the guests or close to a town without permission. Ask whether drone shots are included in the price and whether the wedding photographer has the necessary certificate. Do not count on a drone in rain or strong wind. On the other hand, a drone gives lovely pictures of a place with a view or a garden. A long train on the wedding dress often looks beautiful from above, especially on grass or a beach. More about drones at Danish wedding venues is under video.

Is it a good idea to do a couple shoot before the wedding, before I wear the wedding dress?

Yes, a couple shoot before the wedding is the best practice if you feel awkward in front of a camera. You learn how the wedding photographer works, the photographer learns how you look best, and on the day the camera does not feel new. The pictures can be used in invitations or on a sign at the party. Ask whether the couple shoot is included in the package or costs extra. Save the wedding dress for the day, but feel free to wear shoes similar to the ones you will wear, so you get used to standing in them. How the pictures can be used in your invitation is under invitations.

Can we meet the wedding photographer or talk online before we book, as you would when trying on wedding dresses?

Yes, and do it, because fifteen minutes on video says more about how the day will go than twenty pictures on a website. The wedding photographer will be close to you for many hours, and it should feel easy. Feel free to show a picture of the wedding dress at the meeting, so you can talk about style and colours. If the photographer is hard to reach now, it will not get better when the calendar is full of weddings. The same goes for the bridal shop, where you can read how a fitting with us works.

How much does the chemistry between us and the wedding photographer matter when I am photographed in the wedding dress?

Chemistry matters more than equipment. The wedding photographer is the supplier closest to you all day, including when you are nervous and tired, and if you are uncomfortable, it shows on your faces in the pictures. Choose the photographer you feel at ease with, among the two or three whose pictures you like best. It is not a soft reason, it is the most important one. The same gut feeling applies when you choose a dress, so read about buying a wedding dress.

We feel awkward in front of the camera, does the photographer help us pose, including with the wedding dress?

Yes, most wedding photographers help, but ask, because it varies. A good photographer gives you something to do instead of lining you up: walk that way, say something to each other, look out of the window. That is why the pictures look natural. A couple shoot before the day takes away most of the nerves. The photographer will also show you how to hold the wedding dress as you walk, so the fabric falls nicely. A dress that fits well also makes it easier to relax, see size and fit.

How do we best keep in touch with the photographer in the run-up to the wedding, including about pictures of the bridal gown?

Agree on one channel and a fixed time with the wedding photographer instead of writing sporadically over a whole year. A call two to four weeks before the wedding, where the schedule is gone through, is what really matters. Ask how quickly the photographer usually replies to emails, so you know what to expect, and who to write to in the week before. In that same call, mention where the bridal gown will hang in the morning and when it is going on. More advice for the last weeks before the day is under planning the wedding.

What does the wedding photographer need to know from us about the day and the wedding dress before the wedding?

The wedding photographer typically needs addresses and times, the schedule, names and numbers of the best man, maid of honour and toastmaster, and the list of group photos. Also say if there is anything special: a surprise, a guest who finds it hard to stand, or a family situation the photographer should know about. Feel free to mention any details of the wedding dress that mean something special, for example a borrowed veil or sewn-in initials. Send it all in one email a week before, not in fifteen messages, so the photographer can prepare properly. If someone who has passed away is to be remembered on the day, read about special situations.

Is it an advantage if the photographer has worked with our toastmaster or venue before when the wedding dress is to be photographed?

Yes, it saves time on the day if they know each other. A wedding photographer who has been to the venue knows where the group photos are taken, and a toastmaster who has worked with the photographer knows when the speeches should pause. If they have not met, put them in touch a week before, it takes one email. If the photographer knows the venue, they also know where there is room to photograph a wedding dress with a long train. What a toastmaster does, and whether you need one, is under planning.

How do we get good detail shots of my wedding dress?

Ask the wedding photographer for detail shots, and make sure the wedding dress hangs freely in daylight before you put it on. Lace, buttons, the back and the train are what look best close up. Put shoes, veil, jewellery and the rings together so the photographer can capture it all in one go. Five minutes in the morning gives pictures you will use again and again. Find the finishing touches for the detail shots among our bridal accessories.

Should my wedding dress be hanging up when the photographer arrives in the morning?

Yes, the wedding dress should be hanging up, and it is one of the easiest things to prepare. Use a nice hanger instead of the plastic one from the shop, and find a spot with light from a window and a calm background. Hang the dress up in good time so the creases drop out. Tell the wedding photographer when you will be ready, so the dress is hanging when the photographer walks through the door. You can read how to store the dress until the day under storing the wedding dress.

Should the photographer also take pictures of the preparations and the wedding dress in the morning?

Pictures of the preparations are an add-on that costs two to three extra hours, but many love exactly those most afterwards. Something real happens in the morning: your mum doing up the dress, your friends laughing, and the calm before. If you want the preparations included, budget for the extra hours with the wedding photographer and a room that has been tidied, because mess shows in pictures. Hang the wedding dress up by a window, so it is ready for the first pictures when the photographer arrives. When the trial styling and make-up should take place is under beauty and styling.

Does it matter for the pictures which room I get ready in and put on the bridal gown in?

Yes, the room matters more for the morning pictures than many think. A room with a big window and light walls gives calm pictures, while a dark hotel room with yellow light makes everything harder for the wedding photographer. Tidy up, gather bags and clothes in a corner out of shot, and open the curtains. It costs nothing and makes the biggest difference. There should also be enough floor space for the bridal gown to lie or hang freely while you get into it. Good advice on make-up in daylight is under styling for the bride.

Is a boudoir shoot a good wedding gift for my future husband before he sees me in the wedding dress?

Yes, a boudoir shoot is a popular wedding gift, and many have it done in the weeks before the wedding. Choose a photographer who does it often, and ask how the pictures are stored and whether they are used in the photographer's portfolio if you do not want that. Have the pictures printed in a small book instead of sending files, so the gift feels like a real gift. Schedule the shoot so it does not clash with the final fittings of the wedding dress. More ideas for the time leading up to the wedding are on our blog.

What is an after-wedding shoot in the wedding dress, and is it worth the effort?

An after wedding shoot is a photo session in the wedding dress after the wedding, often somewhere you could not get to on the day, for example a beach, a forest or a city. The advantage is time and calm that the day itself does not have, and that you can choose the weather. The drawback is that the dress has to go on again and be cleaned afterwards. Many think it gives the best pictures they have. Get the dress ready again afterwards with a wedding dress clean.

Can I ruin my wedding dress in a trash the dress shoot?

Yes, you should expect that in a trash the dress shoot. Salt water, sand, mud and grass set in, and a lace hem that has been in water is rarely the same again. If you want to keep the wedding dress, do the shoot in a dress you are finished with, or stay at the water's edge. Ask a dry cleaner first if you are unsure about the fabric. You can read what a cleaner can rescue afterwards under wedding dress cleaning.

Can I put my wedding dress on again later for new pictures?

Yes, many put the wedding dress on again for new pictures. If the dress has been cleaned, hang it out the evening before so the creases drop out. Bring a helper for the zip and lacing, because it is hard on your own. If you want to wear the dress several times, ask the tailor whether the alteration can be made so the dress can be put on without help. Talk to our tailor about an alteration that makes the dress easier to put on.

Should I have solo pictures of myself in the wedding dress on the day?

Yes, ask the wedding photographer for solo pictures, preferably early in the day when the wedding dress is completely fresh and the make-up is in place. They are the ones you end up hanging on the wall and the ones the family asks for. Five minutes alone with the photographer is enough. Also ask for a picture from behind showing the back and the train, because you have not seen that yourself. If you are still looking for the dress, see all our wedding dresses and book a fitting.