The Pre-Wedding Meeting

Hey everyone, just curious what topics you make sure to discuss at the pre-wedding meeting. My first is coming around the corner, in November, and I want to have all the bases covered.

The only thing I can think of to discuss is the list of shots that they want. Other than that, I guess I was just hoping to get a feel for what type of shots they are looking for, and if there is anything particularly important that they want me to capture. I'm not sure how to obtain all this information in a concise and thorough manner, I'm hoping you guys can help out with that. Thanks in advance!

-Tim

I don't take lists of shots, I ask for any special shots they'd like me to try to take or show me pictures to tell me what they like, though I don't promise any shot and I don't copy shots, plus if they hired me they like what I do anyway. For me the pre-wedding meeting (ie after the contract's been signed) is about working out who they are (so I recognise them on the wedding day), and making sure they're happy and comfortable with me.

do an engagement shoot with them and you will learn quickly what they like/don't like and if they are conservative or not...it's hard to shoot a wedding without the engagement shoot...you're basically going in blind as to their tastes. You can always go middle of the road and be fine too, but encourage them or even offer a cheap engagement package. MY $.02

Thanks for your suggestion, Tim. I was thinking about using this approach, but I doubt I'd be comfortable with that on my first. I'll probably be more nervous than anything, although I'm very comfortable with my gear, so the idea of a list seems like a safety net to me. I'll keep that in mind, though.

Shelisa, thanks for your suggestion but I neglected to mention that I've already done an engagment shoot for them. The groom-to-be is actually a good friend of mine, and I've had the chance to hang out with the bride-to-be on a few occasions. I have a general idea of their tastes now, but it's pretty middle-of-the-road anyways. You can check out the shoot here:
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=364852

Any other suggestions? Anything is appreciated!

-Tim

nvrl8 wrote in post #3933126
it's hard to shoot a wedding without the engagement shoot...

Really? I've never done an engagement shoot and I seem to manage ok. I shot a wedding without even meeting the couple first the other day (filling in for a sick friend), my shooting partner thinks it's some of the best work i've done.

Like yourself I'm just starting but have done several pre-wedding meetings. I try to find out what style they prefer and if there are any important shots that they consider "must-haves".

I do have a shot list of about 100 different photos and ask them to tick off the ones they would like to have. It is important they understand that you will try to get these preferred pics, but may not be able to. (also cover that in your contract).

Try and find out what's important to them .. their hobbies & interests may open up the door to some interesting locations & shoot suggestions. For example I've my third wedding in October and the bride is an avid runner so I suggested we get some shots of her running in her sneakers & gown. A bit off the wall and her mother rolled her eyes but the bride smiled and said that's just the kind of non-traditional photos we want.

Get to know the couple and ask them to search the web for their favorite wedding photos and websites .. this will give you a sense of what they like.

Communication is the key when you're starting out as the couple have not hired you based on your portfolio so you need to know what they prefer. On average I speak with the couple several times before the wedding and also attend the rehersal and get to know some of the relatives as well. Makes the wedding day go easier.
Mike

tim wrote in post #3934314
Really? I've never done an engagement shoot and I seem to manage ok. I shot a wedding without even meeting the couple first the other day (filling in for a sick friend), my shooting partner thinks it's some of the best work i've done.

I shot a short wedding yesterday, and I never met the couple. Everything was handled by the co-ordinator at the venue. I thought it was a little odd, but I figured it'd be fine. Bride and Groom ahd both been married 3 times each before, and they were in their fifties...they didn't want to be bothered with handling details I guess.

Anyway, they were very nice and a great couple to work with. I would have preferred to have met them first though.