How Long is Too Long to Wait for Wedding Photos?

Connecticut BBB Offers Guidelines for Couples

Connecticut Better Business Bureau recommends couples have realistic expectations and check their contract when setting up a photo shoot for their wedding day.

Summer is the busiest season for wedding vendors, and it is not unusual for photographers to have a backlog of work to do.  However, that does not mean newlyweds should have to wait six months to get their prints.

“Couples must have realistic expectations in terms of when they can expect their photos or videos,” according to Connecticut Better Business Bureau President, Paulette Scarpetti.  “Nonetheless, it is essential to research other consumers’ experience before hiring a photographer.”

In some cases, newlyweds have been left waiting as long as six months to get their prints because of a lack of clarity in contracts or because the vendors underestimate the amount of time it will take to get the work done.

Connecticut Better Business Bureau offers some guidelines for couples looking to hire a photographer:  

Research the photographer - Get bids and time estimates from at least three photography providers and check references to see whether they have lived up to their obligations.  Start your search at www.bbb.org/. Ask whether they will attend themselves or have someone else doing the photography.

Put a time frame in the contract - The turnaround time can vary widely, from as few as two weeks to the more typical 6-8 weeks.  In some cases, it may take several months, especially during the peak summer wedding season.  Also, allow extra time for videos because editing is involved.  An experienced photographer will be able to have a clearer idea of how long it will take to turn around the photos than someone who is starting out and may get in over their head.

Beware of unusually short time frames, shorter than two weeks - It may mean the photographer doesn’t have a lot of business.  However, it also may indicate that they are farming out the business to a third party, offering a short time estimate to get your business, or not taking as much time as is required for a quality project.

Arrange a quick turnaround service - Select a photographer who will have some “preview” photos posted online to view or download within a week after the wedding, so that you may share the images with friends and family.

Factor-in the shooting time - Book the photographer for enough shooting hours to make sure that they can get the couple’s preparations and the reception.  It will cost less to plan for that than to have to pay additional charges for going over the contracted limit.

Finally, call or send a friendly email one or two weeks ahead of the deadline to make sure the project is on schedule. 

For more consumer tips, or to find a BBB-accredited photographer, visit www.bbb.org. 

-Submitted by Howard Schwartz, Executive Communications Director, Connecticut Better Business Bureau

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