Wedding photography is one of the few purchases where there is no opportunity for a redo, which makes the vetting process before booking more important than almost any other vendor decision. Ask to see at least two full wedding galleries, ideally from venues or lighting conditions similar to your own, since a photographer strong in bright outdoor settings may perform very differently in a dim indoor reception. Clarify exactly how many hours of coverage are included, and what the overtime rate is if the timeline runs long, which weddings very often do. Ask about their shooting style directly — documentary, traditional posed, or a blend — since mismatched expectations here are one of the most common sources of post-wedding disappointment. Confirm who will actually be shooting on the day, particularly for studios with multiple photographers, since the person in the initial meeting isn't always the one who shows up. Delivery timeline for final edited photos should be specified in the contract, along with a backup plan in case of illness or emergency on the wedding day itself.