Focus on the Details
Once you've met your snap-happy match, it's time to negotiate your package. While most brides don't want to scrimp on their visual memories -- as Payne puts it, "In the end, what you have left is your photos and your videos -- there are many ways to ensure that you get what you're after without paying for more than you need.

First, most photographers offer a range of options. For example, Darcy Hemley, a Los Angeles-based photographer and co-owner of Paperwhites Photography, offers three plans: "Our packages start at $3,600 and go all the way up to $7,000," she says. The factors influencing the cost include how many hours of coverage you want, ranging from six to 10, and what type of (or whether) an album is included, an expensive and potentially DIY-able extra. If your photographer doesn't offer a ready-made option that appeals to you, be sure to speak up: "The package can be whatever you want," says Hemley. "You can say, 'I want package No. 3, but with more hours.' It's important to hire someone who's going to work with you to meet your needs."

Especially if your wedding will take place at a distance. Hemley and her partner, Trina Rosen, frequently shoot destination weddings. In that case, the cost is factored into the bid (you will generally pay a travel fee as well as cover your photographer's travel and lodging costs), but a good photographer will meet you halfway: "We usually give someone a discount if they're flying us to Tahiti," says Hemley.

Another important number to note: how many images you can expect to receive in the end. Hemley and Rosen shoot 1,200 to 1,800 images per wedding, and Philippe Cheng, a high-end New York-based wedding photographer, averages about 1,500, though, he says, it's often dependent on the size of the celebration. A rule of thumb: "If you have a wedding with 125 people, I would say 900 pictures. With every 25 guests, you'd add another 100 pictures," says Cheng. Another important question he recommends asking: Is that magic number before or after edits -- i.e., will that photo of great-aunt Jean with food in her mouth count toward your final tally?

Finally, there are two key ways to save before signing on the dotted line: First, negotiate for the right to keep the negatives or digital CD (for a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of film and digital photography, see sidebar at right). "A lot of photographers don't give negatives back, or don't give a CD, or require you to pay extra," says Hemley. And having control of your images can ultimately save you big down the line: Otherwise, you may have to pay twice the price every time you reorder. Last but certainly not least, the wise bride barters: "The interesting thing I discovered was that you can negotiate," says Payne. "The first meeting is always, 'These are my rates.' Then I'd go back and say, 'Can you take anything out of the package?' As long as your approach is respectful, people are willing to bargain."

Once you've struck a deal, find out when you can expect your proofs -- typically it's two weeks to a month after the wedding. Then, get talking about the good stuff: what you want to capture on your big day.

Telegraph Your Vision
While photographers may be visual artists, the most successful collaborations between brides and their personal paparazz0 actually depend immensely on verbal understanding. "It's your wedding, ultimately," says Cheng, "and you need to be as clear as you can be." This involves everything from working with your photographer to establish a smooth flow of events to spelling out what you might consider the obvious on your shot list -- like a snap with your sisters.

First, inquire about pre-wedding meetings: How many times can you expect to meet? When can you do a walk-through with him to view the ceremony and reception sites, an event which typically takes place anywhere from a month to a week before the wedding? (Try to schedule your tour during the same time of day as when your wedding will be held, so that your photographer can get a sense of the light at that hour.) Note to the anxiety-prone: If a walk-through is impossible -- e.g., you're having a destination wedding -- don't worry. Most photographers are unfazed by new locations. "As an editorial and wedding photographer, I'm flown all over the world," says Hemley; she assures brides that being air-dropped into an unfamiliar venue doesn't affect her ability to take great photos.

During those meetings, you should fill your photographer in on your master plan. What Cheng tries to glean when he meets with a couple is what is most meaningful to them: details like, "This is the street where we first met." Or, "My great-grandparents are coming, and that's important to me."

Typically, most photographers request a wish list of shots you'd rather not live without, and this is one list to craft lovingly: "There's something totally underestimated about what it means to get married," says Cheng. "It's one of the few opportunities in which we can remind ourselves that something special is going on." This is your opportunity to tell the person documenting your event who (and what) is most special to you.

Be sure to discuss timing and the sequence of events. The more realistic you can be about how long things will take, the better your odds of getting amazing photos. "People will say, 'I'm going to take an hour to get ready, ' " Cheng says. "Well, nobody takes just an hour to get ready." Do your best to give yourself enough time for the pictures you really want. Cheng's hint: Allow five minutes per grouping. If it's a picture with, say, your mother, that's five. If there's a separate shot with your sister, that's another five. And so on. Do the math.

Another tip: If your photographer is working with an assistant or second photographer, discuss how they'll divide and conquer. Who will be there to photograph the bridal party getting ready -- and who will be responsible for stills of the flowers?

Finally, is your photographer planning to shoot in color, black-and-white, or both? Discuss which shots he believes lend themselves to which style. Or, are there any portraits you absolutely want to see one way or the other? The more details you can plan in advance, the happier you'll be in the end: "It comes down to communication. If we all did that well, we'd all have perfect marriages," says Cheng.

And after all, isn't that the ultimate goal?