You may want to have an engagement, casual, or formal bridal portrait taken. Some photographers give only verbal prices or estimated costs. Get all of your needs in writing including the prices of additional prints, albums, travel, time or other services. Some photographers may be very limiting on time, size of albums, number of prints, types or photograph, etc. This also may be an indication of their flexibility to changes on the wedding day.
Many photographers hire assistants or subcontract their weddings.
The samples you see at the initial meeting may not be the work of the actual photographer who will photograph your wedding. Also, don't assume that photos appearing in brochures and handout materials are the photographer's work. Many companies, such as Marathon Press, Art Leather, Leather Craftsmen, Fuji and Kodak sell wedding brochures featuring photos of nationally known photographers that any studio can put their name on. Always get a written contract whether the photographer is a professional or amateur. It confirms in writing the dates, times, locations, prices, financial arrangements, services included and whether items are subject to change.