Client Questionnaire - Bethany Howarth Photography

Thank you for taking the time to fill in this very long questionnaire! I will use this information to make a wedding plan for you.

It’s long but it’s important for me to have as much detail as possible so we are both on the same page. I have added in some wee tips and things to be aware of as well.

It can’t be saved so needs to be completed in one go. Sometimes people will save their answers in a Word document first in case something happens with their internet.

I will put the plan together in the weeks leading up to your wedding, or even during the week of your wedding – this is the best time as everything will be all planned and I can work out the overall photo timings.

Information you submit here will be stored securely and not shared with any third parties.

There are some fields which only give you one multiple choice option: BETH. Just ignore these – I have put them there as I need to work this information out myself once I have looked at your overall wedding plan.

* – required field

Preferred names of client 1 and client 2 *

Write it in this format: Name + Name (e.g. Beth + Simon)

Email client 1 *

Email client 2 *

Mobile numbers of client 1 and client 2: *

Write it in this format: 0213352222 (client 1) + 0225213311 (client 2)

Alternative contact details: *

Please include their name and phone number. This is just in case I can’t get in touch with either of you on the wedding day.

Number of wedding guests: *

MC: *

The person doing the announcements during your ceremony and/or reception (list multiple names if you have more than one MC). Put n/a if not applicable.

Wedding party: *

Please indicate the number of bridesmaids and groomsmen and names of everyone (including flower girls).

Time bridal prep starts: *

I often photograph make up when it is mostly on (after hair is done – so it’s best to do hair first). If you want beautiful, clean preparation photos, choose a big room with a big window and keep it clutter free. Things strewn around the room definitely show in the photos! I would also recommend asking the makeup artist to set you up in front of a window in a larger room (most will do this anyway) – it looks better in photos and you will get an accurate representation of how your makeup will look under natural light.

Specific start time for hair (for bride): *

Even if it’s just an approximate time

Specific start time for makeup (for bride): *

Even if it’s just an approximate time

Time Beth arrives: *

BETH

If you could have all of the bridal details (shoes, jewellery, flowers (if you have them), wedding invitations) laid out for me when I get there, so I can photograph those first, this would be great. Please don’t answer this field, I have placed it in here for my own reference as this is something I will need to decide when I look at your overall plan.

Bridal prep address: *

Please include as much information as possible, including a postcode and the venue name if applicable. If the address is hard to find on Google Maps, if it’s not marked on Google Maps, or if Google Maps takes you to the wrong place, please email me a map so I know exactly where to go 🙂

Time bride needs to be ready: *

I might end up altering this time slightly but it’s good for me to get a general idea. Just leave this blank if you are not sure. Please allow extra time (prior to your ceremony) in addition to what the make up artist and hairdresser quote, as they often run late.

Time Beth leaves for ceremony: *

BETH

Please don’t answer this field, I have placed it in here for my own reference as this is something I will need to decide when I look at your overall plan.

Time bride leaves for ceremony: *

I would check Google maps for all travel times if you need to travel from bride prep to your ceremony and build in a bit of additional time on top of that.

Groom prep:

Have we agreed in advance on Beth (or a second photographer (if applicable)) photographing groom prep? If we have not agreed to groom prep being photographed, please leave this box blank and ignore all of the information pertaining to groom prep. If we have agreed to do groom prep photographs, please write YES in the box above.

Time groom prep starts:

Please only fill this in if Beth has agreed in advance to photograph both bride prep and groom prep (or if Beth is organising a second photographer to photograph groom prep).

Groom prep address:

Please only fill this in if Beth has agreed in advance to photograph both bride prep and groom prep (or if Beth is organising a second photographer to photograph groom prep).

Time of first look:

If you are having a first look, please indicate the time you would like to start your first look. If you are not having a first look, please leave this box blank and skip all of the questions pertaining to first looks.

Address of first look:

Please leave this box blank if you are not having a first look. If you are having a first look, please include as much information as possible, including a postcode and the venue name if applicable. If the address is hard to find on Google Maps, if it’s not marked on Google Maps, or if Google Maps takes you to the wrong place, please email me a map so I know exactly where to go 🙂

Photographs after first look:

Wedding party photos
Couples’ photos
Family/group photos
Only select this if you have selected “family/group photos”. I want to do some family/group photos before the ceremony and some after the ceremony
Only select this if you have selected “family/group photos”. I want to do all of the family/group photos prior to the ceremony
I do not wish to do any “posed” photos after the first look itself (just photograph the first look naturally).

Please leave this box blank if you are not having a first look. If you are having a first look, please indicate which photographs you would like to do after your first look (prior to the ceremony). Please check all boxes that apply to you.

Time to head to ceremony after first look/pre-ceremony photos:

Please leave this box blank if you are not having a first look. If you are having a first look, please indicate what time you would like to finish the first look and pre-ceremony photographs.

Time ceremony starts: *

Ceremony address: *

Unplugged ceremony: *

YES, I would love an unplugged ceremony!
NO, I do not wish to have an unplugged ceremony. I acknowledge that guests could block Beth’s shots at some point during the ceremony and that guests might stand up and move to the aisle to get photographs in the middle of the ceremony, which could be disruptive, potentially affecting my photographs. I acknowledge that key moments might be missed as a result of guests with their phones.

Please indicate if you are having an unplugged ceremony by selecting YES or NO in the field above. It’s a great idea to have an “unplugged ceremony” – ask the person conducting the wedding to ask guests to put their devices away – it helps them stay in the moment and I get images of real emotions rather than images of guests taking photos. The person conducting the wedding will be happy to do this – even if you ask last minute – totally up to you though! A lot of couples now also ask for people not to put phone photos up on social media so that the first images people see of your wedding are the nice professional ones!

Ceremony speakers: *

Please indicate who is speaking during your ceremony (readings etc)

Ceremony indoors/outdoors: *

OUTDOORS
INDOORS

Please indicate whether your ceremony is indoors or outdoors.

Time ceremony ends: *

Time for confetti: *

YES, please set a confetti shot up for us after the ceremony
YES, we will get people to throw it as we walk back down the aisle as husband and wife
YES, we will get people to throw it as we walk back down the aisle as husband and wife and we also want a set up confetti shot after the ceremony
NO, we are not having a confetti photograph.

Are you having a confetti photograph? Please select the option which best describes your wedding. Confetti can happen as you walk back up the aisle (this means someone will need to give everyone in the aisle a bag of confetti as you sign the register, or leave a little bag of confetti on all of the aisle seats). Also we can set up a confetti shot which can be fun! Let me know if you would like to do this. It is very popular in the UK where I have previously worked and it’s honestly so much fun and often ends up being the favourite photo from the day. I can’t recommend doing this enough! You just need to get some biodegradable confetti in advance (a big bucket of biodegradable small flower petals works well – then someone can bring the bucket of confetti out after the ceremony and the guests can grab a handful :D). If you are going for a planned confetti shot, it needs to be organised in advance.

Time for mingling: *

BETH

Please ignore this field, I have placed it in here for my own reference as this is something I will need to decide when I look at your overall plan. it’s best to mingle right after the ceremony as this always happens naturally anyway. People will want to talk to you and congratulate you. Everyone is really happy at this point too so it’s a good chance for me to get some candids.

Time of group photos: *

BETH

Please ignore this field, I have placed it in here for my own reference as this is something I will need to decide when I look at your overall plan.

Group photos: *

Please list the combinations of family/group photos you would like. Please number each group photo you would like (e.g. 1), 2), 3) etc). Please list them in this questionnaire as I need this information now to be able to work out overall photo timings. If I recommend no more than 12 groups (as guests can get bored). Allow 3 mins per photo in your timeline. Average number people do is 6-10. I recommend adding people who you really want photographed on the day to this list. Please include the names of each person in the photos (as well as their relationship to you) so that I can quickly call the correct people for each photo by name. Please note that these images must be completed during “group photo time” rather than later in the day (it affects the natural/candid photos to try and find guests later in the day) – so please keep your own copy of this list and make sure the guests for these photos know in advance that they will be needed during “group photo time”. I also need a copy of the group photo list to be printed by you and given to a family member/guest who knows everyone – they can help round people up (it’s much faster).

Time of wedding party photos: *

BETH

Please ignore this field, I have placed it in here for my own reference as this is something I will need to decide when I look at your overall plan.

Time of couples' photos: *

BETH

Please ignore this field, I have placed it in here for my own reference as this is something I will need to decide when I look at your overall plan. We can split it so if we do 20-30 mins now of you both alone and then 10 mins around sunset of you both alone together – as the light will be more flattering and you will be more relaxed at this point – then this would be perfect.

Time to head back to reception: *

BETH

Please ignore this field, I have placed it in here for my own reference as this is something I will need to decide when I look at your overall plan.

Time evening reception starts: *

Evening reception address: *

Time meal starts: *

I just need 30 mins at meal time minimum to eat, change cards and batteries, go to the toilet (sometimes it’s the first chance I get), scope locations for the possible sunset photos etc. So I would avoid planning anything during the meal (including speeches) that needs photographing as it might get missed.

Main mean for Beth: *

YES (thanks so much!)
NO (no worries)

Are you able to provide a meal for me (during the main meal of the day) – note this is completely optional – I just need to know whether I need to pop away for a meal when you are eating – and to plan this in advance. I eat everything but fish :). Please indicate in the field above.

Time speeches start: *

Speakers: *

Who is speaking for your speeches?

Opening up the floor… *

NO I am not planning to open the floor up to guests after the main, planned speeches.
YES I am planning to open the floor up to other guests to speak after the main speaker. I understand that this might mean missing sunset photographs and might extend the original time allocated for speeches upwards of an hour as the speech timings aren’t planned. I acknowledge that this could have a knock on effect for the rest of the evening reception timings.

Please indicate whether or not you intend to open up the floor for other guests to speak after your main, planned speeches. If you open the floor up to “anyone” after the main speakers and don’t plan this in advance, all of your reception timings will change as in my experience, “opening the floor up” extends the original planned speeches time for over an hour, or even longer. This can result in you missing sunset photos (most people book me for my sunset photography work) – so it’s not something I personally would recommend, wedding receptions run much better when speeches are planned (and timed) in advance. You can also risk your first dance being pushed back so late that I would end up missing it if speech timings aren’t planned in advance 🙂

Sunset photographs during speeches: *

YES, I am okay with pausing the speeches for 5-10 mins to get some quick sunset photos.
NO, I do not wish to pause the speeches and acknowledge that this might mean missing sunset photos.
I do not wish to have sunset photographs.

Please indicate your preference above. Depending on the sunset time on your wedding date, if you want photographs of the both of you around sunset (which is the best time with the most flattering light) – normally only 5-10 minutes, sometimes we need to do it in the middle of speeches depending on how things are planned (to get the best light). This is normally not an issue at all and often is a nice break for guests to go to the toilet and grab a drink as you pop out for photos – then continue the speeches when you get back. I just need to know if you are open to this option, so when I look at the overall timings in your wedding plan, I can see where sunset photos best fit in.

Time speeches end: *

Time dessert starts: *

Write n/a if not applicable.

Sunset time: *

BETH

Please ignore this field, I have placed it in here for my own reference as this is something I will need to decide when I look at your overall plan.

Sunset photos: *

YES, I would love sunset photos of the two of us. This will be around 5-10 minutes of photos taken in the hour before the sun sets (golden hour) if it’s a sunny day.
NO, I do not wish to have sunset photos of the two of us. I acknowledge that this means that the main photos of the two of us might be in brighter and less flattering light (if it’s a sunny day) and that I won’t get any photographs with the beautiful, orange, glowy light that I see on Beth’s website.

Are you amenable to possible photos at sunset? Please indicate your preference above. Most people go for this as this is when the light is the best and most beautiful and flattering. We only need around 5-10 minutes and we will do it at the reception venue itself. Google the sunset times on your wedding date in your area – just type in “sunset time, location, date” and Google will let you know when the sun sets. We need to take these “sunset” images in the hour before the sun sets.

Time of cake cutting: *

Time of first dance: *

Evening/after dark photos: *

YES, I would love some after dark photos of the two of us together (provided it works with the timeline and there is something in the area Beth can use for after dark photos). Note: this will be very much “let’s play it by ear” on the wedding day as I need something like fairy lights in the area for the evening photos to work and I need it to be dark enough.
NO, I would not like any photos after dark of the two of us.

Would you be amenable to some possible evening shots after dark of the both of you (literally 5 mins) if I see something interesting? Note – only possible with a later ceremony and at certain times of year. It also requires something in the environment like fairy lights.

Time Beth leaves: *

BETH

Please ignore this field, I have placed it in here for my own reference as this is something I will need to decide when I look at your overall plan.

Time of end of wedding reception: *

Important shots: *

Are there any “must have” photographs that you absolutely want? Note – I will capture the wedding day as it happens naturally. I cannot guarantee any shot based on how your wedding runs, however, I make an effort to try and photograph items on this list prior to leaving. Try to make the list less than 5 images though – as if I am working to a list all day I will miss moments.

Focus on… *

Is there anything that you would specifically like me to focus on or notice? Are there any other important events occurring at your wedding that you want me to capture?

Be aware of… *

Are there any religious traditions/ceremonies, wedding traditions or surprises that I should be aware of? Any family dynamics that I should be aware of?

Rules… *

Are there any rules pertaining to photography that I should be aware of at the location where you are getting ready, the location of your ceremony and the location of your reception?

Looking forward to… *

Is there anything in particular on your wedding day that you are really looking forward to? Tell me about the parts of your day that you are most excited about.

Rainy day plan: *

What is your rainy day plan? It might be worth having clear or white umbrellas for the couple + wedding party to use if it rains for the photos (so one umbrella for each member of the wedding party). Japan Mart has them. Try also The Warehouse and Kmart.

Parking situation: *

Is there anything I should know in advance about possible parking restrictions or extra parking costs. Clients are liable for parking charges – generally venues will let me park there for free though.

Videographer: *

Are you having a videographer? What is their name and website? Is photography more important to you, or videography (purely asking for practical reasons in case there is only space for one of us in certain situations). Please write n/a if not applicable.

Prioritise bride or groom during bridal walk up the aisle… *

Just focus on the bride coming up the aisle
Just focus on the groom’s reaction
I would like both a photo of the bride coming up the aisle and the groom’s reaction. I have a short aisle meaning you will need to stand at the front. I understand this means that there will be less shots of the bride coming up the aisle and a side view of the groom’s reaction.
I would like both a photo of the bride coming up the aisle and the groom’s reaction. I have a long aisle meaning you can stand at the end of the aisle and get the bride coming towards the aisle, then a front on view of the groom’s reaction.
I have booked two photographers so would like one photographer to focus on the bride coming up the aisle and the other photographer to focus on the groom’s reaction. I understand that even with two photographers it might not be possible to get both photographs as the second photographer needs to physically stand out of the shots of the bride coming up the aisle meaning this shot isn’t always possible depending on ceremony set up.

Often I get a request for a photograph of both the bride coming up the aisle and the groom’s reaction. Logistically, it can sometimes not be possible to get both of these shots (even with two photographers) because of the ceremony set up. Often I will stand up the front next to the celebrant/person conducting the ceremony and I photograph towards the bride. The groom is in the opposite direction. Sometimes I can spin around to get a shot of the groom’s face. It totally depends on the environment. I always try and get both shots. Getting both shots means getting less shots of the bride coming up the aisle (so less chance of getting a flattering expression) and often means getting a side view of the groom. Sometimes I will stand at the end of the aisle (if it is a long aisle), meaning I can get the bride coming towards the aisle and a front view of the groom’s reaction. This is probably the best option in terms of capturing both from great angles but it again depends on the ceremony set up. Please select from the list which option you would prefer in this scenario.

Extra hours of coverage: *

YES, I would love to add an extra 1 hour of wedding photography coverage for $300 (50 extra photos minimum)
YES, I would love to add an extra 2 hours of wedding photography coverage for $600 (100 extra photos minimum)
YES, I would love to add an extra 3 hours of wedding photography coverage for $800 (150 extra photos minimum)
NO, I do not wish to add on any hours of photography coverage over the 10 hours already booked.

Would you like to add on extra pre-ceremony or evening coverage for $300 per hour (over and above the 10 hours included in your package)? This is a good option if you have a longer timeline (e.g. something important happening later in your reception) and you really want me to stick around to photograph it. You will get 50+ extra edited images for each extra hour I stay.

Approaching the couple on the wedding date to discuss additional photography time: *

YES, on the wedding day itself, please approach me around 15 minutes before you are due to leave and ask me whether or not I want Beth to stay for longer (the hours agreed upon will be arranged on the day). I understand that extra time agreed upon on the wedding day over 10 hours is charged at $300 per hour and I will get a minimum of 50 extra images for each extra hour.
NO, please do not approach me prior to leaving to discuss extra photography time. I understand that if there is anything happening after the pre-agreed 10 hours, it’s likely that this will not be photographed.

If your wedding reception runs over the 10 hours on the wedding day itself, can you confirm whether it is okay to approach you to discuss me staying for extra time? NOTE: I will always try and approach you before I leave just to say goodbye (if I can find you!), I just need to know in advance whether it’s okay to discuss me staying for extra hours on your wedding day itself, if I feel that I am going to miss something important, or the day is running late. Also: if I happen to stay longer on your wedding date (over the 10 hours) and I *don’t* discuss extra hours with you on the day, you will not be charged for the additional time. You will only be charged if we agree to it on the day.

Unlimited coverage: *

YES, I would love to have you there all day! I will let you know what time I want you to start and finish in the box below. I understand this will be an extra $500 and that I will get an extra 50+ edited photos for every extra hour over the 10 hours that Beth stays.
NO, I think having you for 10 hours is plenty!

Would you like to upgrade to full day, unlimited coverage for $500? (as long as you like over and above 10 hours). This means I will start when you want me to and end when you want me to – even if it’s like 20 hours! I could be there for your entire wedding from the very start to the very end. You’ll also get an additional 50+ edited photos per extra hour I stay over the 10 hours.

Unlimited coverage hours:

If you answered YES to the question above, please indicate Beth’s starting and finishing times. It could be 7am – midnight if you like – it’s totally up to you. If you answered NO above, please leave this blank.

What is your first dance song? *

Please also let me know in advance if you plan on only dancing for part of the song and then inviting everyone else on the dancefloor early on, if if you plan to dance alone for the whole song (as this can affect the number of photos I can get).

Albums: *

YES, I would love to hear more about the albums you offer when you deliver my images
NO, I am not wanting to hear about albums.

Would you be interested in a beautiful, handmade album once your wedding photos have been delivered?

Postal address: *

What is your mailing address (physical postal address) after the wedding? Please indicate the street number, street name, province and postcode.

Social media: *

Please list your social media accounts below (Facebook, Instagram etc, including a wedding Instagram hashtag if you want one) if you wish to be sent a sneak peek. Filling this in gives Bethany Howarth Photography permission to (possibly) post a sneak peek of your wedding images on social media for you. Write NO in the box above if you do not wish to receive a sneak peek via social media.

Hair and makeup artist: *

I sometimes have other wedding vendors get in touch, so it’s good for me to know the below information. What is the website and business name of your hair and makeup artist?

Dress/suit designer/shop: *

What is the website and business name of where you got your dress(es) and/or suit(s)? Who is your dress/suit designer?

Videographer: *

What is the business name and website of your videographer? Please write n/a if not applicable.

Cake maker: *

What is the website and business name of your cake maker? Please write n/a if not applicable.

Band/DJ: *

What is the website and business name of your band and/or DJ? Please write n/a if not applicable.

Florist *

What is the website and business name of your florist?

Celebrant: *

What is the website and business name of your celebrant (if not applicable leave blank)? Please write n/a if not applicable.

Caterer: *

What is the website and business name of your caterer? Please write n/a if not applicable.

Stationery: *

What is the website and business name of your stationery designer? Please write n/a if not applicable.

Stylist: *

What is the website and business name of your stylist? Please write n/a if not applicable.

Wedding planner: *

What is the website and business name of your wedding planner? Please write n/a if not applicable.

Lighting: *

What is the website and business name of your lighting provider? Please write n/a if not applicable.

Marquee/stretch tent/tipi: *

What is the website and business name of your marquee, stretch tent or tipi provider? Please write n/a if not applicable.

Other wedding vendors: *

What is the website and business name of any other companies involved in your wedding? Please write n/a if not applicable.

Your story:

Thank you so much for filling in this very long questionnaire. I would love to hear a little more about your story. How did you meet? What do you both love doing the most? (Totally optional, you don’t have to tell me).

Name

Wedding photography in Christchurch, New Zealand by Bethany Howarth Photography