For Weddings:
Choose a budget for each area of your wedding. The four most expensive areas are the "four F's":
1. Fashion (your dress)
2. Food
3. Photographer (foto)
4. Florist
Research and choose companies that provide what your looking for but within your budget.
When the bride chooses her gown- take a picture of it. Occassionally, the bridal shop will forget what your dress will look like or the wrong will will be brought in. When you have a picture it provides clarity and decreases stress that often occurs within weeks of the special day.
When choosing a photographer interview them and find out how they normally work, prices and options. A good fit between your desires and their system will often create the most beautiful working enviroment for all involved.
When planning your wedding keep in mind that photographs will be taken after the ceremony for at least an hour your guests will be "mingling" with the guests of honor. Plan to have finger foods or drinks to keep them entertained while your memories of a lifetime are being made.
Portraits:
Bridal portraits may be taken prior to the wedding date, prior to the wedding on the wedding date or after the ceremony. If you choose to have a portrait session (prior to the wedding), be prepared for it to take several hours for make-up, hair, travel to the portrait sight and approximately two hours of photography time. For example, if your session is at 6:30pm you should plan to arrive at the session by 6:15pm. Schedule your time accordingly.
Engagement or family sessions: Clothing is a vital part of your image. Choose solid colors or small pin strip. The colors should also coordinate with persons involved in the photograph. For large groups you may choose to have each family unit coordinate in similiar colors, but be careful than when all the persons are placed in the photograph together the colors all coordinate.