In some cases the economy may dictate when you can reserve your wedding photographer however, in most cases; couples will lock in the studio or the photographer at least 6-12 month before their wedding.
Many of the more reputable studios, like the most desirable reception location, will book early and will require a deposit to lock in the date.
Most studio have specific payment plans however, regardless of what their policy may be, most studio will show flexibility and work with a couple in securing the date at possibly a smaller deposit, or in the case of our studio, we recommend booking the lowest priced package, while offering each couple a guarantee, that they can upgrade to any other package at the time of their booking, up to 6 months after their wedding date.
My recommendation is to contact the studio or photographer you would like to use for your wedding and see what they can do to help you lock in your date with them.
That will be one less item you will need to worry about as your wedding date approaches and you are guaranteed to have the studio you want to capture your wedding day.
P.S. Booking early also offers an opportunity to have an engagement shoot, which can be used for “Save the Dates”, “Signature Boards”, and give you some insight what it will be like to work with your photographer or studio.