Nothing gives you the wedding blues like horribly-taken photos.

You may have saved a ton of money on a wedding photographer by entrusting your special day to Uncle Frank, but paying for it afterwards is not what you had in mind.

That’s why it’s important to hire a professional wedding photographer to make sure your happy memories don’t turn into serious regrets.

When looking for a good wedding photographer, make sure you’re choosing the right one by following these tips:

• Experience.

Just because they have 15,000 followers on Instagram and an expensive camera, it doesn’t mean they’re qualified to photograph your wedding.

Having the right equipment is one thing, but you also need someone who knows what they’re doing. Professional wedding photographers usually have online portfolios that allow you to check out both their work before you buy.

If they have reviews on their site, great. Check out what people are saying about them. If you can find reviews about them other than on their website, that’s even better.

You’ll get a more honest view of what they’re like from those who haven’t been handpicked for online testimonials.

• Price.

Weddings can be incredibly expensive.

You’ve got your dress to think about, table decorations, catering, etc., and the last thing you need is an overpriced photo shoot that ends up breaking your budget. That is stressful enough…

You don’t want to have to cancel the honeymoon due to lack of funds. That being said, you don’t want to get the cheapest photographer on the market.

Quality photographers have a price; you’ll still have to spend a decent amount of money to get someone who has the experience necessary to take stunning, commemorative photos that you’ll cherish for years to come.

The best thing you can do is shop around. Don’t pick the first photographer you look at; wise shoppers weigh their options and don’t make hasty decisions.

• Recommendations.

Don’t stop at reading reviews on the photographer you’re considering hiring; if your photographer is local, seek out other people who have worked with this photographer before.

Have any of your family or friends had a good experience with this person? Was the photographer professional and friendly? Did your friend get the quality that they paid for?

Answering these questions through acquaintances you know and trust will not only help you pick your perfect wedding photographer, but it will put your mind at ease to hear others’ experience was a good one.

Your special day should stay special.

With the right know-how and a discerning eye, you’ll be able to pick the perfect wedding photographer who will capture those magic moments and make sure your wedding is an affair to remember, not a nightmare to forget!