12/8 UPDATE: How long is too long for proofs?

Woah, I just read your last response date and you've been waiting nearly 3 months! That is wayyyyyyy too long.

I used the same photographer. I just e-mailed them to get an idea when mine would be ready and they said the same thing - 10 - 12 weeks but they were hoping I would have them by Christimas.

Needless to say I am a little disappointed.

we used them too and had them back really fast...maybe about 5 weeks? It was a less busy time of year, tho..
Did you speak with Dom himself? Maybe ask to speak with him and eplain your concerns and that you have been waiting very patiently but you are now past the 12 week point!

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Posted by TheFutureMrsM

that is really odd, i know some girls on here have them back when they return from the honeymoon. I would say no longer than 4 weeks is acceptable.

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I agree, 4 weeks should be max...

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Posted by Suzannebride

No . After my honeymoon I asked about proofs and they said they are very busy and the turn around time is about 10-12 weeks. Last Saturday was 12 weeks. DH called them yesterday and said they are working on them but they are very busy. I was really patient this whole time and I am wondering if that is the problem. Maybe other brides were more proactive about getting their proofs and called them more often so they kept putting mine to the side? I don't know.

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11/28 UPDATE:

I called a little while ago and asked about my proofs and was told they hadn't started on mine yet. They are up to the weekend before my wedding (August 19th) and should be starting mine (8/26) next week. I mentioned that they told my husband they already started ours and they said that they did have the pictures loaded onto the computer. I asked if there was anything they could give us as I waited patiently for 10 weeks...and then 12 and I didn't understand why it is taking so long. Dom was very nice and said they are just very busy because they take so many more pictures than they are contracted to and want to make them look good. He said he is asking everyone to be very patient but is offering that they can have their pictures sooner if they just want to take the number of pics in their contract and they will delete all the extras. Of course I want all of the pictures so I will be waiting a while longer. I asked if he could just send me a couple that I could use for thank yous and he said he would but that delays everything more because he has to stop what he is already working on and go through our images to find something appropriate. The girl that answered the phone said she knows the wait is long but that everyone is really happy with the quality of the pictures when they get them. Here's hoping!

Just wanted to give any update for anyone who was waiting on one. I'll let you know when I do finally get my proofs.

Thanks for the update!!!

It stinks that you still have to wait but at least you know what is going on.
I am sure they will be beautiful!!!

I guess I shouldnt even call about mine, being that they are only on ones from 2 months before our date!

I have a book called 'The Bargaining Bride' and it addresses this EXACT issue with a mock coversation. It tells you how not to get walked on. I wish I had it with me right now. Basically it said that this:

Bride : 'I have been waiting 12 weeks for my proofs. My contract says they would be ready by ____ and that date has passed.'

Photog: 'I'm really busy! There are people who have been waiting longer than you.'

They haven't even gotten theirs yet. '

Bride: 'I appreciate you're busy and I appreciate you putting their proofs aside and completing the job in the time stated in the contract that you signed.'

On a side note, I personally don't like that he said he'd delete photos if you don't wait longer. That sounds like B.S. to me.

Well, at least you finally got some answers. I agree with the post before mine about the deleting pics things. I think that is just crazy.

I can't wait to see your proofs. I have been wanting to see your dress for the longest time b/c mine is the same as yours....

Hopefully you will have your proofs soon. Keep us posted.

I know tehy are awesome, but this is a little out of control. I would be so pizzed off. I would give it another week, if you get nothing I would just show up there and make them explain it to your face.

Remember-they are busy because of you!

The difference is that 12th Night does a lot of photo editing before they give you your proofs. I was interviewing them for my wedding when one of woman that works there was adding hair to the groom because he had a receding hairline! LOL So I think because they put so much 'time' into each wedding, it may take longer. Sorry to hear you have had to wait so long.

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Posted by carolinebr

I have a book called 'The Bargaining Bride' and it addresses this EXACT issue with a mock coversation. It tells you how not to get walked on. I wish I had it with me right now. Basically it said that this:

Bride : 'I have been waiting 12 weeks for my proofs. My contract says they would be ready by ____ and that date has passed.'

Photog: 'I'm really busy! There are people who have been waiting longer than you.'

They haven't even gotten theirs yet. '

Bride: 'I appreciate you're busy and I appreciate you putting their proofs aside and completing the job in the time stated in the contract that you signed.'

On a side note, I personally don't like that he said he'd delete photos if you don't wait longer. That sounds like B.S. to me.

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That book seems really helpful! I'm going to try to find it in case I run into these problems Thanks for that little bit of info!

ok, I have the book in front of me. I highly recommend it... it's called 'The Bargaining Bride: How to Have the Wedding of your Dreams without Paying the Bills of your Nightmares' Ok, so here's a blurb from the book on getting your proofs back:
____________________________________

'If you start to recieve excuses, deflect them by uttering a short acknowldgement and then repeating your demands in a succinct matter.

You: I am calling to see if my photos are ready

Photog: I'm very busy and haven't been able to get to your order

You: I understand that you are busy but I would like you to meet your contractual obligation to me

Photog: I have several customers who have been waiting longer for their pictures

You: I realize you have other customers; i would like my photos delivered by the date specified in my contract

Photog: I am going to have to put off other orders in order to fill your on time

You: I appreciate your situation and I thank you for completing my order on time as our contract states.
________________________________

Hope this helps!

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Posted by Suzannebride

12/8 update: got a voicemail last night that the proofs are ready and I need to make an appointment to pick them up. Hurray!

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Im so happy for you!!!!!!!!
Cant wait to see them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OMG That is HORRIBLE!!! I think most photographers are between 2-6 weeks. I was promised mine by the time I get back from my 'honeymoon' (we arent taking one)
I know my cousins waited almost a YEAR for theirs, but I don't remember who they used. I'll see them later and try to find out

glad to hear that you finally got somewhere.

i waited 8.5 weeks and they were the longest weeks of my life.

can't wait to see the pictures