need some vendor advice

I'm cross posting this from the BHB... but I need as much advice as I can get!

I met with two photographers today, and we really liked one of them... but I don't want to rush in. So, some questions.

1. How many do you think I should see before I book? As of tomorrow I will have met with 4... is that enough? I don't want to make the decison too soon and maybe miss out on the best one.

2. I really liked one guy, but the one major drawback is that he asks for all the money by the day of the wedding. I'm not sure if I'm comfortable with not holding back at least a small percentage until we get the albums. Would you be? Do you think it would be unreasonable for me to ask for that? Can I email him and ask him now, or do I need to wait until we are actually sitting down and discussing booking face to face?

I think that's all for now... thanks ladies! It feels good to finally be moving on all this... the last two days I have definitely had a huge 'holy crap, I'm getting married!' realization!

I say, do what makes you comfortable. If you feel you've down enough research, and really like a photographer, book him! And I think you could email him about that. You also might want to keep in mind that he's a pretty reputable photographer, and prob. been in the business for a long time, and satisfied many brides. But, again, if he's not going to accommodate you to make you comfortable, then maybe he won't be so accommodating with other things.

Figure out what you need to be comfortable, and see if he'll go with it...It can't hurt to ask!
Good Luck