Quote Originally Posted by Skyman
and we all know that it is easy enough to pull together a good looking portfolio if you shoot enough images
True - if someone looks like a possibility enough so that you want to meet with them, then as to see a portfolio based on shots from one recent wedding. Also, you should be able to connect on a personal level - I'd guess that's a bit more important than a more proficient photographer who is from another planet. Remember, you're doing business with them too... Casually bringing up the topic of backup equipment might shed some light on how they work too.

How to narrow the list to the people you want to meet with? I'd say a first impression is something to consider. Judging a photographer by their website (design and layout, not images) might be like judging a book by it's cover - but might show you a little bit about the person. Look at the shots and see if every one in their portfolio is from a different wedding - I'd say that's probably not a good sign although it might be intentional (showing that they have done many weddings).