Wedding Photography accounts for an average of 13 percent of your wedding budget. But, you don’t have to spend that much. With a little help from us, you can save money and make beautiful memories of your big day.
Anyone getting married may need it, but not everyone can afford a big budget. Budgets may be vary, but when it comes to their wedding photos, every couple desires to preserve their wedding memories. Whether you hire a pro or not, we’ll show you ways to save…
Planning is extremely import. Like all other elements of a wedding plan, start as soon as possible. Decide together what you can spend on your photography. Stick to your plan, don’t feel pressured into purchase something you don’t want.
Hiring a wedding photographer:
Ask for referrals from family, friends and on social networking sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Familiarize yourself with a standard photographers contract.
Discuss your vision of how you want the photos to look.
Ask to see his/her portfolio.
Ask a ton of questions, and be upfront about your budget.
Familiarize yourself with available photo packages. Don’t be surprised later!
If you want wedding videos, ask for a package to go along with your photos. Ask for simple editing and/ or raw footage. You may like the unedited version, and you can always edit later.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate! Many times they can throw in extras for you, e.g. referral discounts.
You may more if your wedding is on any other day than Saturday! Also, look at booking in the “off season” months, (in some areas) like January, February and March.
Some photographers use an assistant, cutting them out may save you dollars.
Keep your final photo purchases to a minimum. For example, buy only the basic package offered.
On sites like Shutterfly.com, make your own album and copies of digital wedding photos.
Many cities have photography schools, clubs or University classes. You may find a great photographer who is starting out. Just like with a pro, always check their work.
DIY wedding photography ideas:
The digital age makes it is easier than ever to get great photos from guests and family members. At your wedding, supply blank CD’s for guests to give you their photocopies. Or place cards on the tables with an email address or hosting address so they can send them that way.
Ask a friend: Maybe you have a friend or family member who loves photography as a hobby. Ask as many people as possible to shoot wedding photos for you. We have seen some great photos from cell phones! Don’t rely on that, but keep an open mind on your resources.
Prepare your amateur photographer with a shot list and when to shoot candid photos. Make them a comprehensive list. Use our wedding photography checklist too. It would be ideal to have more than one person designated to shoot photos for you. If you only have one photographer, assign someone to assist them.
Have your helper photographer study other wedding photos and learn a little about the composition. Be gracious and offer to pay for any expenses that your helpers may incur, like batteries, extra memory cards, and processing.
If you have enough help, set up a fun photo booth with a cool background. Supply disposable cameras for guests to use, but we suggest that you not rely on these photos, as they can be unreliable.
