Weddings are, usually, beautiful occasions for the couple getting married as well as their guests. As Hello magazine inspired weddings become more and more lavish, however, the costs of the typical wedding have also become exhorbitant. The average cost of a wedding in the US last year was $20,000, and it was £20,000 in the UK. That’s crazy money when you consider it’s just one day. And with the credit crunch showing no signs of easing, prospective brides and grooms are actively looking for ways to cut costs without spoiling the magic of their special day. Couples are cutting down guest lists, asking for friends and family to help out instead of hiring caterers, DJs and videographers, and brides are increasingly considering pre-worn wedding dresses. Yet the photography is one area few are prepared to compromise on, and with good reason. Of all the possible expenses you could lay out for your wedding day, its the photography that will stay with you and your family long after the others are just a hole in your bank account. Here are a few tips on how to stay within your budget for wedding photography without having to take a cut in quality.
1. Making the best of Google
There aren’t many photographers around today that don’t have a website, and one of the best ways of finding and comparing wedding photographers in your area and price range is through search engines like Google. However with competition being so fierce it’s not hard for prospective brides and grooms to miss out on some really special and talented photographers by not looking far enough when searching. Spend some time trawling through the Google results beyond the first few pages. By ensuring you take your time on your search you can get the best possible short-list of potential wedding photographers to choose from. Also don’t just go for the obvious search terms - make sure you vary your searches, and always include a few local areas and towns to find photographers who are slightly further afield but willing to travel. My wife and I live in Sussex, and when looking for our photographer we not only searched “Wedding Photographer in Brighton” - we also looked at other surrounding areas such as Kent, Hampshire, London and Surrey.
2. Be Wary of “Stealth Charges”
Nowadays the vast majority of photographers use digital cameras rather than older film cameras requiring development in a darkroom. All of which has meant that wedding photography prices are a lot more simple now too. So I’m amazed that so many photographers still charge their customers an extra fee for each print on top of the booking! I would strongly suggest you forget about these guys and go for someone who will provide a hi-res CD of all the images from the day. Armed with this CD you can then trot down to your high street photo printers and get the prints you want in the size you want at minimal cost.
3. Make your Own Photo Books!
With digital photography the era of the traditional wedding photo album has passed. Today you have stylish photobooks are a big hit with most couples - but the problem is if you go through your photographer these will often cost you an arm and a leg. But if you can be bothered and have a flair for creative design, you can now design photobooks yourself using specialist software downloaded from the net, and get them printed up at ludicrously cheap rates. The same goes for things like canvas prints and enlargements - all you really need are the original high res images!
4. Yes, There are a Few Swindlers Out There, But You Can Easily Avoid Them
Everyon’e heard a story about a couple who got scammed by a so-called “photographer” who ran off with their money. Such criminals, who it must be said are few and far between, lure couples in with a too good to be true package, often stolen photos, and once they receive the deposit you never hear from them again. It breaks my heart to hear about this sort of thing. But it can be easily avoided with vigilance. Make sure you pay any deposits via secure bank transfer as this can be traced in the event of a problem, and that you receive an invoice and receipt for your payment. Also make sure you get a legally binding contract from the photographer which states clearly what you are getting for your money and will protect you. And lastly, just make sure you have your radar up - try and visit the photographer, see lots of examples of his work and ask lots of questions.
5. Don’t be Tempted to Cut Corners!
My last tip is perhaps the opposite of a moneysaving one, but just as important as the others. I know you’re trying to save money but it it possible to take that overboard! It’s worth repeating that out of all the services you pay for on your wedding day, the photography is quite possibly the most important to get right. There are hundreds of amateur and inexperienced ‘photographers’ out there who are trying their luck as a side income. If you look at their prices they seem like a bargain. But often the real bargains are to be found by going up a level in pricing. Your photographer’s portfolio should always make you go “wow” - otherwise what’s the point of having a wedding photographer?
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