Budgeting for Wedding Photography
One of the most difficult aspects of wedding planning involves the budget. It’s not easy to plan a wedding budget – as Jenny just told us on Monday! Photography is one area where money plays a big role in what you get…. Or does it?
Paying for the pictures
There are a lot of costs when it comes to photographers, all of which should be considered when you’re budgeting for your photography:
- Number of photographers: Remember that there are many different angles from which you might want to see your wedding. Your guests see your back, but don’t you want a picture of you facing the officiant? That might mean having a second photographer. A second photographer = more money.
- Hours of service: How many hours do you want the photographer (or photographerS) there for? Should they be around while you are getting dressed? Do you want one where you are and where your significant other is? Do you want a photographer throughout the reception? At the after party?
- Tips: Please remember to tip each photographer for their service. And that might depend on the cost, which depends on the number of hours.
- Photographs! Albums! Oh my! That’s right, you’ll need to factor in the costs of the prints too. Some photographers let you get the negatives. If that’s an option, do that so that you can reprint more photos without going back to the photographer.
Solutions to the Wedding Photo Budget
There are some very easy ways to save some money on the wedding photography, while still getting quality photos. These tips can either supplement a professional photographer, allow you to hire only one professional photographer, or even replace the need for a professional.
- “Hire” a friend to take pictures — maybe one who is an aspiring photographer! [[Note: if you do this, be sure the person gets to ENJOY the wedding to and doesn't feel like you put 'em to work the whole time!]] Not sure what to tell your unprofessional photographer? Check out our complete list of poses that you’ll want to take and tips on taking great photos.
- Get your friends to bring their digital cameras to the wedding. They were going to do it anyway, right? So be sure you collect ALL their photos in ONE online photo album. What’s an online photo album? It’s a virtual photo album where all your friends upload their pictures and videos. You’ll get to see everything, you can download what you like, and order prints of the ones you love. Plus you and your friends & family can comment on the pictures to remember the specific moments of the day.
Whatever you decide to do, be sure you find a place to share your photos with your friends and family!
Say cheese!
~ Natasha
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Lenicam
Laura Taylor
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Alouise
Your post is bull poop. There are not a lot of hidden charges when hiring a photographer. How can they be hidden if the bride has to choose them? You are an idiot on this subject.
Hi Eric, Thanks for your comment. You’re right — “hidden” is the wrong word. What I meant by “hidden” was only that when a couple thinks of hiring a photographer, they may not realize that there are charges that go beyond just asking someone to take photos for a few hours. I have updated the post accordingly.
Eric, you idiot, why would you call her an idiot. I apologize, I get very frustrated when someone starts stating un-truths about my photography. We have been photographing brides for almost 30 years and we prides ourselves on educating each and every bride so she can make the best decision for her needs. And because of that I have had to send some brides away to other studios because I was not the best choice for them. Again since I am the idiot for calling you an idiot, I apologize for calling you the idiot. Thanks a lot from the idiot.
Eric Scott
One other thing we educate brides about, is 2nd photographers. If you are already on a budget, even if it is not a tight budget, then how are you going to afford extra images from a 2nd photographer? Depending on the size of the wedding, 100-800 guest we could take somewhere between 500 and 5,000 photographs. When you add multiple photographers there are so many images that it can be overwhelming.
We recommend that a bride only consider a 2nd photographer when the wedding party itself gets over 10 brides maids and 10 groomsmen. And that is only if there is a time crunch.
This is great advice – that a 2nd photographer may only be necessary for larger weddings. I can see how having more than one would be overwhelming if there’s a smaller wedding. Thanks for the tip! And thanks for your apology, Eric.
Here are couple other things to think about when budgeting for a wedding photographer:
- Does the price include an engagement photo session? This is a good way for the couple to get to know the photographer before the stressful wedding day AND they can get some professional pictures to use on their wedding website or display at the wedding.
- Are there any fees for travel? These are often charged if you hire a photographer who isn’t local and needs to cover their transportation and hotel costs.
- Do the hours of service have to be consecutive? This is something to consider if you plan on having a long gap between the ceremony and reception.
- Be sure to add meals on the wedding day for your photographers (and other vendors) to your budget. Some caterers have vendor meals that are a bit more affordable than guest meals.
Great advice! Thanks for sharing, Jasmine!