Five Ways to Save Money on Wedding Photography

« « Digital Cameras Focus Modes | Where an Olympus Waterproof Digital Camera can be Found on the Best Prices » »

Five Ways to Save Money on Wedding Photography

Monday, November 2nd, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed

The popularity of weddings seems to have increased in recent years, despite the decline in ‘traditional’ values. When you look at the amount of expense that goes into that one day, however, you may think it causes more misery financially than it does happiness on the day itself. Last year, the average US couple spent k on their wedding, with the average in the UK being far higher at a whopping £20k, or k. That’s crazy money when you consider it’s just one day. But more and more couples are feeling the pinch of the recession now, and are looking for a way of getting married on a budget, without spoiling any of the magic of the occasion. 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. However when it comes to photography, most couples don’t want to go for a cheap option - and you can understand why. Because your wedding photos are the one thing that linger after all the dust has settled and the money has been spent on the rest of the celebrations - so naturally you would want it the pictures to be perfect. I’ve put together my 5 top tips for how to find a fantastic wedding photographer without breaking the bank.

1. Trust in Google

Any wedding photographer worth their salt will have a website displaying their work, and the best way to find them is, as always, by Googling. 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. After a thorough search you should have put together a good list of photographers that you can now start comparing on price and style. 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 Brighton“, we also made sure to look for photographers in London, Kent and Hampshire.

2. Watch Out for Hidden Costs

Gone are the days when your wedding photographer had to develop their own prints in a darkroom - its all digital now. Which means that the wedding photography pricing are a lot more simple now too. Yet many photographers are still working off the model of charging couples for each print they want after the wedding - that’s an additional cost on top of what you’ve already paid for their time! 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. Albums and Extras: Do It Yourself!

You remember the old flowery, faded, peeling wedding albums your aunt insists on showing you every time you visit? Yeah, they’re dead now. These days contemporary photobooks have become hugely popular, and many photographers charge significant premiums to include these with your package. Yet if you’re willing to make a little effort yourself and you have some creative flair, there are many photobook services now where you can design one at home and get them printed at bargain prices. Ditto when it comes to canvas prints or blow up posters really - as long as you have high quality original image files from your photographer, you can pretty much do it all yourself!

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 is a heartbreaking and cruel practice. But it can be easily avoided with vigilance. Firstly, ensure that any payment of deposits or fees are done via bank transfer - its the most secure method of payment, and can be traced and reversed in the event of a problem. 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. Finally, and probably most importantly, the phrase “constant vigilance” applies here - go and visit the photographer before money changes hands, make sure you see examples of their work and ask questions about how everything will work - a good photographer will put your fears to rest.

5. Don’t Forget To Insist on Quality!

Now this one may sound counter-intuitive when it comes to ‘credit crunch weddings’ but I feel it’s an important one. I know you’re trying to save money but it it possible to take that overboard! Like I said, the photography is quite possibly THE most important part of your wedding, especially when you look back. There are hundreds of amateur and inexperienced ‘photographers’ out there who are trying their luck as a side income. Judging from their prices alone you’d think you’ve struck gold. But if you ignore the very cheapest prices that’s where you often find the best compromises between price and quality. Remember that if you don’t look at your photographer’s work and go “wow” what is the point in spending all that money on a professional?

Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.