Nowadays every young couple seems to want to get married and recreate some of the fairytale celebrity weddings they see everywhere. 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. As the recession gets worse and job security declines, brides and grooms to be are become incresingly wary of such expensive weddings and are naturally looking for a cheaper way. 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. Your wedding pictures are one of the few lasting memories you have from that all too fleeting day, and of course it’s something you’d want done perfectly and in style. Here are a few tips on how to stay within your budget for wedding photography without having to take a cut in quality.
1. Google is your friend
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. Another tip is dont just settle for the most obvious phrases when you’re searching – try a few different searches, being sure to look at surrounding towns and regions as many photographers are willing to travel to cover a wedding. My wife and I live in Sussex, and when looking for our photographer we not only searched “Wedding Photographer in Sussex” – we also looked at other surrounding areas such as Kent, Hampshire, London and Surrey.
2. Beware of Hidden Charges
In this day and age most photographers are using digital equipment rather than old school film cameras requiring darkroom processing. All of which has meant that wedding photography pricing are now far less complex. However believe it or not a lot of wedding photographer still work on a pay-per-print model, where couples have to choose which pictures they want and pay extra for them! My money saving tip would be to stick to the photographer who will give you a CD with ALL the pictures in high resolution. That way you can get prints done at a fraction of the cost at your local photo printing lab.
3. Optional Extras and Photo Books – DIY!
With digital photography the era of the traditional wedding photo album has passed. Nowadays modern photobooks have become hugely popular, and many photographers charge significant premiums to include these with your package. 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. Be Wary of Wedding Photography Scams
I have heard so many stories of unfortunate couples who have been taken in by unscrupulous con artists posing as wedding photographers. These swindlers will poach couples with cheap prices and slick sales pitches, receive their deposits or even full booking payments and then never be heard from again. They are truly tragic and horrible stories. 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. Dont be Overzealous in Your Moneysaving Crusade!
My final piece of advice is actually against the whole saving money grain, but I feel it’s really important when it comes to wedding photography. 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 sometimes the biggest bargains can be found by going up one price point. 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?
