One thing many couples overlook when planning their dream wedding is the cost of a good wedding photographer. In this article we outline what you should expect from a good wedding photographer, where you can compromise and where you shouldn’t.
If you’re in the process of planning a wedding no doubt the topic of the budget has already come up, and you’ve quickly realized that having a wedding isn’t cheap. Once you factor in the ring, the dream dress, the perfect location, the food and beverage, the decorations and flowers, spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a wedding photographer is the icing on the cake… oh yeah the cake too!
In an attempt to save money several couples we met had asked the guests to take the photos for them, either a camera is passed around or they gather the photos from everyone’s smartphones after the occasion. Then risk here is you end up with photos of feet, half cut off faces and it gets blurrier and blurrier as the night goes on.
But here’s the thing, paying for a wedding photograper need not put a big dent on the wedding package. You just need some savvy saving advice and that’s what this article is for. We will help you choose the best wedding photograper for your dream wedding.
What Do Wedding Photography Packages Cover?
Most wedding photographers offer a basic package with additional services added on if your budget allows it. A basic package usually covers the following:
● A wedding photographer, which may include additional staff or not
● 6 to 8 hours of wedding coverage. If you plan to have your photographer stay longer than what they normally offer, be prepared to pay more
● A set number of edited pictures which you can download, this is usually only a small subset of the photos taken e.g. 100-150 photos edited out of perhaps 1000 or more which are taken on the day
● Digital album. Most studios offer a digital gallery that you can share with family and the wedding guests
● A physical wedding album. Some photographers include this, for others it costs extra
Add-on services that most wedding photographers offer:
● Engagement shoots - styled photo sessions pre wedding at a different venue
● Wedding preparation and set-up with both your families and the wedding entourage
● Second-day wedding photos where you don your wedding outfits again and take more stylized photographs
● Photo Booths
● Additional photographers
● A videographer
● Drone footage
How much do wedding photography prices cost?
Your wedding photographer can cost you $800 to $1,000 based on the 2019 U.S. national average. However, most couples tend to spend $1,500 to $3,000 according to Wedding Wire’s study on reviews and social media reports. Most couples cap their wedding photography prices at 10% to 12% of the total wedding cost.
Moreover, several factors can either lower or increase prices. But the most definitive factor is the location. City prices tend to be higher than for less populated areas. Wedding venues can also add to the cost.
If you go for the whole guacamole including an engagement session or a second-day photo session, expect prices to be as high as $4,000 to $5,000!
10 Things You Should Do to Save Money on Wedding Photography Prices
If your jaw is unhinged with all the money talk, take a deep breath. Wedding photography packages may cost more than you expect, but you can significantly lower the cost.
1. Book Early
After booking your venue, hit the directory and look for your wedding photographer. First, you get to see who is available and second, you can get a discount for early booking. A year-early booking can make a difference of 20% or so.
2. Mind the Budget
One thing that is almost certain is things tend to go over budget, so don’t compromise at the start or you will end up way over budget and the end. Unless Aunt Bertha magically springs for the catering, stick to your budget. It’s tempting to book that slightly more expensive package, but you can often achieve excellent results without breaking the bank
Be realistic about your expectations and what you can afford. Remember, there’s still a marriage after the wedding.
3. Location, Location, location
If you are holding the wedding out-of-state, you might end up paying for your photographer's transportation, board, and lodging. It might be more financially-prudent to look for a wedding photographer within the same geographic region or state of where you will be holding your wedding.
4. Go Digital
Be honest, in the world of Instagram and Snapchat, all our pictures are stored in our smartphones and in our computers. Why not your wedding pictures too. Skipping the wedding album and opting for a purely digital gallery can save you at least $200 to $800.
5. Time is money
Booking your photographer for 6 hours instead of 10 can save you money. Skip the pre-wedding shenanigans and preparations. Have your Cousin take the preparation pictures together with some of your friends.
Second, the less time your photographer is booked means the less time they have to go through the thousands of shots and less time spent on editing. Negotiate the difference in dollars, it’s worth a shot.
6. Shop Around
The one thing we tend to overlook is shopping around for wedding photography packages. We tend to settle for word-of-mouth recommendations, the wedding planner’s go-to photographer or the Top 10 that Google throws up.
Remember to deep dive your internet search and check local listings for local photographers. Also, it won’t hurt to check the venue-preferred photographers. However, don’t get bound to your wedding hall’s recommendations.
Attend wedding fairs, compares prices AND packages, and read the reviews. Check out the references and make sure you take a look at their portfolios to see if you like their style.
7. Ask for Referral Credits or Discounts
You don’t need to only gush over your dress, talk up your photographer too. Use social media, your personal wedding-jitters-support group, and water cooler small talk to get a new client that will most likely get you a discount. Even after you have paid up upfront, your wedding photography prices can still go down when you get your final bill.
8. The Smaller, The Better
We are not only about the photography staffing but photo prints. You might want a wall-sized print of your romantic “viewing the sunset while holding hands” picture, but getting smaller prints can ease your budget. Go for wallet-sized prints or regular sizes. Group them together for a more intimate and romantic setting over your mantel or entryway table.
9. Off-Season Love
Weddings are seasonal events most of the time. It’s one reason why booking your photographer early can save you from a lot of headache. If you set your wedding off-season, you can ask your photographer for an off-season discount. Better yet, you can ask your wedding venue and florists for off-season discounts too.
10. Custom-made May Be Better
Instead of a set wedding package, check out how much your wedding photography prices cost will change if you opt for line-item customization. Some of the more expensive wedding packages may include services you don’t really want, like leather-bound albums or physical proofs.
Questions to Ask a Wedding Photographer
Before you bring out the plastic or sign the check, you better set aside at least two hours to have a sit-down with your prospective photographers. Interview them and don’t go blind and wing it.
Remember, your wedding pictures are a big investment which you want to last a lifetime. It’s money you’re going to spend, you’re the boss so don't be shy and coy about the questions.
Below is a list of questions we would suggest asking:
1. What’s your wedding style aesthetic?
2. How many photography staff will you need during an assignment?
3. Have you worked on my wedding venue before?
4. What were your previous experiences in wedding photography?
5. What are your packages? What other specific services do you offer?
6. What if I want to add other services later on?
7. Can I see a sample of a full wedding album you shot recently?
8. What is your shooting process?
9. What makes wedding photography different?
10. Why did you choose wedding photography?
11. What do you like most about photographing weddings?
12. What were your most memorable wedding shoots and why?
13. When will I see my images and how will I get them?
14. If I order additional prints, how much will it cost? What if my family or guests want their own pictures printed too?
15. What happens in case of an emergency and you are not available for my wedding or any worst-case scenario preparations?
16. How many weddings do you shoot in a year?
17. Do you have other weddings lined up during my wedding day weekend?
18. Can you please clarify my printing rights? Also, what is your policy on photo releases?
19. Can I see a sample contract?
20. What is your refund policy?
Wedding photographers are witnesses to your wedding. They are there to capture the best moments of the beginning of another part of your life. Their talent, skill, and passion are yours for that day, and the work they create will be with you for a lifetime. So choose carefully and good luck!
Do you have any other tips, if so please share them in the comments box below.
