How to Save on Wedding Photography Without Sacrificing Quality
A wedding is a wonderful occasion, both for the happy couple, and their friends and family. But the cost of a wedding can frequently cause a lot of misery both before and after the big day. The average cost of a wedding in the US last year was ,000, and £20,000 in the UK. I don’t have to tell you that’s an insane amount of money to spend on a single 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. Among the drastic measures being taken are asking guests to help with food or music, trimming down invitations to close friends and family only, and the idea of a ‘pre-worn wedding dress’ has appeared in recent years, which was unheard of just 10 years ago. Yet the photography is one area few are prepared to compromise on, and with good reason. 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. Have faith in 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. Yet with the market being so saturated it’s easy for couples to miss out on some amazing photographers and great prices by not using the power of Google enough. 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. For example for my wedding I not only searched for “Wedding Photographer in Sussex” – we also looked at other surrounding areas such as Kent, Hampshire, London and Surrey.
2. Watch Out for Hidden Costs
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 have become a lot simpler. So I’m amazed that so many photographers still charge their customers an extra fee for each print on top of the booking! My money saving tip would be to stick to the photographer who will give you a CD with ALL the pictures in high resolution. 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. Today you have stylish wedding photography books 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. The thing is, if you’re vigilant they’re pretty easy to spot and avoid. 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. And be sure to get a proper contract from the photographer which makes clear what you are getting and what you are paying for – this provides protection to the couple. 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!
Now this one may sound counter-intuitive when it comes to ‘credit crunch weddings’ but I feel it’s an important one. Whilst trying to get the best possible deal and price beware of taking things too far! Like I said, the photography is quite possibly THE most important part of your wedding, especially when you look back. There are a lot of amateurs out there with little experience, talent and lacking in the proper equipment. 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?
