Five Ways to Save Money on Wedding Photography
The popularity of weddings seems to have increased in recent years, despite the decline in 'traditional' values. As Hello magazine inspired weddings become more and more lavish, however, the costs of the typical wedding have also become exhorbitant. The average cost of a wedding in the US last year was ,000, and £20,000 in the UK. That's probably the most expensive day you'll ever have (unless you one day throw a winning lottery ticket in the wash). 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. 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. Hiring a wedding photographer is one area where a lot of brides and grooms are not, however, willing to cut corners, and rightly so. 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. I've put together my 5 top tips for how to find a fantastic wedding photographer without breaking the bank.
1. Trust 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. However since there are so many photographers jostling for space the problem is it can be easy to miss out on some great ones by not searching deeply enough. Don't be content with just looking at Page 1 of the results or the first few sponsored listings. By ensuring you take your time on your search you can get the best possible short-list of potential wedding photographers to choose from. 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. For example for my wedding I not only searched for "Wedding Photographer Sussex" but also surrounding areas such as London, Hampshire and Kent.
2. Beware of Hidden Charges
Gone are the days when your wedding photographer had to develop their own prints in a darkroom - its all digital now. All of which has meant that wedding photography prices 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! Always look for photographers willing to give you all the images from the day on CD. 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!
Traditional wedding albums with flowery covers and peeling pages are becoming a relic of the past. Nowadays modern wedding photography books are a big hit with most couples - but the problem is if you go through your photographer these will often cost you an arm and a leg. 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. Yes, There are a Few Swindlers Out There, But You Can Easily Avoid Them
I have heard so many stories of unfortunate couples who have been taken in by unscrupulous con artists posing as wedding photographers. 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. However the good news is that they're easily avoided. 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. And lastly, just make sure you have your radar up - try and visit the photographer, see lots of examples of his work and ask lots of questions.
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. In your quest to cut your wedding budget don't go too far! As I said above, the photos are probably the most important part of the wedding day when you look back at it in years to come. There are hundreds of amateur and inexperienced 'photographers' out there who are trying their luck as a side income. If you look at their prices they seem like a bargain. But sometimes the biggest bargains can be found by going up one price point. The bottom line is this: if you look at your photographer's previous work and it doesnt make you go "wow" then is it really worth paying for a professional?
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