Planning for Your Photography on a Tight Budget

Even if you have budget constraints, you shouldn't have to go with a bargain basement photographer. Photography is important on your big day; these are not just pictures, they're your memories. Photography tells the story of your wedding...and you get what you pay for. You want to make sure that your photographer matches your personal style--not just your price range. Wedding photography is an investment in the memories of your big day.

Here are some things you should look at when choosing your photographer:

Hours of coverage-Do you want the photographer to capture those precious moments shared between you and your bridesmaids while getting ready? Do you want them there until the very last minute? One way to reduce cost in this area is to reduce the amount of time you need the photographer. Instead of taking pictures after the ceremony, think about seeing each other before the ceremony and doing all wedding party and family pictures then. This way, you don't spend an hour away from your guests taking pictures. Additionally, you can minimize the time you need your photographer by planning and organizing your reception activities. We have found, through experience, that once your DJ/Band introduces you, go directly into your first dances, eat & mingle with your guests, cut your cake, dance/mingle, toss the bouquet/garter, and do a "mock leave" that our clients do not typically need to book additional hours with us for their reception, essentially saving money for other important needs or wants. During a "mock leave", the photography team gathers all of your guests and lines them up with your weapon of choice (rice, birdseed, bubbles, sparklers, lavender, etc). You make your fun exit for the photographs then everyone goes right back into the party for a fun filled night. All of the important photographs are made and you save money.

Albums-Choose a photographer that offers albums that match your style. Your album isn't just a picture book...it is a family heirloom. You want to be able to pull your album out on your 50th anniversary and show it to your children, grand children and maybe even great grand children. The album should be a reflection of you and your big day. You definitely don't want to choose the photographer that offers the cheapest albums. Choose a quality photographer that offers a quality product. A possible way to reduce your cost in this area is to consider the size of your album and the number of pages. If you'd like to have more pictures in your album, think about getting a smaller size. If you don't mind fewer images, then a large album could be the way to go. There are many options to choose from.

A word on disposable cameras...it sounds like a great idea: allowing your guests to take pictures of what they're seeing on your big day. In reality, you get very little to work with. Even the most skilled photographer has a difficult time capturing an image with a throw-away camera. Your wedding photographer is highly trained and comes to your wedding with professional equipment to make your pictures look their best. If saving money is a concern, eliminate the disposables in favor of letting your photographer capture your guests having fun.

A personal note: If you're an avid reader of this blog, you know that I met Julie when I chose her to be my wedding photographer. The first time we talked was when I called her to schedule my bridal consultation. We fast became friends, but in the first year or so that I knew her, she was my wedding photographer. I chose her because my husband and I are anything but traditional. We wanted a photographer that could capture our personalities, but still get some traditional poses for our parents. My wedding day was so full of laughs, socializing and prepping that I don't remember much of it. When I look at my images, the day comes back to me.

Joel and I were definitely on a budget. Working with Julie, we found the package that fit us best, and went through all the things that I mentioned in the above paragraphs. Since photography was most important to us, we found ways to cut our costs in other areas in order to afford what we wanted. I thought this was important to share, because I know when I was planning my wedding...I would read an article like this and think, "What do these people know? They're the photographers. They're just trying to sell me stuff." I shared my personal story because you should know that I've been where you are. Planning a wedding on a budget is tough, but it can be done. I'm so glad that I made the investment in our pictures, because they are an important piece of that day.