Setting your Photography Budget

Ensuring your special day gets captured as best it can, and at a reasonable rate is a tough dilemma for any couple. How much does professional photography cost? Here's a guide to setting a realistic budget...

The Going Rate
Keep in mind that you get what you pay for, and should expect to spend at least $1,000 on having a professional wedding photographer there to document your wedding (not including any prints or extras). Rates vary of course depending on the skill level and experience of the photographer. The size of your wedding may also affect the photography cost, as additional guests may increase the amount of time that the photographer must spend at your event. For 100 or less guests, the photographer will generally need 4 to 6 hours. For more than 300 guests, they will most likely need 8 to 10 hours on the job.

Comparing Rates
Most photographers will give a general price estimate over the phone or on their website to give you a general idea. In comparing photography costs, look at the different packages offered, the initial rates can be misleading. Some rates will only include the photographer's time, while others may include a set of proofs and limited number of prints. Determine what services and options you want first, then compare photographers' rates for providing those specific options to determine which will work in your budget.

Creative Ways to Save
If you are set on a certain photographer who has a higher rate than the budget will allow, consider these ways to save on your photography budget:

1. Buy a more basic wedding photography package with less prints and albums
2. Negotiate and switch out an engagement portrait for an additional small album (such as a parent's album)
3. Try to get the proofs and save on the printing costs for now. This way you can print at your own leisure any of your photos at a later date. Sure, get a few now to put around the house, but this way you can save up a little more money before getting too many.

Questions to Ask
When you're reviewing your photography contract, be sure to have all your bases covered, and consider these questions:

1. Do you need a deposit? If so, when?
2. What is the cancellation policy? Will you get anything back?
3. Is any travel time considered an extra or included in the bill?
4. Are you entitled to final prints only, or can you obtain all of the proofs?

Final Thoughts
Be critical - be sure you know what's the in package, and what's extra.

Be creative - maybe get 2 photographers to attend and shoot your wedding if the budget allows this. A more experienced photographer for a few hours, and a new photographer who is less expensive to be there for a longer period of time. This allows for different styles of photos, as well as ensures that if someone has car troubles, there are still pictures taken to commemorate your day.

Be classy - while the fun photos are great for memories, don't forget to get that special picture for grandma's wall either. Make a list of key people you want photos with and be sure to share this with the photographer and/or wedding planner beforehand to be sure you don't miss out on anyone in all the craziness.