How Much Is Too Much For Wedding Photography?

Feel trapped by inflated wedding professional prices?  You’re not alone.

I spoke with a bride the other day who is planning her wedding on a very tight budget.  She’s paying for it all herself and has eight months to save the money.

She’s having a reception on the cheap for 100 people.  On the hunt for a wedding photographer at local bridal shows, she was shocked to discover that most photographers were charging $3,000 for a basic package.

“My entire reception costs $3,000,” she exclaimed.  “How can I pay that for just a photographer?”

Which brings me to my question…

How much is too much for wedding photography?

If you go by the percentages suggested by most wedding planning magazines and my wedding budget calculator, her photography expenses should be somewhere in the neighborhood of $1000-1600.  But here in New York, most of the wedding photographers charging those prices have dubious reputations.

When it comes to determining your budget and how much you “should” spend, YOU are the boss.

If you really want wedding photos that will capture the emotion and beauty of your special day and make you look like a million bucks…you’re going to have to pay for it.  But how much you pay is up to you.

This particular bride wanted to stick with her budget of under $1000.  So I suggested a few things to consider that will help her plan an affordable wedding.

1. All Price Is Negotiable. You’re not in a supermarket.  You don’t have to pay the sticker price.  If you just ask for a discount, 3 out of 4 vendors will give you one.
2. Book Less Time. Consider booking a photographer for only the ceremony, formal shots and through the first hour or so of her reception to save time.
3. Hire A Professional Photographer Who Doesn’t Specialize In Weddings. Find a talented student or professional photographer who doesn’t shoot many weddings.  He or she may be willing to sell you just a CD of your images for under $1000.  Then you can take your photos to SnapFish.com or Blurb.com to make your own albums.

Will you regret cutting corners with your photography?  Well, of all the regrets brides have after their weddings, wedding photography–and the lack of it–ranks highest.

But only you know what’s best for you.  Don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise.

Wedding photographers will swear you’ll regret cutting any corners on “preserving your special memories” …because they’re more concerned about lining their pockets.  Take the time to figure out what’s most important to you and tweak your budget to fit it in.  If you are creative and flexible, you CAN have your dream wedding on a budget that doesn’t land you in debtor’s prison.

Ready to learn more ways to save and still get what you want?  Check out my eBook on How To Plan Your Dream Wedding On A Budget and download my free special report to learn how to easily save $2,500 on your wedding.