How to save money on your wedding photography

HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Using my 20+ years of experience in the wedding industry, I thought about ways in which brides and grooms all over the world could save money on their wedding. In addition, I have also published an article and WEDDING BUDGETS and WEDDING BUDGETING over on the website http://www.yourbridalplanner.com. These tips will not work for EVERYONE, but it’s definitely worth taking a look at if you plan on paying for all your wedding planning.

Tip #1 CUT OUT THE WEDDING ALBUM
Wedding albums are a beautiful treasure, keepsake and time-capsule of your most precious day. That said, it’s very important that you spend your money wisely by getting a GREAT SHOOTER. Judge your photographer by how great his photos are, not by how many albums and prints are included in the package. Often, it’s the lower end photographers that entice the bride with a bigger album and more prints. But make no mistake, quality digital design and flush mount bookbinding cost big money, so always ask who the bookbinder is. [click here for a list of wedding album book-binders] Besides, you can always do the album later, so long as you secure the rights to all of your high resolution images.

I am one of the very rare high end San Francisco Wedding photographer that gives all of the edited and processed high resolution images to the bride within 4 to 6 weeks after the wedding. If it comes down to a choice of getting an OK shooter with lots of albums and prints, versus getting an AMAZING shooter and not having an album or prints choose the LATTER. And remember, getting the HIGH RESOLUTION IMAGES is priceless.

Tip #2 CUT THE TIMELINE
This one is obvious to most people and usually only an issue with super long weddings associated with EASTERN traditions like chinese weddings and middle eastern weddings. I’ve had brides use a qualified friend or relative to shoot some of the morning traditions like the tea ceremony, barat or meriment. At the tail of the day, that same person can shoot the general dancing and wind down of the wedding. Keep your wedding photographers schedule between 8 to 12 hours and that will save you money.

Tip #3 OFF-PEAK WEDDING / LUNCH or BRUNCH
Consider having your wedding in an off peak month or a weekday. Sundays have become very popular now for weddings so it’s unlikely you will save big by having your wedding on a Sunday. But in some instances it can make a difference. Also consider having a morning Brunch or Luncheon wedding as this can also lead to some savings with many wedding venues. Another way to save money on your wedding photographer is to have your wedding during the off peak months of November through March. This time of year is typically slower and you should be able to parlay this slower time into a cost savings.

how OFF PEAK vs. PEAK weddings affect shooting fee

April through October is the peak wedding season. Shooting fees are generally higher in these months. Since Robert shoots all of his own weddings, the shooting fee will be higher during peak times year long. Weekends such as Labor & Memorial Day, as well as Valentines Day are especially busy for Robert. You can save money on wedding photography and your wedding in general if you have a wedding off-peak. For more about that, please read my money saving wedding tips above.

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