Capturing Wedding Bliss Without Breaking The Bank

Wedding photography is a big part of the wedding budget, and it can be difficult to find an affordable photographer. However, there are ways to get around this.

One option is to ask a friend or family member to take the photos. This can be a great way to save money, but it's important to choose someone who is not in the bridal party and who has a good camera. It's also a good idea to provide them with a list of shots you want and to make sure they have plenty of batteries and memory cards.

Another option is to hire a new photographer or photography student. They will be cheaper and may be just as talented as more experienced photographers.

You could also try to find a professional photographer who is willing to do the job pro-bono or look for someone on Craigslist.

Finally, you could skip the photographer altogether and rely on your guests to take photos. You can encourage them to use a specific hashtag so that you can easily find the photos later.

Ask a friend or family member to take the photos

Asking a friend or family member to take the photos at your wedding is a great way to save money and get unique shots. However, it is important to keep in mind that mixing something as important as your wedding photos with friends and family can be risky. Here are some tips to help ensure that you get the best possible photos from your friend or family member:

• Choose someone who is NOT in the bridal party and someone who preferably has a digital SLR camera. This type of camera is bigger than most and the lenses on it are interchangeable. They also have the ability to shoot in RAW format, which holds much more information than regular JPG files, making it easier to fix any exposure issues.
• Make sure that the person has plenty of extra batteries and memory cards. Digital SLR cameras usually take special batteries, so if they don't have a second battery, buy them an extra one. The same goes for memory cards – if they don't have at least two, buy them an extra one.
• Give them a detailed list of shots that you want, including group shots, details you would like shots of (such as your wedding cake, your shoes, the rings, etc.), and a schedule of the order of events for the day. This will make the job easier for your friend or family member and ensure that you get the shots you want.
• For the posed formals, remind them to use different levels and angles to create more interesting compositions and to avoid the "police line-up" effect. Also, remind them to have people stand up straight and keep their shoulders back – this makes everyone look better!
• When taking the formal posed photos, make sure that the only person taking these photos is your friend or family member. Otherwise, you will have wandering eyes in the group photos.
• Ask them to take many more photos than they normally would, to increase the chances of getting some great shots.
• After the wedding, be sure to thank them profusely! Taking wedding photos is a big responsibility and a lot of work, so make sure they know how much you appreciate it.

Hire a new photographer or photography student

If you can't afford a professional wedding photographer, consider hiring a new photographer or a photography student. They will be cheaper and many will be just as talented.

Finding a new photographer or photography student

You can find a new photographer or photography student by:

• Checking Craigslist
• Contacting your local art school or college and asking a photography professor to send out a request to their students

Things to consider when hiring a new photographer or photography student

When hiring a new photographer or photography student, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• They may not be a good wedding photographer, even if they are a good photographer. Taking beautiful landscape photos requires a completely different skill set than taking beautiful wedding photos.
• They may not have shot a wedding before, so it is important to meet them in person beforehand or, at the very least, speak to them on the phone.
• It is usually a good idea to go with someone who is charging something rather than nothing. A person who is charging nothing is probably just starting out, so you could get someone with amazing natural talent or someone with no skills at all.
• Ask them to bring along a friend who is also a photography student to be their assistant or second shooter. This will increase your chances of getting some decent images.
• Ask them to shoot in JPG+RAW or just RAW file format and to give you the final images in JPG file format.

Tips for the new photographer or photography student

If you do decide to hire a new photographer or photography student, here are some tips to help them get the best possible shots:

• Provide them with a detailed list of shots you want, including combinations of people and locations at the venue.
• Give them a detailed schedule of the order of events, such as the ceremony, entrance, first dance, cake cutting, etc.
• For posed formals, remind them to do things with levels and avoid the police line-up effect by having people stand at slight angles and with their arms at slight angles too. This makes people look much slimmer.
• Be mindful of the backgrounds – avoid having people stand directly next to a wall and try to avoid having things seemingly growing out of people's heads, like flowers or trees.
• Take many more photos than usual so that you have a better chance of getting some good shots.
• If you are going for a more photojournalistic style, let them know that you aren't looking for tons of shots of people mugging for the camera.

Get a cheaper wedding package

Wedding photography packages can be expensive, but there are ways to get a cheaper deal. Here are some tips to get a more affordable wedding photography package:

• Shop around: The cost of wedding photography packages varies widely, so it's worth comparing prices from multiple photographers. Get multiple quotes and compare pricing and services offered. Evaluate your options based on your budget and preferences.
• Consider a smaller package: Opt for a basic package that includes only the essential services. These packages typically cover the ceremony and key moments, providing you with a more affordable option. You can always order additional products later if needed.
• Look for customisable packages: Some photographers offer custom packages where you can choose the number of hours of coverage, specific services, and deliverables. This flexibility allows you to control your costs by selecting only what you need.
• Book early: Some photographers offer early-bird discounts if you book their services well in advance. It's worth asking about potential discounts if you plan your wedding early.
• Choose a weekday or off-peak wedding: Photographers often charge higher rates for weddings on Saturdays or during peak season. Consider having your wedding on a weekday or during the off-season to negotiate a better deal.
• Utilise referrals: Many photographers offer referral discounts or credits. If you know someone who has recently used a photographer, ask them for a referral, which may result in a discount for both you and the referrer.
• Combine photography and videography: If you require both photography and videography services, look for a provider who can offer a combined package. This can often be more cost-effective than booking separate vendors.
• Limit the number of staff: For smaller, intimate weddings, you may not need a large photography team. Discuss the possibility of having only a lead photographer or a reduced team to lower the overall cost.
• Adjust your photo order: Large, high-end wedding photo albums can be expensive. Consider opting for smaller print sizes or purchasing only a few larger photos for display. You can also explore alternatives to leather-bound albums to reduce costs.
• Evaluate add-ons: Review the package inclusions and decide if there are any add-ons or extras that you can do without. For example, you may not need a proof book or certain types of equipment. Removing unnecessary items can help lower the package price.
• Negotiate travel fees: If possible, choose a local photographer to avoid additional travel fees. If you have a specific photographer in mind who is not local, discuss travel arrangements and try to negotiate a better deal.

Ask your parents to pay for it

Traditionally, the bride's family pays for wedding photography, but this tradition has started to die out as people are tending to live independently for longer before getting married. However, if your parents can afford it, they may be willing to contribute to something significant like photography.

If you decide to ask your parents to pay for your wedding photography, be mindful of their financial situation and whether they will be able to afford it. It may be helpful to discuss your budget with them and ask them if they would be able to contribute.

If your parents are unable to pay for the entire cost of the wedding photography, perhaps they can contribute a portion of it. You could also ask them to cover other wedding-related expenses to help alleviate the overall financial burden.

It is important to have open and honest conversations with your parents about your financial needs and expectations. Be respectful of their decision and understand that they may have other financial commitments or priorities.

Remember to express your gratitude for their support, whether it is financial or in other ways, as you plan your special day.

Book your ideal photographer for a few hours

If you can't afford a wedding photographer, one option is to book your ideal photographer for a few hours. Many photographers offer lower rates for shorter bookings. You could get the ceremony, pictures of the couple, and some family/friend photos. Even if they don't list it on their website, contact them, explain your situation, and see what they can do.

You could also consider booking a photographer for a few hours before and during the event. This would allow you to capture the ceremony, as well as some of the reception. However, keep in mind that if you want photos of the entire event, including the getting-ready process, a longer booking may be necessary.

Another way to save money is to have your wedding on a weekday or Sunday instead of a Saturday, as these are less popular days for weddings and vendors may be more willing to negotiate on price.

When booking a photographer for a shorter duration, be mindful of the timeline and the specific moments you want to capture. Ensure that the photographer will be able to capture the important moments within the booked time frame.

Additionally, consider using a service like Perfocal, which offers wedding photography packages starting from a few hours up to a full day. They provide a simple booking process, connecting you with highly-rated photographers in your area.

Frequently asked questions