Are you feeling overwhelmed as wedding vendor quotes are coming in? As you’re hunting for your wedding vendors, are you thinking… “Sheesh, these costs are racking right up!?” Trust me, you’re not alone. Wedding photography is one of the more expensive services most couples pay for in the mix of all their vendors. We’ll get into all that in a bit. The important thing to know right now is that I CAN HELP YOU find affordable wedding photography that fits your budget.
In this article we’ll cover information on the average price of a wedding photographer, ways to effectively negotiate wedding photography packages, alternative options for super savvy wedding photos, and how to book an affordable wedding photographer. So, let’s get right into it, shall we?!
- What is the Average Price for a Wedding Photographer?
- What Goes Into The Average Wedding Photographer Cost?
- Ways to Save on Wedding Photography Services?
- How to Negotiate an Affordable Wedding Photography Package?
- What Alternative Options are there for Budget Wedding Photography?
- How to Book An Affordable Wedding Photographer?
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Average Price for a Wedding Photographer
When it comes to budgeting for your wedding, one of the significant expenses to consider is wedding photography. According to recent data from reputable wedding sources like The Knot and WeddingWire (you may have heard of them… 😉), the average price for a wedding photographer nationwide in the United States is about $2,450.
Understanding the average cost of wedding photography and what goes into their rates can help you plan accordingly.
The Knot’s Real Weddings Study reveals that photography is a priority for nearly 90% of couples, making it one of the most sought-after wedding services. On average, couples spend approximately $2,900 on their wedding photographer. While this cost ranks as the fourth most expensive vendor or service, it underscores the importance couples place on capturing their special day.
What’s Included in a Wedding Photographer’s Rate?
The WeddingWire provides a fantastic breakdown of what goes into the average price for wedding photography, but as a quick snapshot, here are all the elements a wedding photographer could be considering in their rate.
- Coverage Time: How many hours are included in their rate? And do they offer a rate for extra hours?
- Travel: Do they charge a travel fee? This may include mileage for in-state weddings, or air and hotel for destination weddings.
- Staffing: Does their package include one shooter, or two? Additional photographers or assistants may increase costs.
- Editing: Extensive time is spent editing and retouching photos for optimal quality. The extent of a photographer’s editing time will vary by the number of photos being delivered, their editing style, and their skill level.
- Image Delivery: How are they delivering the final image files? Packages typically include digital image files, often accessible via online galleries or USB drives.
- Prints: Some packages include printed photos or credits for purchasing prints.
- Albums: Options may include designing and purchasing wedding albums through the photographer or other services.
- Additional Shoots: Engagement shoots are sometimes included, but other sessions, like bridal portraits, may come at an extra cost.
- Other Expenses: Factors like equipment, business expenses, marketing, and insurance may also influence pricing.
Inclusions will vary from photographer to photographer, so when interviewing potential options, it’s important to review their package carefully and ask questions when it is unclear what’s included. Next, let’s dive into ways you can save on your wedding photography.
Ways to Save on Wedding Photography Services
Now that you understand what goes into a wedding photographer’s rate, let’s talk about ways to save on your wedding photography services.
The following ideas offer some creative options for negotiating with potential wedding photographers and/or affordable wedding photography alternatives to hiring a seasoned wedding photographer.
How to Negotiate Your Wedding Photography Package
First and foremost, it’s incredibly important to explore wedding vendors who fit your budget range. After all, if you are shopping for a Mercedes with a Honda budget, it will never work, no matter how good of a negotiator you are! Sorry… that is just a fact.
That said, in many cases, wedding photographers will be open to discussing your unique needs to flex their pricing and/or provide a more customized package that’s right for the services you require. So, with that in mind, here are some ways you can negotiate a more affordable wedding photography package:
- Opt for Partial Coverage. Consider hiring a photographer for partial coverage (4-6 hours) rather than the entire day. Focus on capturing key moments like the ceremony, formal portraits, and the first dance, which can be more budget-friendly.
- Have a Weekday or Off-Peak Wedding. Choose a weekday or off-peak season for your wedding. Photographers often offer discounted rates for events held on weekdays or during less popular months.
- Ask About Referral Discounts. Ask friends or family members for referrals to photographers that they’ve worked with in the past. Some photographers offer referral discounts, which can help you save on costs.
- Bundle Services. Consider bundling photography services with other wedding vendors, such as videographers or wedding planners. Some vendors may offer package deals at discounted rates.
- Digital-Only Packages. Choose digital-only photography packages instead of packages that include prints or albums. Digital files are often more affordable and allow you to print photos, at your convenience.
- Ask About Payment Plans. Inquire about payment plans or installment options. Some photographers may offer flexible payment arrangements to accommodate your budget.
Affordable Wedding Photography Alternatives
Next, let’s talk about some out-of-the-box options for budget wedding photography. Here we’ll get into the super savvy and DIY ideas for the fearless couple planning a wedding on a tight budget.
These ideas are ideal for couples who may have deprioritized wedding photography but want to capture the day.
- Find Emerging Talent. Look for talented photographers who are relatively new to the wedding scene. They may offer lower rates to build their portfolios and gain experience.
- Set up a Photo Booth. Hire a photo booth instead of a professional photographer. Or make your own using photo booth apps and a DIY photo booth backdrop.
- Turn Guests Into Photographers. Instead of professional photography, or perhaps in addition to hiring a more junior photographer, let your guests be your photographers! Let your guests capture candid moments throughout the wedding ceremony and reception by providing them with disposable cameras or a shared space to drop their photos.
By exploring these affordable wedding photography options, you can find a solution that fits your budget while capturing beautiful memories of your special day.
How to Find An Affordable Wedding Photographer
Now that you’ve learned about the average cost of a wedding photographer, what goes into their rates, and some options for budget-friendly wedding photography, let’s get into how to book an affordable wedding photographer.
Here are the steps to follow:
1. Set a budget for wedding photography. If you haven’t yet followed my 7-step process for wedding budgeting – do this first!
2. Explore Photographers in your area that are in your budget range. As a first stop, The Knot has a great vendor marketplace tool for conducting your initial research. Simply plug in your location and your price range and begin browsing vendors that meet your criteria!
3. Make a shortlist. Select 2-3 photographers that vibe with your style and are in your budget range.
4. Confirm Availability and Conduct Interviews. Meet with each of your photographer options and ask all the questions you can think of. Be sure to take notes so you can compare/contrast later!
5. Complete Follow-up Negotiations. If you’ve got your heart set on one in particular but find that their pricing is just a bit outside of where you’d like to be, discuss your options using the negotiation tools I shared above!
6. Review Your Contract. Before you book, review your contract in detail to ensure everything aligns with your discussions thus far, and there are no red flags.
7. Book Your Photographer! If all looks good, sign your contract and pay your deposit!
I hope you’ve found this helpful! As a former bride on a budget, I can absolutely relate to where you are at in your journey. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. And, before you go, be sure to subscribe or follow @Savvyswarey on Instagram to keep up with all the latest ideas, tips, and resources!
Happy planning, friend!
Kelsey
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