Is it possible to save money on your wedding photography? Why yes, it is!
If you’re the kind of person who looks up wedding advice, you’ve probably seen time and time again that you need to have a photographer at your wedding. That you should never, ever skip it or skimp on it. And while, yes, I agree that you should not skip your wedding photography, or skimp on quality, there are ways to save money on it.
The key is to find ways to save that still allow you to have amazing wedding day photos, even if you’re saving money on your wedding photography. It defeats the purpose if you save money but the photos are horrible. If that was the case, we’d all just be walking around with iPhones and taking selfies on our wedding days. This, of course, is a scenario that we don’t want.
How To Save Money On Your Wedding Photography
Luckily, the scenario that you likely do want in order to save money on your wedding photography is achievable. In some cases, you may have to sacrifice in another area. In others, you might have to modify your plans, or be creative. I promise, though, there is a method for everyone who wants to save money. It’s all about looking at your priorities and what you’re willing to do and sacrifice.
Let’s get into it!
KNOW YOUR BUDGET AND NEGOTIATE
First things first. How do you save money on your wedding photographer if you don’t know how much money you have to spend on one?
Setting up your wedding budget is crucial. To start, list out all your income sources to help pay for your wedding. See this post for details on how to do that. Next, prioritize. Discuss with your partner how important wedding photography is to you. Some couples are willing to spend a big percentage of their budget on photography. For others, they want to keep it to a minimum.
Knowing how much you want to spend will help guide you as you talk to vendors. You can even lead with your budget, and see if they can match it. You never know what creativity will ensue once everyone knows what’s affordable.
GET MARRIED ON A WEEKDAY
An easy way to save money on your wedding photography?
Get married on a weekday.
Now, I’m not saying you have to get married on a Tuesday. I’m just saying that weekdays tend to have lower prices than weekends. Many photographers are available on weekdays, and their prices reflect that. They are in less demand, so they adjust to get the work. So, if you’re open to having your wedding on a non-traditional day, look into getting a deal. You may find that a high-demand, experienced photographer is more affordable when it’s not the weekend.
If you want tips on getting married on a Friday or Sunday, check out this post.
BARTER FOR SERVICES
Are you willing to trade to save money on your wedding photographer? If so, look into it.
For example, you may own a business and trade a photographer’s service for goods. Or services, if that’s what you provide. It could even be that you provide babysitting, house cleaning, or dog walking. You never know what someone is willing to spend money on until you ask.
Now, bartering for services may be a tricky subject to break into, so it’s something you’ll need to bring up with potential photographers. You can start by telling them you love their work, but can’t afford their prices. Offer up a trade, and see what happens. You never know until you ask.
If you need some tips on side hustles before your wedding, this and this are great posts for you.
HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER FOR A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME
Most photographers will be available for your wedding for six to twelve hours. However, some of them may be willing to work for less, for less money.
If you want to save money on your wedding photographer, see if they are willing to work less hours for less overall money. If your wedding is on a popular day of the week, in a popular time of year to get married, photographers may decline this situation. However, if your wedding is early in the day, or on an off-day in off-season, they may be open to it.
All you’ll have to do is find out what they are willing to do, and what works for your budget. After that, you’ll have to look at your overall wedding day and decide when you want the photographer there for you.
BE OPEN TO AN INEXPERIENCED PHOTOGRAPHER
Inexperienced wedding photographers can get a bad rep. Yes, experience is crucial when it comes to weddings. However, they may also be skilled at taking photos and willing to work at a discount.
To set yourself up for success when working with a new photographer, you need to do a few things. First, look at their work. They should have something they can showcase, even if it’s not wedding-related. Second, ask for reviews. If they don’t have reviews from people who have gotten married, ask for references from those who have worked with them in some capacity.
Last, make sure you have a contract with them and a back up plan (like a family member who can take photos). Sometimes this situation can work out well, but you always want to have your bases covered when it comes to photography.
BOOK YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
Photographers with low rates are in high demand. If you don’t book them early, you may miss out on savings.
I suggest that you book your wedding photographer immediately after you set your date with a venue. And, do your research while you’re looking for venues as well. You can even delegate this to someone else, if there are people asking you if they can help with your wedding. Anyone can look up highly rated photographers in your area, and start making a list of names that look good.
Once you book your venue, make your calls and start meeting with photographers. If someone feels right for your wedding, and is within your wedding budget, don’t hesitate to choose them. Like I said, the inexpensive, yet talented, photographers get booked early.
REGISTER FOR PHOTOGRAPHY
These days, you can register for anything.
While some people will register for bath and kitchen supplies, there’s no shame in registering for wedding photography. Using wedding registries like Zola can even help you with this. You can totally make the case for guests to gift you money towards your wedding photography. Why not motivate guests to help you with this by letting them know that their contribution will help you keep memories of your wedding forever and ever? I mean, who wouldn’t want to help with that?
HIRE A LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER
Look, travel can be expensive. And, if you’re hiring a wedding photographer from out of town, they will charge you travel expenses.
If you want to save on photography, look for someone local. Someone who isn’t going to bake drive time into their bill. Find someone who can conveniently arrive at your wedding. Not only will it be a better situation for your photographer, but they may be more willing to work with you on extending their time at your wedding, for less money.
SKIP THE WEDDING PHOTO ALBUM
Anytime you add physical goods to a service, things get more expensive.
As you search for wedding photographers, you will find that some are all digital, some provide wedding albums, and some do in-between. In some cases, the physical albums can add a lot of expense. In order to save money on your wedding photographer, consider skipping the album. Not only will you likely get your photos back faster (because they are all digital), and you’ll save on the cost of the album, but you may also save on sales tax, too.
Later on in life, you can always create a wedding album. In fact, we did a few months after our wedding. It was really easy to order online, and I was able to get a deal because we ordered over the holidays.
ASK YOUR OTHER VENDORS FOR REFERRALS
Vendors love to refer other vendors. And, sometimes a discount is offered when you reach out to someone based on a referral.
Remember when I suggested you book a photographer right after you set your date? Why not ask your venue who they recommend? Or, if you have another wedding vendor hired already, ask them. This could be your caterer, baker, florist – whoever! Just reach out and see who they like to work with, who might be in your price range. You never know what you may find out compared to if you were searching on your own.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Friends, you can total save money on your wedding photography. You just need to be intentional, prepared, and creative. Don’t be afraid to share what you can afford. Determine if you can compromise on time, day of the week, or an inexperienced photographer in order to meet your budget. If not, get creative with negotiations, trades, or working with others. Happy wedding planning!
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