Budget!

 Trust me, I definitely understand weddings are a huge investment and things can add up pretty quickly. These are just a few things that might help if budgeting for all the things you need is what’s holding you back from booking a photographer.

• Make a list

  One thing that might be helpful is making a list starting with the things you need the most and ending with all the things you may not need as much. This won’t fix all of your budget issues but it may help to see where your priorities should be so you aren’t cheating out on something super important just to make room for those Golden Retriever Puppy favors.

• Shop around

  I might sound crazy as a photographer suggesting you look at other photographers but what other way can you compare services? Just make sure the services are actually comparable. Consider doing all the research you can and check out about 3 or 4 different photographers before you decide. Be sure to ask exactly what you’re getting, what’s not included and if you have rights to you images. The numbers may be close enough but if you have come out of your pocket again for something you weren’t aware of after the wedding is over, it won’t matter how close in price they are. By doing this you can feel good about whoever you choose to go with.

• Don’t be afraid to ask

  So as long as I have been professionally shooting weddings, I have always given my best effort to see things as if I were the one wearing the wedding dress. I mean, the way I treat clients is the way I would want to be treated. With that in mind, I know everyone is in a different position when it comes to paying for wedding services so I am beyond understanding and I’m sure I’m not the only one. I would hate for a couple to fall in love with my work only to go in a different direction because they were “slightly cheaper”. What Im saying is, if you find that soulmate photographer but it comes down to cost, don’t be afraid to ask if there is flexibility in the payment schedule or even the initial deposit. Worst thing they can do is say, “sorry”.

• Package options

  Last piece of advice, really look at package options. Some photographers/videographers like myself have custom packages that will allow you to fit into pretty much any budget through add-ons. In the beginning of the planning process you could be more than a year or even two out from your wedding date. There may be an option to get what you know you’ll need now and add on an option as the details become clearer. At the very least you won’t be overwhelmed by potentially getting more than you need and paying more than you’d like to.

All of these things just take a little conversation to figure out, and a great photographer will lead you in the right direction. So, let’s talk and see what the best option is for your wedding!