Wedding Photography on a Budget

Choosing your wedding photographer for your big day is an important decision. These are the photos that will tell the story of your wedding day for years to come. At the same time, you don't want to pay for these photos for years to come.

The costs of your wedding photos can add up quickly. You will need to pay the photographer a fee for covering your wedding. Then there will be additional charges for your wedding prints and any albums you order. However, quality wedding photos don't need to cost you an arm and a leg. Here are some ideas for saving money on your wedding photography.

• Don't shop for a wedding package. Many photography studios will offer bridal packages that include various prints and albums, and perhaps a CD of digital photos. This may not be the most affordable option for you though. Instead of signing up for a regular wedding package, pick and choose the options you want. You might be able to put together a smaller package that is within your means. You can also tell the photographer your budget and ask what he or she can do for that price. If they understand that cost is a concern, they will probably be willing to work with you instead of losing the sale.
• Hold your wedding off-season. Certain seasons and months are always more popular for weddings. By holding your wedding in an off-season, you might be able to score a discount on your photography. Your other wedding purchases might be less expensive then too.
• Use digital photography. Look for a photographer who offers digital photography, instead of just traditional photography. This can save you money because you can order a CD of digital photos along with your regular prints. Just order the regular prints you need right now, and order more later when you are able to. You might also decide not to print more and just keep them in a digital format.
• Hire the photographer for a shorter session. The more time your photographer spends at your wedding, the more you will be charged. Instead of hiring the photographer for the entire wedding, just have professional coverage of the ceremony. Then ask friends and family to cover the reception for you. That can help decrease your costs significantly.
• Hire a student. College students learning photography are eager to cover weddings. Their work may not be professional grade, but it could still be of very good quality. Their prices will be a lot lower as well. For students, weddings are good opportunities to build up their photography portfolio. Another option is to hire someone who moonlights as a photographer.

Your wedding photographs will be displayed and enjoyed for years to come. It is worth your time to choose a photographer you'll be comfortable with, but it doesn't need to cost all your savings either. By following these suggestions, you'll be able to have the wedding photographs you want without going over your budget.

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