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"5 Ways to Save Money on Wedding Photography"

by Casey Fatchett (Copyright Fatchett Photography 2007)

As a wedding photographer, I am regularly contacted by couples who are looking to save money on their wedding photos. This is understandable as it can be a considerable expense. Unfortunately, most couples sacrifice quality in order to save money.

In this article, I propose five simple ways to save money without foregoing quality. Hopefully, you the reader will find them helpful in planning your wedding.

1. Add Your Photographer to Your Registry

It may seem strange but it is actually a very simple and cost saving process. There are many programs already in place that allow you to add not only your photographer but other vendors to your registry. Some of these programs require a minimum contribution.

The system I use is to create a web-page for the couple which has a "donation" button allowing your family and friends to contribute any amount they want towards your wedding or album package. You are notified before the event what your balance is and you receive a custom gift-certificate at the wedding from each guest who contributed.

2. Opt for Digital Proofing Only

Another simple idea since 75% of wedding photographers shoot digitally these days (and the percentage is growing). Your photographer can either create an online gallery for you to view your photos and purchase prints or they can supply you with a CD of digital images you can use for proofing.

How is this saving you money? Printed proofs cost the photographer money. Then they have to pick up the prints from the lab (or pay to have them delivered) and take the time to put them in a proof book for you. All of that adds up to more money the photographer is going to charge you. And with digital photography allowing photographers to take more and more photos (sometimes over 1000 pictures for a full day wedding), do you really want to have to sort through hundreds of proof prints?

3. Make Your Own Prints

Many photographers will provide you with a set of digital copies of your photos - some include it with their packages, others require an additional fee (depending on the resolution of the images), and still others release the images to their clients after a set period of time following the wedding (6 months or a year usually). This way you can print your own photos as needed.

The drawback to this strategy is that your photographer will be able to provide you with higher quality prints than you will get at your local lab. However, if you know you will only want mostly smaller prints (4x6 or 5x7) - you could save money and just purchase larger prints a-la-carte from your photographer.

4. Get a Set Print or Album Package When You Book Your Photographer

If you know exactly how many pictures or what type of album you want when you book your photographer, it is possible to save money by creating a custom package with your photographer. With the amount of time between booking and your wedding, it is possible for the cost of prints or albums to go up by the time you decide to order (or your photographer may raise their prices). If you lock in your price from the beginning, you can save money.

Also, I have found that couples who think they can save money by ordering their album after the wedding end up taking at least 12 months before ordering their album - at which point album prices have gone up considerably.

5. Marketing for Your Photographer

Many couples in the process of planning their wedding are in touch with many other couples. Whether at bridal expos or using online bulletin boards, you can be of great use to your photographer in reaching other potential clients.

Approach your photographer about marketing for them by spreading the word about their business. If you refer a customer who books with your photographer, see if they can credit you a percentage of the package the client you referred books (or a flat dollar amount - whichever works for your photographer). Just remember you only get a credit if the person you refer books with your photographer - and make sure there is a way for you to find out if they booked with your vendor.

I hope you find these tips helpful - feel free to visit my website - www.fatchett.com - or email me if you have any questions.