How to Choose Your Wedding Photography Package
Choosing a professional wedding photographer can be a trial in and of itself! There are already so many choices a bride and groom need to make for their wedding day. It’s enough to make your head spin!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed...if you’re the bride and groom who need to make a choice...let me share with you how to best choose your wedding photography package. I will have to ask you the following questions, and then you can go from there.
Question 1: Do you want before & after shots (i.e. a ‘first look’)?
A wedding photographer does more than just the day of shots. Some of my packages include an engagement photo session in addition to wedding day coverage. If you want to announce that happy moment to your family and loved ones, then choosing a package with this option is a must. If, however, you’d rather have coverage for the day of the main event, that’s fine—you’ve narrowed your options down at least.
I personally have had ‘first look’ shots taken when I got married, and have not regretted it since. There are so many intimate moments and beautiful shots that can be taken when you’re not really thinking about it. Some of the best photos I’ve captured involved brides being so present in the moment with the people they love around them.
If you’re still debating before and after shots, perhaps my blog post can help you make your decision?
Question 2: Do you want/need the extras?
By extras I am referring to the other details that typically come along with your wedding photos in a package. Each bride and groom have their unique wants and needs when it comes to photography, so be sure to re-evaluate these options before you make your decision.
● Number of hi-res images from the wedding
● Wedding album
● Prints as well as digital copies on a USB
● Engagement photoshoot
● Canvas
● Online gallery
● Guest books
Decide with me if you’re looking to hire me as your wedding photographer whether or not these extras are what you’re looking for.
Question 3: What does your budget look like?
Your budget for photography should be double that of what you intend to spend on other details, such as the dress, the cake, etc. That’s because with all of those extraneous things, anyone can wear a dress, anyone can bake a cake and eat it, too...but each photograph is a unique glimpse into what’s taking place. It doesn’t matter whose wedding it is; no bride and groom are the exact same. That’s why a lot of couples choose a bigger budget when it comes to their wedding photography.
However, not every couple’s budget is exactly the same either. If you’re already struggling to pay for the wedding, then it may be the best choice to go with day-of coverage so that at least you have the photos to show of your big day. If your budget has a lot more cushion room, and you have no intention of getting married again, then budgeting in all of the extras are well worth the money. Like I said, each wedding day is unique and different; your wedding photos should be exactly that, as well.
Question 4, i.e. The Big One:
How do you want to remember your wedding day?
Do you want to view it in bite-sized snapshots? Quick pics? Instagram?
Do you want to view photos on a phone, where any moment can be removed by accident in the blink of an eye?
Do you want to remember a day in a way where every moment feels intangible, even false?
Or, would you rather be able to hold each moment in your hand, and reflect on them with a cup of coffee or tea in one hand, and your spouse by your side?
I know which one I’d pick...because I made the choice a long time ago, to do the latter.
I have no regrets.
Choose your wedding package today and contact me if you have any questions at all. I look forward to meeting you both.
Creative Commons Attribution: Permission is granted to repost this article in its entirety with credit to Photos by Cheryl and a clickable link back to this page.
