The average wedding photographer costs $2,500, but some couples spend far more than that. For soon-to-be spouses on a budget, even the average figure might seem unmanageable. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to find affordable wedding photographers. Here are some tips to get you started.
Comparison Shop (and Look for Promos)
Generally, the first step you want to take when looking for an affordable wedding photographer is to comparison shop. Spend time researching local photographers online, and compare their rates. Along with helping you learn more about what an average wedding photographer costs in your area, it ensures you know what a bargain looks like when you come across them.
During this part of the process, it also gives you a chance to peruse their portfolios to learn more about their skill level and style. That allows you to ensure that you’ll ultimately choose a photographer that can produce the kinds of images you’re after.
Look for Promos, Deals, or Sales
Service providers – including wedding photographers – may have promos, deals, or sales throughout the year. With wedding photography, these are more common if your ceremony is scheduled outside of peak wedding season, but they could happen at any time. Head to deals sites, social media, or promotions pages on the photographers’ websites to see if they have any deals.
If you don’t see any discounts listed, you can always reach out to a photographer and see if they offer lower rates in specific situations. For example, if you’re open to getting married on a less popular day of the week, such as a Wednesday, there’s a chance the photographer will have reduced price options since there isn’t as much competition for their services at that time.
Also, inquire about short coverage if you don’t need a photographer for more than a few hours. That’s typically far less expensive than going the full-coverage route, so it’s worth exploring.
Look for an All-Inclusive Wedding Package
Some venues offer all-inclusive wedding packages that include a wedding photographer. As a result, if you haven’t settled on a location yet, it’s a strategy worth considering. Often – but not always – the bundled services cost less through the all-inclusive package than they would separately. Just make sure to compare the total price to what you’d spend if you booked each service individually, allowing you to confirm that you’re getting a good deal.
Connect with a Student Photographer
Many colleges have photography programs, and student photographers and recent graduates typically charge far less than their professional counterparts. Usually, it’s because students and new grads are still working on cementing their reputations and building a portfolio. As a result, it’s an excellent way to find an exceptionally talented photographer for less.
There is some risk associated with going this route, as the photographers might not have a large portfolio or any direct experience shooting weddings or similar events. Since that’s the case, it’s wise to connect with one of the teachers and request recommendations, as they may have unique insights that can help you select the best student or recent graduate for the job.
Consider a Pro That Doesn’t Specialize in Weddings
Another option that’s worth considering is to connect with a photographer that doesn’t necessarily specialize in weddings. For example, portrait photographers may have lower rates, especially during their slower seasons.
If you go in this direction, make sure to check the photographers’ portfolios to get an idea about their capabilities and styles. Additionally, understand that while some may be open to shooting a wedding, others may decline to photograph events. Still, it’s an avenue worth considering if you need a lower-cost option.
Ask Other Vendors for Referrals
Any vendors you’ve already hired for your wedding may be an excellent resource if you need an affordable wedding photographer. Along with knowing a bit about how the person performs, they may be aware of some lower-cost photographers that you didn’t discover during your search efforts.
As with most of these options, it’s best to research any photographers you’re considering. So, don’t just book a photographer based on a recommendation alone. Instead, look them up online, find a portfolio, and give it a once-over before moving forward.
Talk to Family Members and Friends
Family members and friends are another potential source for referrals. If they used a photographer in the past, the referral might even lead to a discount for you, though it’s usually a relatively small one. Still, it’s a way to keep the cost down, so it’s worth exploring.
Also, many people have respectable photography skills, so you may get lucky and have a family member or friend who could photograph your wedding. With this option, don’t assume they’ll shoot your event for free, as photographers usually incur some costs along the way. Plus, it means asking someone to work your wedding instead of attending it as a guest, so they’re giving up a chance to enjoy the festivities.
Another point to remember is if you ask a family member or friend to photograph your wedding, suggesting they aren’t a professional, they might not have a formal portfolio for you to review. Additionally, if they don’t meet your expectations, it can damage the relationship. As a result, it’s usually best to treat this option as a potential last resort.
Be Wary of Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers
When you’re exploring your options, be wary of any deal that seems too good to be true. A highly reduced rate – when compared to the average in your area – that doesn’t make sense based on the person’s claimed experience level and what comes with the package is a potential red flag. It’s possible the quality won’t be what you expect, or full-blown scammers may take the payment and then not show up on your big day, leaving you without a photographer.
If you find a bargain, do your due diligence before moving forward. See if you can speak with their past customers, do a reverse image search using photos in their portfolio to confirm they aren’t stolen, and take similar steps as a precaution. That way, you can avoid scams.
Do you have any other tips to help couples find affordable wedding photographers? Do you think that wedding photography is worth splurging on if couples can’t find a low-cost option? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Read More:
- Questions to Ask When You Hire a Wedding Photographer
- 3 Honeymoon Destinations for Couples on a Budget
- How to Budget for Your Big Day
