Guest post by Anna Nilsen
There’s no getting away from the fact that getting married costs money, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend the equivalent of the average annual salary to have a special day to remember.
The key is to find areas where you can cut costs without making compromises, and the photography is a good example of this.
To that end, we’ve gathered together a few handy tips on what you can do to capture your wedding on camera and enjoy the snaps for a lifetime, while still clawing back a few pennies to repurpose elsewhere in your budget.
Capturing the Perfect Moment on a Budget: Hiring a Professional Photographer
Surprisingly enough, hiring a professional wedding photographer does not have to break the bank, so long as you go about it in the right way.
If affordability is at the top of the agenda, look for experienced photographers who offer discounts or packages that fit your needs. Some will happily tailor their services to keep down costs, such as by limiting the time they spend on-site.
You can still be discerning about who you pick. Compare quotes from multiple vendors and ask questions about their experience, their equipment, turnaround times, and other services they provide. Be sure to look at past work they’ve done with couples to make sure you like their style of photography.
Also, many professionals will also offer digital copies of the photos after the wedding day so you can print them yourself or share online with friends and family. This gives you more control over the costs after the event has wrapped up.
Creative Ideas for Affordable Wedding Photos
There are so many ways to capture beautiful wedding photos without spending a fortune. Consider using your own camera or smartphone, enlisting the help of friends and family, or taking advantage of natural lighting available outdoors, rather than needing an entire rig to get perfect pics inside.
Let’s say you also want to get in on the trend of having a photo booth set up for guests to take kooky pictures of themselves as the evening progresses. Renting a professional setup can cost thousands, but the DIY route works just as well.
First, you’ll need to find props and decorations that won’t be eye-wateringly expensive, so consider checking out charity shops, vintage outlets, and clearance sections online. You can also find gems on second-hand markets like Etsy for creative items.
You can also make your own props by reusing materials from previous events, such as paper flowers made from used festive wrapping paper, or fabric bunting banners made from old t-shirts!
Make the Most of Your Guests’ Photos
Encouraging attendees to send you pictures they took during the wedding is a great idea. And the good news is that you can easily share your wedding photos through online platforms that are designed to do just that.
The best bet for actually getting people to share the pictures and videos they captured is to include this information on both the invite and any gift registry that you set up. Don’t leave it until the last minute, or only ask in the days or weeks following the wedding, as your request may fall on deaf ears.
Finding Unique Locations Without Breaking Your Budget
When it comes to finding unique locations for wedding photography, you don’t have to spend a fortune. Consider local parks, beaches, and other public spaces in your town or city that may offer stunning views at no cost. London is full of such locations; just check whether or not you need permission before you get snap-happy.
You can also look into renting out private event venues and Airbnb rentals for just the day of your shoot – this option is often more affordable than booking a full wedding venue, and can give you access to beautiful spaces at a fraction of the cost.
If all else fails, get creative with indoor settings. You might be surprised by how many interesting backdrops you can find within your own home or garden. And if you or your spouse-to-be have parents or family members with attractive properties, don’t be shy about asking if you can use them.
Making Memories Last: Tips for Picking Out the Right Albums and Prints
Last of all, don’t blow your budget by printing out every single photo that’s taken on the day, or creating a vast wedding album that’s overstuffed with pictures of people in your extended family you only vaguely know.
It’s far better to be discerning about which images to get printed up. Make sure that you and your partner make this decision together, and don’t worry too much about what others have to say, because at the end of the day, you’re the ones who will be cherishing these memories.
