Nowadays every young couple seems to want to get married and recreate some of the fairytale celebrity weddings they see everywhere. As Hello magazine inspired weddings become more and more lavish, however, the costs of the typical wedding have also become exhorbitant. The average American wedding cost the couple an incredible ,000, and in the UK the average figure was even higher at £20,000. That’s crazy money when you consider it’s just one day. As the recession gets worse and job security declines, brides and grooms to be are become incresingly wary of such expensive weddings and are naturally looking for a cheaper way. Couples are cutting down guest lists, asking for friends and family to help out instead of hiring caterers, DJs and videographers, and brides are increasingly considering pre-worn wedding dresses. Yet the photography is one area few are prepared to compromise on, and with good reason. Because your wedding photos are the one thing that linger after all the dust has settled and the money has been spent on the rest of the celebrations – so naturally you would want it the pictures to be perfect. Below are my top five tips on how to keep your wedding photography budget low, without compromising on quality.

1. Making the best of Google

There aren’t many photographers around today that don’t have a website, and one of the best ways of finding and comparing wedding photographers in your area and price range is through search engines like Google. However since there are so many photographers jostling for space the problem is it can be easy to miss out on some great ones by not searching deeply enough. Spend some time trawling through the Google results beyond the first few pages. Make sure you spend time going deep into the search results and coming up with a shortlist of photographers in your budget so you can really compare a range of styles and options. Additionally use specialist search terms like “black and white”, “reportage”, etc, as well as looking for wedding photographers from other towns within a couple of hundred miles from you, as most are happy to travel. When my partner and I were looking for wedding photographers we not only searched for things like “Wedding Photographer in Sussex” but also surrounding areas such as London, Hampshire and Kent.

2. Beware of Hidden Charges

In this day and age most photographers are using digital equipment rather than old school film cameras requiring darkroom processing. Which means that the wedding photography prices are now far less complex. So I’m amazed that so many photographers still charge their customers an extra fee for each print on top of the booking! My money saving tip would be to stick to the photographer who will give you a CD with ALL the pictures in high resolution. Armed with this CD you can then trot down to your high street photo printers and get the prints you want in the size you want at minimal cost.

3. Albums and Extras: Do It Yourself!

Traditional wedding albums with flowery covers and peeling pages are becoming a relic of the past. Today you have stylish wedding photography books are now the norm and extremely popular – but with a lot of wedding photographers adding these on to your package significantly increases the overall cost. Yet if you’re willing to make a little effort yourself and you have some creative flair, there are many photobook services now where you can design one at home and get them printed at bargain prices. The same goes for things like canvas prints and enlargements – all you really need are the original high res images!

4. Yes, There are a Few Swindlers Out There, But You Can Easily Avoid Them

I have heard so many stories of unfortunate couples who have been taken in by unscrupulous con artists posing as wedding photographers. These swindlers will poach couples with cheap prices and slick sales pitches, receive their deposits or even full booking payments and then never be heard from again. It breaks my heart to hear about this sort of thing. But it can be easily avoided with vigilance. Firstly, ensure that any payment of deposits or fees are done via bank transfer – its the most secure method of payment, and can be traced and reversed in the event of a problem. And be sure to get a proper contract from the photographer which makes clear what you are getting and what you are paying for – this provides protection to the couple. Finally, and probably most importantly, the phrase “constant vigilance” applies here – go and visit the photographer before money changes hands, make sure you see examples of their work and ask questions about how everything will work – a good photographer will put your fears to rest.

5. Dont be Overzealous in Your Moneysaving Crusade!

My last tip is perhaps the opposite of a moneysaving one, but just as important as the others. I know you’re trying to save money but it it possible to take that overboard! As I said above, the photos are probably the most important part of the wedding day when you look back at it in years to come. There are hundreds of amateur and inexperienced ‘photographers’ out there who are trying their luck as a side income. Judging from their prices alone you’d think you’ve struck gold. But often the real bargains are to be found by going up a level in pricing. Your photographer’s portfolio should always make you go “wow” – otherwise what’s the point of having a wedding photographer?

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