Top Grain
Five Ways to Save Money on Wedding Photography
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 $20,000, and in the UK the average figure was even higher at £20,000. That's probably the most expensive day you'll ever have (unless you one day throw a winning lottery ticket in the wash). But more and more couples are feeling the pinch of the recession now, and are looking for a way of getting married on a budget, without spoiling any of the magic of the occasion. Among the drastic measures being taken are asking guests to help with food or music, trimming down invitations to close friends and family only, and the idea of a 'pre-worn wedding dress' has appeared in recent years, which was unheard of just 10 years ago. However when it comes to photography, most couples don't want to go for a cheap option - and you can understand why. Your wedding pictures are one of the few lasting memories you have from that all too fleeting day, and of course it's something you'd want done perfectly and in style. I've put together my 5 top tips for how to find a fantastic wedding photographer without breaking the bank.
1. Trust in 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. Yet with the market being so saturated it's easy for couples to miss out on some amazing photographers and great prices by not using the power of Google enough. Don't be content with just looking at Page 1 of the results or the first few sponsored listings. By ensuring you take your time on your search you can get the best possible short-list of potential wedding photographers to choose from. 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. For example for my wedding I not only searched for "Wedding Photographer Brighton" but also surrounding areas such as London, Hampshire and Kent.
2. Watch Out for Hidden Costs
Nowadays the vast majority of photographers use digital cameras rather than older film cameras requiring development in a darkroom. That means the wedding photography pricing are now far less complex. However believe it or not a lot of wedding photographer still work on a pay-per-print model, where couples have to choose which pictures they want and pay extra for them! My money saving tip would be to stick to the photographer who will give you a CD with ALL the pictures in high resolution. Like this you can choose which prints you want to get done at leisure and get them printed for relatively low 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 photobooks 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. However if you can spare the time and energy, it's possible to design and create very stylish photobooks yourself, and get them printed at a relatively tiny cost. 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
Everyon'e heard a story about a couple who got scammed by a so-called "photographer" who ran off with their money. Such criminals, who it must be said are few and far between, lure couples in with a too good to be true package, often stolen photos, and once they receive the deposit you never hear from them again. It breaks my heart to hear about this sort of thing. The thing is, if you're vigilant they're pretty easy to spot and avoid. 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. Don't be Tempted to Cut Corners!
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! It's worth repeating that out of all the services you pay for on your wedding day, the photography is quite possibly the most important to get right. There are hundreds of amateur and inexperienced 'photographers' out there who are trying their luck as a side income. By focusing purely on the price you could be misled into thinking these offer a great deal. But if you ignore the very cheapest prices that's where you often find the best compromises between price and quality. Remember that if you don't look at your photographer's work and go "wow" what is the point in spending all that money on a professional?
Full Grain vs. Top Grain Leather (or the Saddleback Difference)
|
|
Tillman 3X-Large Onyx 3930 Heavy Duty Jacket Top Grain Cow $153.90 |
|
|
Tillman 2X-Large Onyx 3930 Heavy Duty Jacket Top Grain Cow $141.08 |
|
|
Tillman 35L Top Grain Deerskin MIG Welding Gloves. $29.99 |
|
|
Tillman 2X-Large 750 Premium Top Grain Elkskin Welding Gloves $22.80 |
|
|
Tillman 1414 S Top Grain Leather Driving Glove (3pair) $21.39 |
|
|
Tillman Small 750 Premium Top Grain Elkskin Welding Gloves $20.73 |
|
|
Tillman Medium 750 Premium Top Grain Elkskin Welding Gloves $20.73 |
|
|
Tillman Large 750 Premium Top Grain Elkskin Welding Gloves $20.73 |
|
|
TILLMAN 569 TOP GRAIN PIGSKIN LEATHER SWEATBAND QTY/12 $18.49 |
|
|
TILLMAN 495 TOP GRAIN PIGSKIN WELDING GLOVES - XL $17.29 |
|
|
TILLMAN 495 TOP GRAIN PIGSKIN WELDING GLOVES - MEDIUM $17.29 |
|
|
TILLMAN 495 TOP GRAIN PIGSKIN WELDING GLOVES - LARGE $17.29 |
|
|
TILLMAN 866L DRIVERS GLOVES Large Top Grain Deerskin $16.47 |
|
|
TILLMAN 864M DRIVERS GLOVES Medium Top Grain Deerskin $15.03 |
|
|
TILLMAN 864L DRIVERS GLOVES Large Top Grain Deerskin $15.03 |
|
|
TILLMAN 864XL DRIVERS GLOVES X-Large Top Grain Deerskin $15.03 |
|
|
TILLMAN 864S DRIVERS GLOVES Small Top Grain Deerskin $15.03 |
|
|
TILLMAN 1480L TRUEFIT GLOVES LARGE Top Grain Deerskin $14.54 |
|
|
Tillman 24C Top Grain Kidskin TIG Welding Gloves XL $14.20 |
|
|
Tillman 24C Top Grain Kidskin TIG Welding Gloves LARGE $14.20 |
|
|
Tillman 24C Top Grain Kidskin TIG Welding Gloves MEDIUM $14.20 |
|
|
Tillman 24C Top Grain Kidskin TIG Welding Gloves SMALL $14.20 |
|
|
Tillman X-Large 1485 True Fit Top Grain Pigskin Thinsulate Lined Work Gloves $13.99 |
|
|
Tillman Medium 1485 True Fit Top Grain Pigskin Thinsulate Lined Work Gloves $13.99 |
|
|
Tillman Large 1485 True Fit Top Grain Pigskin Thinsulate Lined Work Gloves $13.99 |
|
|
Tillman 2X-Large 1485 True Fit Top Grain Pigskin Thinsulate Lined Work Gloves $13.99 |
|
|
NEW! TILLMAN 42M TOP GRAIN PIGSKIN MIG WELDING GLOVES SIZE MEDIUM M $13.99 |
|
|
TILLMAN 1490M TRUEFIT GLOVES Medium Top Grain Goatskin $13.35 |
|
|
TILLMAN 1490L TRUEFIT GLOVES LARGE Top Grain Goatskin $13.35 |
|
|
TILLMAN 50 TOP GRAIN/SPLIT COWHIDE MIG GLOVES - MEDIUM $13.23 |
|
|
TILLMAN 50 TOP GRAIN/SPLIT COWHIDE MIG GLOVES - LARGE $13.23 |
|
|
TILLMAN 50 TOP GRAIN/SPLIT COWHIDE MIG GLOVES - XL $13.23 |
|
|
TILLMAN 32 TOP GRAIN PIGSKIN MIG WELDING GLOVES - XL $12.87 |
|
|
TILLMAN 32 TOP GRAIN PIGSKIN MIG WELDING GLOVES - LARGE $12.87 |
|
|
TILLMAN 32 TOP GRAIN PIGSKIN MIG WELDING GLOVES -MEDIUM $12.87 |
|
|
Tillman X-Large 1350 Top Grain Cowhide Unlined MIG Welding Gloves $12.44 |
|
|
Tillman Small 1350 Top Grain Cowhide Unlined MIG Welding Gloves $12.44 |
|
|
Tillman Large 1350 Top Grain Cowhide Unlined MIG Welding Gloves $12.44 |
|
|
Tillman Medium 1350 Top Grain Cowhide Unlined MIG Welding Gloves $12.44 |
|
|
TILLMAN 24CM TIG GLOVES MEDIUM Top Grain Kidskin $12.39 |
|
|
TILLMAN 24CS TIG GLOVES Small Top Grain Kidskin $12.39 |
|
|
TILLMAN 24CL TIG GLOVES Large Top Grain Kidskin $12.39 |
|
|
TILLMAN 24CXL TIG GLOVES X-Large Top Grain Kidskin $12.39 |
|
|
Mechanics Gloves - Top Grain Pigskin- Black - One Pair - X-Large $12.30 |
|
|
Mechanics Gloves - Top Grain Pigskin - Black -1 Pair - Large $12.30 |
|
|
TILLMAN 1496L TRUEFIT GLOVES LARGE Top Grain Pigskin $12.16 |
|
|
TILLMAN 1485L TRUEFIT GLOVES LARGE Top Grain Pigskin $11.65 |
|
|
Tillman Large 1338 Top Grain Goatskin TIG Glove with Glide Patch $11.40 |
|
|
Tillman X-Large 1338 Top Grain Goatskin TIG Glove with Glide Patch $11.40 |
|
|
Tillman Medium 1338 Top Grain Goatskin TIG Glove with Glide Patch $11.40 |
|
|
TILLMAN 42S TIG GLOVES SMALL Top Grain Pigskin $11.18 |
|
|
TILLMAN 764M DRIVERS GLOVES MEDIUM Top Grain Cowhide $11.15 |
|
|
TILLMAN 764L DRIVERS GLOVES Large Top Grain Cowhide $11.15 |
|
|
TILLMAN 764XL DRIVERS GLOVES X-Large Top Grain Cowhide $11.15 |
|
|
TILLMAN 764S DRIVERS GLOVES Small Top Grain Cowhide $11.15 |
|
|
Mig Welding Gloves--1 Pair--Tillman Top Grain Cowhide $11.00 |
|
|
TILLMAN 30 L TOP GRAIN PIGSKIN TIG WELDING GLOVES - LARGE $10.99 |
|
|
Tillman 1414 Top Grain Leather Driving Gloves - LARGE $10.99 |
|
|
TILLMAN 1350L MIG GLOVES LARGE Top Grain Cowhide $10.52 |
|
|
TILLMAN 32M TIG GLOVES MEDIUM Top Grain Pigskin $10.20 |
|
|
TILLMAN 32L TIG GLOVES Large Top Grain Pigskin $10.20 |
|
|
TILLMAN 32S TIG GLOVES SMALL Top Grain Pigskin $10.20 |
|
|
TILLMAN 30S TIG GLOVES SMALL Top Grain Pigskin $9.99 |
|
|
TILLMAN 30M TIG GLOVES MEDIUM Top Grain Pigskin $9.99 |
|
|
TILLMAN 30L TIG GLOVES LARGE Top Grain Pigskin $9.99 |
|
|
TILLMAN 30XL TIG GLOVES X-LARGE Top Grain Pigskin $9.99 |
|
|
TILLMAN 1350S MIG GLOVES SMALL Top Grain Cowhide $9.52 |
|
|
TILLMAN 1420M DRIVERS GLOVES MEDIUM Top Grain Cowhide $9.24 |
|
|
TILLMAN 1420S DRIVERS GLOVES Small Top Grain Cowhide $9.24 |
|
|
TILLMAN 1420XL DRIVERS GLOVES Extra Large Top Grain Cowhide $9.24 |
|
|
TILLMAN 1420L DRIVERS GLOVES LARGE Top Grain Cowhide $9.24 |
|
|
TILLMAN 1421M DRIVERS GLOVES Medium Top Grain Cowhide $9.21 |
|
|
TILLMAN 1421L DRIVERS GLOVES Large Top Grain Cowhide $9.21 |
|
|
TILLMAN 1421S DRIVERS GLOVES Small Top Grain Cowhide $9.21 |
|
|
TILLMAN 1421XL DRIVERS GLOVES X-Large Top Grain Cowhide $9.21 |