After all the time, money, and expectations you invest in your wedding day, what remains are the memories. Pictures and movies of your wedding day will be cherished for years to come, so be sure you put considerable thought into these arrangements. A professional wedding photographer is essential, so be prepared to select your perfect company. Prices for these services range from thousands of dollars, to free (if it is a friend’s “gift” to you)/small honorarium (ie. $50). Consider how you rate these services in order of importance when you determine your budget and who to hire.
Many brides will spend 15%-20% of their budget on photography alone. A professional wedding photographer can play a small or big role in your wedding, but it is essential to preserve your memories with a professional. To save money, you may plan on a professional for the ceremony only, or you may buy an entire package that includes the ceremony, reception, and possibly the rehearsal dinner (and the rare photographer will go with you to get a quick shot of the bride being carried over the threshold at a local destination).
Questions to ask the professional wedding photographer: What is included in the album? (ask to see sample wedding albums- professionals should have quality examples for you to view). Be sure all shots are clear and in focus. Are the ceremony shots as close up as you desire? (Does the photographer have enough experience to position himself appropriately?)
Is there a parents album included, and how much extra is it to have two parents albums made? (parents albums are smaller albums made for the parents of the groom and bride, often made out of 4×6 proofs- don’t forget both sides of the family).
What is the charge for the bridal portrait? Does that include going on location? (Most bridal portraits are taken before the wedding, at a special location of the bride’s choice- a scenic garden of flowers, a staircase, a church for example).
Are there any specialty poses you are used to doing? Can we suggest some poses, and if so, are they extra? Approximately how many shots will you take?
Tip: Here are some suggested “extra” shots for adding some character to your wedding album, taken from shots by professional wedding photographers: a photo at the reception of mom and dad from both sides of the family (or someone you choose), where the dads are sitting with pockets pulled out, “collapsed” slouching tired on their chairs, with tired expressions, and the moms are standing wiping the dads brows.
a photo of the bride, with groomsmen surrounding her, looking affectionately at her, and her face saying “back off, I’m taken”.
Vice versa, groom with brides surrounding him, but the groom smiling at the attention.
Wedding photography Tip:
One idea to augment the photos taken by your professional wedding photographer, especially if you are trying to save money at the reception, is to leave disposable cameras at each table. Ask guests to take pictures of those at the table, special moments, candids, whatever, during the reception and as you leave (mention it once at the reception, and also have a folded card at the table with this request). They can then leave the cameras on the tables. These one time use cameras are inexpensive and can give you extra candids of your special day.
Wedding videography:
Wedding videography has changed rapidly over the years. A higher priced professional videographer will use DVD discs rather than VHS tapes, since disks will not be easily damaged and will yield better quality. Technology is changing quickly, so if you are on a tight budget, consider saving money here by using a VHS recorder, and converting it to disc later (which can be done very cost effectively).
You will need someone to video the rehearsal dinner, the ceremony, the reception, and you leaving while guests blow bubbles, throw bird seed, or whatever you have planned.
Tip: One suggestion is to have a second camera set up in the balcony of the church, or in the back of your location that will never move. This is a backup video, but also will run to show the entire ceremony from start to finish. You can have a friend set this up or do it yourself. Many professional (or “friend”) videographers will run from the front of the sanctuary or location (during the vows), and go around the side to the back to get the full shot during songs, and for the final pronouncement as husband and wife. You never know if a classic moment will happen during this time, so having one camera always on will ensure you do not miss anything (such as a flowergirl doing something cute, etc.).
While you should focus on each other during the honeymoon, do not forget to take some pictures of special scenes, locations, and events (and each other)! You will cherish the memories for years to come, and will want to create a honeymoon album when you return- make it special!
