How much should you spend on wedding photographer?

Question

i'm getting married in October and i'm not really sure how much a photographer should cost. any estimates?

Answer 1

It really depends on your geographic location, style of photography you desire, what's included in the package and the date of the wedding.  You can spend anywhere from $1500 to $15000.  You really do get what you pay for, so do your homework!

Answer 2

Please make sure the photographer is actually good at it. Anyone can buy a camera and take pictures. I can't remember the last time I saw the work of a good wedding photographer. I know the difference because I actually studied photography in college and it's obvious the so called photographer didn't. Your friends are only good references if they have some knowledge of art.

Answer 3

Statistics say you should spend somewhere between 12 to 18 percent of your overall budget on your photographs. Keep in mind that, as in most cases in the wedding industry, you get what you pay for. The importance you place on your photography should be reflected in how much you spend.

Photographers' rates vary depending on where you live and the caliber of photographer you hire. The more expensive photographers usually command a higher price based on the quality of their work and demand for their services. This does not mean that a less expensive photographer cannot be as good. Photographers have to start somewhere, and there are always great up-and-coming photographers in every city. Sometimes you just have to search for them. There is a lot of great talent out there, so if you look hard you just might find a diamond in the rough.

Regardless of how much you spend -- whether you spend a little more than you thought you would to ensure that you get exactly what you want or you have a budget that you absolutely must stay within -- the most important thing is that you hire someone you both feel comfortable with. It's important to remember that you are not just buying albums and pictures, but the person who will take those images as well. Ask friends and coworkers who have recently married for referrals. Make sure the photographer has a good reputation so your photographic experience is a positive one before, during and after your wedding.

Photography is one of, if not the most important, place you can invest your wedding dollars. In the end, after the flowers are dead and the food is gone and your dress ends up in a box in the garage, all you have left are the images your photographer shot. Those images, as they age, become more valuable.