Price is often the one obstacle that prevents wedding clients from selecting the photographer who can give them the best value. Problems usually arise when the phrase “within the budget” is misunderstood. It's tempting to keep spending “a little more here and a little more there.” But somewhere along the line, financial limits must be imposed. Still, within the framework of the entire wedding day, it makes good sense to evaluate the money spent on photographs in relation to what's being spent on flowers, food, and music, keeping in mind that pictures are the only thing you’ll have after the moment has passed.

Rates vary significantly according to experience, talent and technique. Generally, fees for competent photography will begin at around a thousand dollars. Spending less than this is a gamble. A true specialist, one with a reputation for consistently delivering the best, might begin at two to three times that amount.

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Packages vs fixed prices

You should realize when you're preparing your budget that you’ll probably want additional portraits for both families. In any case, you're probably going to spend more than you originally planned, but you'll be doing it because you like the pictures so much; you’ll want to buy the extras.

Bottom line: years from now, the money you spent on your wedding photos will be irrelevant; what’s important is getting great photographs that capture the joy of your wedding day.