First, it must be emphasized that your photography is NOT an area of the

wedding where you should cut corners. There are a few ways to save money but

overall, you DON'T want to skimp on your photography. Here are a few ways to

save money, but without sacrificing the quality of your wedding photos.

1. ALWAYS hire a professional. DON'T ask your friend who "takes good

   pictures" to photograph your wedding. Hire a professional and one that has

   experience photographing weddings. You've only got ONE chance to get it

   right -- so don't take chances.
   

    

2. Ask your photographer to limit their time taking pictures. Some couples

   choose a "ceremony only" package where the photographer takes pictures

   before and during the ceremony but not at the reception. The photographer

   would take all of the formal pictures of the bride and groom, family and

   wedding party and photograph the ceremony. Then, ask friends and relatives

   to take candid photographs at the reception.
   

    

3. To save money on your videographer, you can also ask them to videotape

   the ceremony only and then have friends videotape the reception.
   

    

4. When using disposable cameras, think twice before placing one at every

   table. The cameras are inexpensive, but the cost to develop 20-30 roles of

   film is not! Try assigning an hour for each camera use, having cameras

   passed out to designated people, or place a camera on every other table.
   

    

5. Choose a photography package rather than purchasing all of the items

   separately. If there is something that you really want that is not included

   in a package, ask the photographer if something can be swapped without

   increasing the price.
   

    

6. Sometimes choosing the smallest or least expensive photography package

   is not the most cost effective option. One bride chose the least expensive

   package and afterwards spent $700 to buy additional prints that were not

   included in her original package. A more comprehensive package would have

   cost her only an additional $250 more if purchased up front.
   

    

7. Be careful of all the extras that your photographer may offer, such as

   the "Deluxe or Ultra" wedding album or a framed wedding portrait. Remember,

   what really counts are the pictures themselves - not the packaging!