Should You Splurge on Photography?

It's almost impossible to plan a wedding these days on a shoestring budget. With the cost of food, attire, and the venue, the bride and groom can easily spend thousands of dollars on their big day. There are some things you can skimp on to cut down on cost but the one thing you should absolutely be prepared to pay top dollar for is photography.

Take it from someone who knows. Hiring a cheap photographer is going to be a decision you regret for the rest of your life, unless of course you like dark pictures that have the bridal party poorly positioned.

When I got married back in the fall of 2004 I didn't have a lot of money to spend. Living in a small town there were few reputable photographers and the ones that came highly recommended were well out of my price range. That's when my mother got the bright idea to hire a friend of hers to do the work. This friend had been taking pictures for weddings for years, or so I was told.

Looking back I should have looked into this photographer a little more carefully. What seemed to be a great deal turned into piles of pictures that make my husband and I look horrible. Out of the more than twenty rolls of film that were taken only a handful of photographs are clear and bright enough to be displayed. The pictures that are good are great but the rest are beyond bad.

In recent years several of my friends have tied the knot. Those who know how much I spent on my photographs ask me for suggestions and I always tell them to spend the money. If you don't your pictures aren't going to live up to your expectations.

These tips are often useful when picking a photographer for your wedding.

Get references – This is especially important if the photographer does not have a lot of experience photographing weddings. They may take the best outdoor pictures or family portraits you have ever seen, but taking pictures inside a church is a lot different.

2.Check out their portfolio – A good photographer will not only provide you with references but samples of their work. Remember however, the portfolio will only show their best work so be prepared to have a couple of bad photos in your collection.

3.Get everything in writing – Most professional photographers have a contract the couple has to sign. Before you sign anything make sure to read all the fine print carefully. If you choose to go with an independent photographer draw up your own contract that stipulates the terms of payment and what will happen if you are not satisfied with the work.

4.Meet your photographer before hand to discuss any special arrangements that might need to occur on the wedding day. This is especially important if you have a large family and bridal party. Also having a list of photographs that should be taken is a good idea. You don't want to forget to get a picture with your grandparents on your special day.

Even with proper planning and an experienced photographer accidents can happen. It's a good idea to have a few family members and friends snap shots during the ceremony and reception. That way if there is a problem during developing you have something to display on your mantle.