The total number of weddings in Chicago last year was 50,194, making it one of the popular wedding destinations in metropolitan areas. If you just got engaged to the love of your life and you’re planning to tie the knot soon, then congratulations are in order — not many make it to this point. Illinois has an abundance of services that can make your wedding spectacular, including Chicago wedding photographers who are experienced in capturing the perfect moments of that special day.
However, you should remember that photographers come at a cost, and if you’re not careful, you could end up blowing your budget and not having good photos. So, here are some tips to help you ensure you afford the best photographer in town without straining your wedding budget.
Create a Wedding Photography Registry
Are you planning to create a wedding gift registry so guests who’ve already said they won’t make it can have an opportunity to contribute? If yes, then you could create the same registry, but have the funds generated geared towards your wedding photography costs instead of gifts. Some photographers often offer this service. Therefore, be sure to ask the one you’ve considered hiring whether they do.
If not, you could launch your own DIY wedding photography registry. The DIY option is especially an excellent idea as it offers you more control over the funds. With this option, you could have the excess funds cater to your honeymoon costs.
Start Your Search Early
Most photographers are often open to the idea of offering discounted prices to those who book early. Therefore, another way to save on your wedding photography and still get photos you’ll look back at and smile is to start your search early.
Other than discounts, starting your search early allows you enough time to compare different proposals. It also allows you to reevaluate your budget and see whether you can tweak it to fit the package you desire. Regardless of factors such as availability and budget, it is important to consider the quality of photography, as you have only one opportunity to capture your special day. A great example of a reputable wedding photography is Amy Milstein, (you can check out her work here – https://www.amymilstein.com).
Therefore, if possible, start your search as soon as you book your venue.
Hire Locally
Location is among the primary factors that affect photography prices. If you need your photographer to travel to another location, then it might be pricier. This is because they’re not just moving from one place to another, they’ll also be carrying pounds of photography equipment, and in some cases, even an assistant or two. Therefore, if you’re planning on having a wedding outside town, for instance, if you live in Aurora but plan on having your wedding in Chicago, it would be best to find a local photographer in Chicago. This way, it’ll be easier to find a photographer within your budget and still get some fantastic wedding shots.
Find a Customizable Package
Some photographers often offer “the build-your-own-package” option. It allows you to customize the package and pay only for what you need. Such an option enables you to get some breathtaking wedding photos without blowing your budget out of proportion.
For instance, do you need a video of the wedding? If not, your photographer may not have to come with an assistant. Also, do you really need them to be present for the entire wedding? You could have them shoot the first half of the church ceremony, and then cover your reception such as the entrance, cake cutting and then let them go after your first dance. Reducing the hours you’ll need the photographer will help reduce the costs.
Your wedding photographs are the only way to stop the hands of time and hold on to the beautiful moments of your big day for years to come. Therefore, you can’t afford to just hire any photographer you come across. At the same time, you don’t have to break a bank to pay the most expensive local photographer. Use the tips above to get yourself good Chicago wedding photographers and some fantastic, high-quality photos for memories’ sake.
These are great tips for saving money on your wedding photos! It definitely helps to save money, especially on your wedding day. Thank you so much for sharing!