Wedding iQ Video photos are courtesy of Tessa MacLeod Photography.
One source that collects data on wedding costs reports that on average, US couples spend between $1,250 and $2,085 for Photography & Video for their wedding. And, from $2,500 to $3,340 for well-experienced professionals. Often, photography takes about 10% of the wedding budget. Pricing varies with the number of hours and occasions included in the sessions, the number of photographers that will be required, and the experience of the photographers. Other factors include peak VS non-peak seasons, and whether the venue is one that the photographer is eager to shoot. Prices on prints vary and policies on providing images on CDs vary. There are also "extras" such as leather-bound specialty albums. Book your photographer 6 months in advance or more depending upon the time of year and the popularity of the photographer. Be certain that you and the photographer are on the same page about what you want, and about what IS and IS NOT included in your contract price. Also, be prepared to make a deposit to hold your date. Often, the deposit is not refundable, since it is intended to compensate the photographer for by-passing other offers of work. As with every vendor, choose someone reliable and experienced. Be sure that you have looked at the photographer's work, and that you have met the photographer personally to be sure that your styles and personalities will mesh well on the big day.
In addition to photographing the wedding itself, Couples may include an engagement shoot, Bridal portrait, and a "trash the dress" or other post-wedding shoot. They may also ask the photographer to shoot the rehearsal dinner and perhaps a boudoir session which will be a gift from the Bride. At the wedding itself, couples often opt to include a videographer to capture the wedding, reception fun and individual greetings from guests. A popular addition for the reception is a Photo Booth and props. I have also seen Couples put out cameras to let guests take their own pics. Some of the "quickie" cameras are not too bad these days, and sometimes the guests will capture impromptu shots that would otherwise be missed. Couples can also put a camera on the "guest signing" table so that there can be a quick shot of each attendee for the Couple's Wedding Scrapbook. The guests' pictures are posted in an album at the wedding and the guests can write a personal note to the couple in lieu of signing a traditional "guest book."
