Hello and Welcome! This is Alex Gordias – Founder and The lead photographer and AGP. Your wedding day is one of the most memorable days of your life, and having a professional photographer to capture those moments is an essential part of the celebration. As a Boston wedding photographer, I understand the importance of working within a budget while ensuring you receive high-quality images to cherish for years.
In this article, we will explore 10 tips to budget for wedding photography, along with insights into New England wedding spending statistics.
1. Understand the Average Cost of a Wedding Photographer
According to recent statistics, the average cost of a wedding photographer in New England ranges from $5000 to $9,000. Knowing the average cost will help you set a realistic budget for your wedding photography needs. Make sure you are hiring a full-time professional with years of experience.
2. Allocate a Percentage of Your Total Wedding Budget
Most wedding planners recommend allocating around 15-20% of your total wedding budget to photography. Keep in mind that photography is an investment, as these images will be the lasting memories of your special day.
3. Prioritize Your Wedding Expenses
Determine which aspects of your wedding are most important to you and allocate your budget accordingly. If high-quality photography is a top priority, be prepared to allocate a larger portion of your budget to secure the services of a reputable photographer. A wedding venue can likely become a major part of your spending.
4. Research Photographers in Your Price Range
Research photographers within your budget and carefully review their full wedding galleries, ensuring their photography style aligns with your vision for your wedding day. Take into account that each couple is unique and can have different preferences, for example, they can have priority for dancefloor photos or details shots, while you lean towards the bride and groom portraits priority.
5. Consider Different Packages and Services
Many photographers offer various wedding photography packages to accommodate different budgets. Compare package offerings and consider which services are most important to you, such as the number of hours of coverage, engagement sessions, or additional shooters. It’s important to know the average amount of photos provided, how fast the gallery will be delivered and what’s included in the packages. Consider customizing your package for the best price/budget value.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Negotiate
Sometimes, photographers may be willing to adjust their pricing or package offerings to fit your budget better. When discussing your needs with potential photographers, be respectful and transparent about your budget constraints. Weekdays Wedding day helps to save on most of the vendor’s services while negotiating for Saturdays/Sundays can be challenging.
7. Be Mindful of Hidden Costs
Some photographers may charge additional fees for travel, editing, or other services. Be sure to discuss all potential costs upfront to avoid any surprises later on. At Alex Gordias Photography we don’t have any travel fees across New England.
8. Book Your Photographer Early
Popular wedding photographers often book up quickly, so securing your preferred photographer as early as possible is essential. Booking early may also help you secure better pricing or package deals.
9. Consider Off-Peak Wedding Dates
If you’re planning a wedding on a tight budget, consider scheduling your celebration during the off-peak season or on a weekday. Many photographers offer discounted rates during these times, as demand for their services is typically lower.
10. Remember the Value of Your Investment
While wedding photography can be a significant expense, remember that it’s an investment in preserving the memories of your special day. High-quality photography will ensure that you have beautiful images to look back on for years to come. Candid moment and photojournalism is one of the most important parts of your gallery. Focus on having a real, one-of-the-kind gallery with not just posed shots with lots of similar photos.
Statistics in New England:
According to The Knot, in 2022 the average wedding cost was
- Massachusetts: $46,000,
- Maine: $31,000,
- New Hampshire: $30,000
- Rhode Island: $43,000
- Vermont: $43,000
Here you can find the detailed breakdown. Please keep in mind that the average vendor’s cost depends on their experience, effort and professionalism. New Enalgnd could be higher by about 50-80% compared to the average.
Summary:
Budgeting for a Boston wedding photographer can be challenging, but with careful planning and consideration, finding a photographer who fits both your vision and your budget is possible. By following these tips and keeping New England wedding spending statistics in mind, you can make informed decisions about your wedding photography needs. If you have any questions about budgeting for a wedding photographer or would like to discuss your photography needs, please don’t hesitate to contact me at Alex Gordias Photography.
