Costs
Wedding photography is usually a major element of the budget and should be researched throughly. It is worth investing in a talented professional as, after all, the photos and album are one of the few things the couple will refer back to over the years to come.
Packages
The price is usually based on the length of time the photographer is required, how many pictures the couple want and how they would like them to be presented.
Top end packages offer a professional wedding photographer for the entire day, arriving early to capture the bride getting ready and staying until the guests leave the reception.
Simpler packages offer one photographer who takes shots at the ceremony and reception. They will usually stay until the meal or the first dance.
If extra photography is required over and above the agreed wedding package, overtime will be charged at an hourly rate, which can often be very expensive. It is worth checking at the outset whether a more expensive package is a more economic option.
There are many different packages available. Most photographers are quite flexible so it is worth asking for what you want if it isn't available as a standard wedding package.
Extras
The couple should always check at what stage of the reception the photographer will leave; it is a common mistake to overlook this.
If the wedding is very large, the photographer may require an assistant or second photographer. This obviously increases the price.
Often wedding photographers usually charge for long-distance travel and accommodation costs.
A deposit - usually 25 per cent - will be required upon booking the photographer to secure the date, with the balance payable on either the day or on delivery of the album.
