I read and hear about a lot of couples who only have a small budget left for their photography, couples who are struggling to find a photographer they like for their wedding coming up very soon, and couples who are not having a photographer as they just cannot afford one. These couples haven’t put very much importance on photography…
The most important part of a wedding is the couple, and that is what it is all about and that is all that matters at the end of the day. However, when it comes to planning the big day you shall speak to a lot of suppliers, from florists, bridal boutiques, caterers, stationery designers, and the list goes on, all these people will tell you how important it is to get it right. Getting the right flowers, having the best food, it is all about the dress, that is good, you want to work with passionate people, however, are these a priority when planning your wedding? Of course, they should be included and I am not saying you should leave out any of these, but are they more important than wedding photography?
photo credit Matt
Is wedding photography the most important thing when it comes to your wedding? Nope, not at all, however, when it comes to planning your special day it should be up there on the priority list of things to look at, budget for, and book.
Wedding photography is important because it will capture your day, it will capture your memories, it will tell a story, and not just any story, it will tell a beautiful story of your special day, a day you will never forget. A story that you can show friends and family, your kids, and grandchildren, something you will have and can treasure forever.
You see your flowers will wilt, your cake will quickly be eaten, your invites will be binned after the day, your dress shall be worn once, those shoes shall go back into their box, this isn’t me trying to be glum and miserable, this is about perspective, this is about helping you focus your budget on things that you may not put importance on, such as wedding photography.
When it comes to wedding planning, it is more than just one day, it is about a lifetime of memories. It is about capturing moments, it is about capturing emotion, it is about being able to relive the day through beautiful photos, it is about smiling at moments that you never knew happened, seeing the emotion on your family and friends' faces, and most importantly of all, having a story you can treasure forever.
Make sure you capture your day, and your story, and don't regret not hiring a professional wedding photographer.
When choosing your photographer don’t just pick them based on value and what is included, don’t just go with the photographer that includes a free engagement shoot, printed album, online gallery, USB pen, photo frames, and printed t-shirts just because of the extra bits, they are secondary to the photos that will be captured. It is so important you find and hire a photographer that you love.
Their work matches your style, you know you can trust them, you feel relaxed and at ease with them, all these things will make for an easier day and also better and more natural photos. Many photographers will offer packages with bits mentioned before, including an engagement shoot is becoming more and more popular, if they match your style, you love their work and you ‘click’ with them then this is great, however, don’t just pick a photographer purely based on value and what is included.
All this planning is for one day only, one day you marry the partner you wish to spend the rest of your life with, and one day you share this beautiful moment with all your family and friends that you love. Make sure you hold onto those memories and don’t look back and wish you had hired a photographer.
photo credit Matt.