Pictures are priceless, and you want to be sure you have plenty of good pictures of your special day. Unfortunately, if you’re on budget, professional photographers can eat up most of your money. While they are definitely worth the price, they’re not always feasible for people who need to save some money.
So how can you get beautiful photos of your wedding day without breaking the bank? First, understand what you need to do to get good pictures.
Today’s digital technology makes it is easier than ever to find a friend or family member who is proficient at taking pictures. Ask the people you know and chances are pretty good you will find someone who would be very happy to take your pictures. It could even be their wedding present to you. After the wedding you can download the pictures from their memory card and edit them to make your own wedding album.
Once you decide on your favorite pictures you can put them on a thumb drive or take your memory card to one of many discount stores or photo shops to have prints and enlargements made at a fraction of the cost for a professional photographer.
What are other possibilities? We recommend you start with a community college. They often offer photography classes, and the students are eager to practice their craft for a nominal fee or even just the experience. Talk to the instructor, however, to be sure you’re getting the cream of the crop – the top in the class. You don’t want to take a chance and get the beginner for your big day.
Don’t be afraid to call the local newspaper and ask to speak with the staff photographer. You don’t have to know anyone at the paper to offer up the chance for them to make some extra money. Many will perform the service for a small fee as long as you buy the film – some may even offer their services for the experience.
At the reception, place disposable cameras on each table for guests to take pictures at your reception. This is a wonderful way to get pictures of those who helped make your day special. Disposable cameras can be found at bulk warehouse stores or even online. Shop around for the best price.
When it comes to chic, elegant wedding pictures, nothing beats the look of Black and White photos. Black and White photos can be combined with all of the money saving ideas above. After the wedding, the photos can be blown up and dry mounted for a long-lasting keepsake. Black and white film can be much cheaper than color film as well.
As far as video is concerned, consider what a video will mean to you. Sure, a video of your wedding is a pretty nice thing to have, but let's face it, who really watches this video? Your family may watch it once after the wedding is over, and you and your future spouse may bring it out on your anniversary every year, but other than that the most public viewing of your wedding video will probably be at your 50th anniversary party (and by then you will have had to pay a couple hundred dollars to have your video converted to the latest format.)
I think a great way to save a thousand bucks is to ask yourself and family before your wedding, "Who owns a video camera that I know?" "Who do I know who has a hobby of videotaping?" Maybe you know one person who owns a video camera but hates to tape, and another person who has the patience and artistic ability to video, but doesn't own a camera. Voila! You have your own videographer, if both parties are willing to play their part (and I think you will find that almost everyone is willing to help in whatever small way they can to help make your wedding a success).
If you do have a friend or family member do your wedding video, there are many studios around who can cut and splice parts of the video together and add background music later if you want a precious keepsake. You can do this later, however, when you can afford it and not have to figure it into your wedding budget.
Once the wedding has finished, it’s time to move to the reception. Our next post will consider different ways to decorate your reception location.
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