Choosing who you have to look after certain aspects of your day is no easy choice. You are putting your full trust in these people and relinquishing that inner bridezilla's control. There are many factors to take into consideration but the major one really is how will they fit with you and your style? Although time consuming you are better off taking your time to select these people who are going to record what will be one of the most memorable days of your life. The expenses of these professionals shouldn’t be the highest priority but unfortunately it is something we need to balance out. Though keep in mind just because a professional is reasonably priced – doesn’t mean the quality of their work is poorer and vice versa.
1. Celebrants.
The cost of any celebrant is dependent on what you want them to bring to your day. The ceremony you have should be discussed with only you, your partner and the celebrant to decide what reflects your relationship the most. For some people this may be a sand ceremony, where sand is poured together to reflect ‘combining’ lives or ‘becoming one person; a butterfly ceremony with the symbolic release of butterflies or a candle ceremony. A simple civil ceremony can still set you back $600.00 or a more tailored, detailed ceremony can set you back up to $1,300.00.
1. Celebrants.
The cost of any celebrant is dependent on what you want them to bring to your day. The ceremony you have should be discussed with only you, your partner and the celebrant to decide what reflects your relationship the most. For some people this may be a sand ceremony, where sand is poured together to reflect ‘combining’ lives or ‘becoming one person; a butterfly ceremony with the symbolic release of butterflies or a candle ceremony. A simple civil ceremony can still set you back $600.00 or a more tailored, detailed ceremony can set you back up to $1,300.00.
The most important thing to ask your celebrant when setting budget aside is the matter of legal documentation and how much they do for you. Paying $1,300.00 for a ceremony but having to complete and lodge the paperwork yourself is not a professional service and we strong advise you select somehow who will take care of that for you.
2. Photographers.
The first thing you should do with a photographer, much like a wedding planner, is shop around for somebody who can cater to your taste and blend with the atmosphere of your big day to capture the shots you want the most. Ask to see portfolios, unedited and edited pieces and testimonials. Try to avoid those who ‘photoshop’ their clients as this can detract from the natural beauty of your day. Ask if there are any of their clients who would be happy to be contacted in regards to their experiences with the photographer (the worst they can say is no.) Take into consideration the styles they prefer to shoot and if they will work with your style. For example if you prefer natural shots make sure the photographer’s speciality isn’t posed shots. Once you have seen all of these things and if you’re happy, sit down and discuss what sort of package they can cater to suit your day and your way. Discuss your budget with them and be firm on what you can afford. From here a quote should be delivered. Don’t get just one quote, have several options and keep some of their work for comparison.
The first thing you should do with a photographer, much like a wedding planner, is shop around for somebody who can cater to your taste and blend with the atmosphere of your big day to capture the shots you want the most. Ask to see portfolios, unedited and edited pieces and testimonials. Try to avoid those who ‘photoshop’ their clients as this can detract from the natural beauty of your day. Ask if there are any of their clients who would be happy to be contacted in regards to their experiences with the photographer (the worst they can say is no.) Take into consideration the styles they prefer to shoot and if they will work with your style. For example if you prefer natural shots make sure the photographer’s speciality isn’t posed shots. Once you have seen all of these things and if you’re happy, sit down and discuss what sort of package they can cater to suit your day and your way. Discuss your budget with them and be firm on what you can afford. From here a quote should be delivered. Don’t get just one quote, have several options and keep some of their work for comparison.
With photographers keepsakes are often the highest cost such as bound wedding albums and framed pieces, you can often cut back on these by getting a digital disc of your images and selecting this yourself (if you’re the arty sort or have a friend who is.) It isn’t necessarily the products put into these pieces but the time and the labour. If you are short on budget this is one area you can cut out on and buy a pre-prepared album from your local Target or Kmart. For a package covering most of your wedding, usually around five hours labour, and a piece of artwork or two you’re looking at an average of $3,500.00. The more ‘popular’ a photographer is (not always more talented) the higher their price goes.
3. Videographers.
The first question to ask yourself with a videographer is do you really need it? If you are adamant that you want a professional video record of your day prepare for a dollar value shock. Videographers can cost anywhere from $3000.00 upward depending how much of your celebration you want them to film. If you are on a budget consider this expense carefully. Pose questions between yourself and your partner such as, do we have a relative with a camera that could do this for us? Could we rely on our guests to capture the special moments from different angles? What about our day do we need videoed? Most married couples I have spoken with have never watched their wedding video, with the exception of the day after. This is a personal choice, but if you are looking to cut down somewhere on expenses this should be one of the first places to look over.
The first question to ask yourself with a videographer is do you really need it? If you are adamant that you want a professional video record of your day prepare for a dollar value shock. Videographers can cost anywhere from $3000.00 upward depending how much of your celebration you want them to film. If you are on a budget consider this expense carefully. Pose questions between yourself and your partner such as, do we have a relative with a camera that could do this for us? Could we rely on our guests to capture the special moments from different angles? What about our day do we need videoed? Most married couples I have spoken with have never watched their wedding video, with the exception of the day after. This is a personal choice, but if you are looking to cut down somewhere on expenses this should be one of the first places to look over.
Remember with professionals to be confident and assertive with what you want. This is your day, you are to guide them. That is not to say be rude, demanding and a bridezilla in waiting but be strong in your vision for your day. If you are planning these with a wedding planner ensure they understand what your vision is – draw it for them and pin it to the very front of their folder if you have to!!
Next time we will focus on part 2 of this blog featuring venues, caterers and entertainment. Following our professionals blogs we will look at decorating and themes.
Stay inspired!
Way to Wed.
No comments:
Post a Comment