A wedding photographer can often cost as much as the wedding gown. You want to make sure you get all the pictures you want, but not sacrifice a hefty chunk of you budget to do so. It takes a little work, but by following these tips, you’re sure to find the best option for your wedding, while saving a bit for the honeymoon.

1. Call the art department of your local college or university. Many students will work for much less because they want to build their portfolios.
2. Purchase some throw away cameras and ask guests to participate in a photo scavenger hunt.
3. Enlist a family member who’s handy with a camera. This way, they get to give you a priceless gift, and you get to choose your favorite photos for your album.
4. If you have your heart set on a certain photographer, ask if they’ll shoot just the ceremony, or will work for a certain number of hours, instead of the whole day. This will save you money, because it gives them a chance to book another job that day (i.e. if your wedding is in the morning, they can take on an evening event as well).
5. Check out who your friends or coworkers have worked with, then mention their names to whichever photographer you choose. You may get a referral discount, and they may get some free services too!
6. If you like a certain photographer’s work, but can’t afford to use them, ask if they have an assistant or associate photographer who will do it for less.
7. Opt for a smaller package. You may find you don’t really need the huge wall portrait or 36 wallet-size prints. Also, ask if you can choose options “a la carte”, saving you hassle and useless prints that will only end up in a box in the attic.
8. Scour photographer’s websites and ads in local papers and phone books. Many photographers offer up to 20% off their services, just for mentioning their ads!

Don’t forget that Big Dot of Happiness offers you other ways to save. Look at our Bridal section for ideas on wedding favors, tableware, and gorgeous invitations. We want you to have a beautiful wedding. Why break the bank to do it?

Posted by Jillian, a Dot-arilla Blogger